E-mail Facebook Twitter Delicious Digg
file

A Balancing Act

Many nutrition professionals agree that McDonald's food can be part of a healthy diet based on the sound nutrition principles of balance, variety and moderation.The USDA MyPyramid shows how these meals fit into a balanced 2,000-calorie daily diet. Your own daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Your Daily Goals

file

Today's dietary guidelines refer to your overall pattern of eating. For instance, the guideline for adults to consume between 20% and 35% of calories from fat applies to your calorie intake for the whole day, not from a single meal or ingredient. So, if your goal is to consume no more than 30% of calories from fat and you went over that at breakfast, it's OK. Just balance it out with a lower-fat lunch or dinner. Keep an eye on your overall daily intake, and you’ll maintain balance.

Sample Menu

Breakfast

Egg McMuffin
1% Low Fat Milk Jug
Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait (with or w/o granola)

Lunch

Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
Newman's Own® Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Apple Dippers with Low Fat Caramel Dip
Unsweetened Iced Tea

Dinner

Cheeseburger
Snack Size Fruit & Walnut Salad
Diet Coke

Variety keeps things interesting

Our bodies gather different nutrients from different foods. The more we vary our diets, the better chance your body has of getting the fuel it needs. So change things up! If you usually have a Big Mac for lunch, try a Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken next time. Substitute Apple Dippers for the fries. Order milk one day, orange juice the next. Try a Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait for breakfast. Since 2004, McDonald’s has been an active member of Produce for Better Health Foundation, working together to raise awareness about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables.

It’s about moderation

As with so many things in life, it’s best not to overdo it. If McNuggets are your thing, order the 4-piece instead of the 6, making sure to savor every juicy bite. Love our fries? Go ahead and order the large and share them with a friend! When you’re eating out, a great way to find out more about your meals is to use the Healthy Dining Finder where you’ll get nutritional information on restaurant foods.