Mcdonald's Salad More Calories Than Burger
Introduction
McDonald's is a popular fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries, and other delicious offerings. However, the restaurant also offers salads as a healthier option for those who want to watch their calorie intake. But did you know that some of their salads actually contain more calories than their burgers?
The Comparison
A classic hamburger from McDonald's has 250 calories, while a Big Mac has 540 calories. On the other hand, a Premium Southwest Salad with Crispy Chicken contains 450 calories, and a Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken contains a whopping 490 calories. This means that some of the salads at McDonald's have more calories than their signature burgers.
The Ingredients
The reason why some of the salads at McDonald's have more calories than their burgers is due to the ingredients used. While the salads contain vegetables, they also come with toppings like crispy chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing, which add to the calorie count.
Additionally, some of the salads also contain high amounts of sodium and sugar. For example, the Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken contains 1,100 milligrams of sodium and 10 grams of sugar. This is more than the recommended daily intake for both of these nutrients.
The Dressing
Another factor that adds to the calorie count of McDonald's salads is the dressing. While dressings like balsamic vinaigrette and Newman's Own Ranch Dressing are lower in calories, some of the other dressings like the Creamy Southwest Dressing and the Bacon Ranch Dressing are high in calories and fat.
For example, the Bacon Ranch Dressing contains 160 calories and 15 grams of fat per serving, while the Creamy Southwest Dressing contains 170 calories and 19 grams of fat per serving.
The Alternative
If you want to enjoy a healthier meal at McDonald's, there are some options you can consider. Instead of going for the salads with crispy chicken and bacon, you can opt for the salads with grilled chicken or no meat at all.
You can also choose to go for a side salad instead of a full meal, or order a burger without the bun or sauce to reduce the calorie count.
Conclusion
While salads are generally considered to be a healthier option, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients and dressing used. At McDonald's, some of their salads contain more calories than their burgers due to the toppings and dressing used.
If you're looking to watch your calorie intake while still enjoying a meal at McDonald's, consider opting for the salads with grilled chicken or no meat, and go for a lower calorie dressing like balsamic vinaigrette.