We all love McDonald’s. In the United States, at least, it is one of the favorite fast-food restaurants, and the company has exported its burgers, fries and shakes to more than 100 countries worldwide. With more than 35,000 outlets, there is probably a McDonald’s somewhere near you. McDonald’s may be a huge business success, but are their products healthy and nutritious? If we look at one of the mainstays of the restaurant, the Big Mac,

 Big Mac nutrition information

Many years ago, there was a jingle for this bastion of the McDonald’s menu prices: “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.” It was a challenge to sing it as quickly as possible. While the jingle made the burger popular, it lead to millions of Americans wolfing down calories and fat. The treat that became synonymous with McDonald’s packs 530 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 960 mg of sodium. With a daily recommended caloric intake of 2500 calories for men and 2000 for women, one Big Mac represents a quarter of the daily intake of calories. The recommended daily sodium intake is 2300 mg – less for people with high blood pressure. Add one of McDonalds high calorie drinks to the mix (a McCafé Frappé Chocolate Chip drink, for example) and you’ve added 520 more calories, 22 more grams of fat and 130 additional mg of sodium. It is a recipe for disaster.

Healthier choices available

There are better, healthier choices that can be made when visiting McDonalds. The franchise has food line called Favorites Under 400. All items on this particular menu are less than 400 calories. Or, if you are suffering from Big Mac withdrawal, try a Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich instead. At 350 calories and 9 grams of fat, it is a much better caloric value. Better still, try the Ranch Snack wrap, at a satisfying but svelte 280 calories. Your heart and your waistline will thank you.