Okay...McDonald's...Yes, No, Sometimes?

blossomingbutterfly

BinkyBonk wrote: »

If it fits into my calories for the day, I eat it without guilt.

This.

ninerbuff

Healthexp693 wrote: »

Yikes! All of this is so wrong!! My suggestion is to go to a nutritionist and get some professional advice.

Most nutritionists don't need schooling to get certified and give advice, so this wouldn't be a great suggestion. Much better off talking to a Registered Dietician instead.

This idea that is so pervasive on this app - the idea that you can eat whatever you want as long as your on a calorie deficit is so wrong!

It's not a lie. Regardless if it's junk food, processed food etc., weight loss is about calorie deficit.

Let's talk about McDonald's - loaded full of saturated fat, Trans fat and advanced glycated end products - all cause inflammation. Inflammation in fat cells is associated with obesity.

Actually it's the other way around....obesity causes fat cell inflammation. Still a mystery as to why this happens.

McDonald's does not provide those vitamins or antioxidants which help protect against disease and actually contains carcinogens from cooking at high heat.

You're more than likely speaking of acrylamide here. California's proposition 65 has this posted in practically every restaurant. Dosage does matter. And your statement isn't absolute. Parfaits there have blueberries and strawberries. Both have antioxidant properties.

What is so wrong with propagating this idea that you can eat whatever you want is that many people on here are overweight or obese and at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

No the point is that it's eating TOO MUCH of what they want being the problem.

Eat real food that is the answer!! In countries like Italy, turkey and France and more - they eat very high calorie meals yet obesity rates are nothing like they are in the usa.

Lol, that's cause they don't exceed their calorie intake limits.

Science has not yet figured out exactly how processed foods contribute to the obesity epidemic but they are working on it and so far there is evidence to suggest that they are important contributors. Fast food is the worst thing you can eat - learn how to cook and eat real food. Period.

Oh please. Processed, low quality food isn't the reason we have an obesity epidemic. If that were the case, then State Prisons should have the same issues with obesity but they don't. Why? Because even with all the "bad" food, eating 3 portion controlled meals a day won't let them get obese. The MAIN reason we have an issue with obesity in the US is because people can't seem to control how much they eat overall and reduced physical activity compounds lack of using CICO correctly.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Mr_Knight

Healthexp693 wrote: »

In countries like Italy, turkey and France and more - they eat very high calorie meals yet obesity rates are nothing like they are in the usa.

They consume fewer calories on average than do Americans.

theraja79

Given that I am a vegetarian, they really have nothing I particularly care about anyway...

LAC73167

I avoid McD like the plague. Empty calories and it always leaves me feeling ill when I ate it. You should google what their food really consists of and trust me, you won't be worried about earing there again. I'm not against all fast food (I'll have a burger or chicken sandwich from Wendy's from time to time) but never McD.

angella_jacobs93 wrote: »

Confession....I had McDonald's tonight (1 double cheeseburger and a 4 pc. Nugget w Water)...really pretty mad at myself for it. I was just wondering how other people approach fast food.

glassyo

Sorry, but how can you say Mcdonalds is empty calories but not Wendys? They serve most of the same food!

I hadn't been to Mcdonalds in years. The only thing I really enjoyed was the filet o fish but I'm pretty much a grilled chicken salad girl and their lettuce and grilled chicken never thrilled me. I went recently to try the new artisan chicken filet. It was pretty good and had the protein I was looking for.

laineybz

Like most people have said, if I want it, i'll have it and eat less throughout the week or exercise more. I tend to think for x amount of calories for a McDonalds or KFC or whatever i could have an amazing meal at home. I eat out at restaurants more than eat fast food.

ninerbuff

LisaClifford731 wrote: »

I avoid McD like the plague. Empty calories and it always leaves me feeling ill when I ate it. You should google what their food really consists of and trust me, you won't be worried about earing there again. I'm not against all fast food (I'll have a burger or chicken sandwich from Wendy's from time to time) but never McD.

Actually practically all food have calories and macro/micro nutrients. Density of the micros will matter. And using Google as a "go to" to get information leads to many sites that have no peer reviewed studies, etc. The issue will lie with high calorie values that taste good. And many people eat there 3 times a day thereby well exceeding their calorie intake.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

missomgitsica

I've had to more or less cut it out, because I have no sense of moderation when it comes to fast food. But if you can fit it into your calorie goal then NBD.

Toadstool_

Personally a no for me - but that's because I've never liked the food at fast food places. I do eat out at restaurants occasionally though, you've still got to enjoy yourself sometimes!

ellensue553

TaurianDoll wrote: »

I don't. But I'm not really into fast food. I prefer to eat at restaurants every once in a while or cook something new at home if I want something really good.

I can't even tell you the last time I ate at a McDonalds. I think the last time I had fast food was on Memorial Day weekend. We stopped at Chik Fil A and I had a salad with no dressing. That was about it.

53welshlady

I've never had a McDonalds. I went in once for a coffee because it was the only place open. The coffee was rubbish, and the food has never tempted me. Guess I'm odd!

Azexas

53welshlady wrote: »

I've never had a McDonalds. I went in once for a coffee because it was the only place open. The coffee was rubbish, and the food has never tempted me. Guess I'm odd!

The coffee is terrible. It's not just you lol.

I rarely have McDonald's, mainly because I don't want to spend the money on it. If I do go, I will get a double cheeseburger kids meal (Hey free toy!) That seems to fit my calorie and macro goals the best.

Noreenmarie1234

Seems like Mcdonalds has a lot of good options. The egg white stuff seems reasonable as well as the grilled chicken stuff. I haven't had mcdonalds in about 10 years, haha but sometimes I still crave it.

sapphire1166

I hit up McDonald's twice a month or so (more lately as we're selling our house/buying a new one and life is hectic) and I fit it into my calorie goals. Funny enough, when I wasn't counting calories I would fill up almost daily on multiple McDoubles, apple pies, and fries. I wouldn't even enjoy most of it and would feel so bloated and gross afterwards.

After counting calories I tried their new Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and holy smokes, that thing is delicious. They've got a new bun that's got some sort of glaze on it that I love. Add a side salad with low fat vinaigrette and dinner is served for less than 425 calories.

Nothing is "bad" when it comes to food. It's just about making it fit into your calories and not going overboard.

Dariasen

I have a kid on the spectrum so we have a "food schedule" that we follow or else chaos ensues so we eat out 3+ time more a week (Taco Tuesdays, Wendy's Wednesdays, Panera Fridays). He'll very rarely eat a home cooked meal and with our schedule of doctors and groups I barely cook at home anyway.
I've learned the better choices on the menu or will pay the extra few cents to not get the full meal. It's within my calorie range. Is it as good for us as a home cooked meal nutrition wise?..no...but it's better than not eating at all.

vickypalfreyman471

I have a medium Big Mac meal with a diet coke every now and again, usually after a very light lunch and 5 hours of walking around a shopping centre! Always fits into my calorie allowance and always still lost 1 - 2lb in that week. I always really enjoy it but I'm not left feeling full for very long! I can deal with that though as it's normally time for bed as soon as I get home. Lost 60lb in 6 months having macdonalds, KFC, Dominos Pizza.

peaceout_aly

Never! Haven't had McDonald's since grade school and never get tempted. Not much of a fast food person.

CSARdiver

The only time we go is on the road and need to move in a hurry, otherwise we're really trying to get the kids interested in local mom & pop spots - Diners, Pubs, and the like. Then again we very rarely eat out and cook most of our meals at home.

I would much rather get a burger at a local dive than hit up any commercial chain - just better food in my opinion.

sw33tp3a11

I haven't had McDonald's in over 3 yrs. I sometimes crave it but then I remember why I gave it up. I still eat fast food from other places but I do this maybe twice a month.

msharrington315

I love the McD's vanilla cone... 170 calories...

arditarose

I haven't had it in years and years. Usually it makes me feel not well and I can make something yummy and higher volume for the same amount of calories at home. Nothing wrong with it if you want to work it into a balanced diet though.

PinkPixiexox

Get in to the habit of logging your meals - even the naughty ones. But also allow yourself that one meal that isn't necessary counted. Yeah, you may gain a pound, you may stay the same - but isn't this about having a sustainable lifestyle? You clearly aren't going to order McDonalds every single day so I'd give yourself a break

msharrington315

arditarose wrote: »

I haven't had it in years and years. Usually it makes me feel not well and I can make something yummy and higher volume for the same amount of calories at home. Nothing wrong with it if you want to work it into a balanced diet though.

I agree. Though I would rather "spend" my calories on a good quality hamburger than one from McD's if I am going to have one.

riffraff2112

Fast food is tough. It is very easy to overeat at a fast food place, and portion sizes get ridiculous.
When I first started my journey, I couldn't control myself so I had to avoid them. Now I have a healthier relationship with food, and I can visit McDonalds and just order diet coke, cheeseburger, maybe a small fries....ice cream cone is a must. Its just calories and they fit. I am kind of cheap and tend to avoid fast food for that reason alone.

rjmudlax13

No! I prefer Wendy's.

jgnatca

My slim daughter loves McDonald's, ready to buy shares now that they've come up with self-serve order touch screens. She ate a wrap the last time we went there.

I prefer Wendy's because I think the salads are fresher. I like the half order chili salad.

lemurcat12

msharrington315 wrote: »

arditarose wrote: »

I haven't had it in years and years. Usually it makes me feel not well and I can make something yummy and higher volume for the same amount of calories at home. Nothing wrong with it if you want to work it into a balanced diet though.

I agree. Though I would rather "spend" my calories on a good quality hamburger than one from McD's if I am going to have one.

This. It's easy to make a low calorie burger at home if I want one that (to me) tastes much better than McD's or the like. If I want to splurge and go out for a burger, I'm going to go somewhere with a really amazing one that's worth the calories (and the calories will be likely more than something I'd get at McD's, true). Also, I tend to like going out to eat because of atmosphere, so even if I liked fast food I doubt I'd be tempted.

But if someone likes McD's a lot and finds the calories worth it, that's a different story.

coco_bee

For me its a sometimes, the other day had BK, couldn't believe 1000 calories! Enjoyed it tho, felt like I was in heaven for a while but not long after that I felt hungry again, didn't feel nutritionally satisfied. Now understand why they are called "empty calories"

Sweetiepiestef

I had a mcdouble for breakfast and I do not feel bad about it! I know I will make it work with my allotted cals and I rarely eat out.