McD habit: must I squash it?

alexiaschulz
alexiaschulz Posts: 33 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Lately, for completely unexplained reasons, I've been hitting McD 2-3 times a week for lunch. I eat reasonably (6 nuggets, buffalo sauce, small fries, diet soda == ~550 cals), and usually fit it into my total calorie goal. How bad is this, do I need to force myself to be more disciplined and quit this behavior, or is it okay?
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Replies

  • soehlerking
    soehlerking Posts: 589 Member
    I am NOT the role model for dieting here, but I do it. One night a week I have the house to myself, so I get 6 nuggets, sweet/sour, small fry, and a diet coke and park it in front of some Grey's Anatomy. (I swear I'm not a sad cat lady!) No, it's not good to just eat whatever you want so long as it fits in your calories--that will leave you lacking in nutrients and without enough protein to support your muscles. But I've been keeping up this little habit for 6 months now, and I've lost 32 pounds b/c the rest of my week is good. The haters gonna hate. You enjoy your McD's once in while and keep up the good work! :)
  • lbetancourt
    lbetancourt Posts: 522 Member
    i am not an expert here. and, i certainly am not the nutrition nazi but think you should cut back the visits to mcdowells.
  • tigerlily8045
    tigerlily8045 Posts: 402 Member
    Personally I find that if I eat Mcd's then I am sluggish the next day. Sure I have it once in a while but while its not the best thing its certainly not the worst either. Try to cut back to 1 time a week maybe. Its so easy to fall in and soon you are eating it 5 times a week.
  • Zombierawr
    Zombierawr Posts: 95 Member
    I used to eat a lot of McDs. I don't often anymore, and when I do, it makes me incredibly ill.

    Honestly, EVERYONE has their vices. Mine right now is Heath Bars and Skor bars. CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THEM. But after seeing this link: http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2yt1a4T7L1r36okqo1_1280.jpg, I really slowed down with fast food. I still like Chick-fil-a, but I haven't eaten there since giving up wheat.

    Seriously, your body, eat what you want, but if you are questioning the habit, I say try to break it. :)

    Note: The link to the picture was taken recently. The food does not mold. It's SCARY.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Lately, for completely unexplained reasons, I've been hitting McD 2-3 times a week for lunch. I eat reasonably (6 nuggets, buffalo sauce, small fries, diet soda == ~550 cals), and usually fit it into my total calorie goal. How bad is this, do I need to force myself to be more disciplined and quit this behavior, or is it okay?

    On those days how close do you get to 1g protein per lb of lean body weight? I think that is a better question.
  • Amy_B
    Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
    I would say as long as it's treated as a treat, it's okay. I know the calories seem to be okay, but what they put in their food is quite questionable. If you're looking at just cutting calories to lose weight, then whatever works. BUT if you're looking at getting healthier inside and out, I would limit it a bit more. Just my two cents... :smile:
  • ABaggett2010
    ABaggett2010 Posts: 33 Member
    I would watch your sodium intake eating MCDs, I always get super bloated after eating fast food due to salt.
  • Ironman2be
    Ironman2be Posts: 140 Member
    You know the answer
  • Ripcode
    Ripcode Posts: 142 Member
    If it fits within your calorie goals, why do you even need to ask?
  • kayleesays
    kayleesays Posts: 564 Member
    I think it would be fine if you could find one night to cut out, then replace one thing (ie, soda) with a water. That's what I'd do, anyway!
  • terra32903
    terra32903 Posts: 185 Member
    Google how McD's nuggets are made. I'm pretty confident this would cease the habit.
  • kathicooks
    kathicooks Posts: 81 Member
    Could you switch to 3 piece chicken strips, buffalo sauce, skip the fries and go with carrot sticks or salad, and the diet coke? The nuggets are full of fillers, and the fries offer nothing nutritionally. What I suggested above is my once every 2 week treat when I find myself needing to eat on the road. Better nutritionally, more protein, but those 3 pieces of fried chicken breast meat are really tasty.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    It won't affect your weight loss but it may affect your water weight from the sodium intake.

    It's up to you, I eat fast food way less than I used to but I still do and I savor it!
  • drkuhl2017
    drkuhl2017 Posts: 181 Member
    I would watch your sodium intake eating MCDs, I always get super bloated after eating fast food due to salt.

    ^^^ This!
  • cbmcphillips
    cbmcphillips Posts: 801 Member
    Go with a grilled wrap, skip the fries and have water

    Enough said....

    that will bring you down to about 300 cals....
  • kristen6022
    kristen6022 Posts: 1,923 Member
    If it doesn't make you feel like crap and you are within your calories, I say go for it. Fast food makes me sick and I pay for it.

    If you are worried about it, cut it back to one day a week.
  • Silence88
    Silence88 Posts: 26
    .
    You know the answer

    .

    I believe in everything in moderation, so I guess it's up to you to decide how much but I think once a week would suffice.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    Lately, for completely unexplained reasons, I've been hitting McD 2-3 times a week for lunch. I eat reasonably (6 nuggets, buffalo sauce, small fries, diet soda == ~550 cals), and usually fit it into my total calorie goal. How bad is this, do I need to force myself to be more disciplined and quit this behavior, or is it okay?

    I am guessing the fact you mentioned the calories rather than what the nutritional content was means that you're more interested in losing weight. If so, I have some great news for you:

    http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html
  • Living4Liz2012
    Living4Liz2012 Posts: 312
    I mean if it's helping you loose weight then do your thing BUT I say nothing wrong with eating there but what about the salads or grilled chicken sandwiches??? Instead of fries how about the apples??? Instead of a coke try a diet, water or even Gatorade??? Once a week have what you like, and the other days change things up;)

    On the sandwiches take away the mayo, and add mustard:)
  • Rilke
    Rilke Posts: 1,201 Member
    I think you know the answer to this, but if you want to do some reading to gently nudge you over to it, try Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma", where he discusses exactly what it is you're eating when you get McDonald's.
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    You're an adult, and we aren't the food police. You have to work out what you can live with long-term. If that includes lunch at McD's that's up to you.
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
    I am NOT the role model for dieting here, but I do it. One night a week I have the house to myself, so I get 6 nuggets, sweet/sour, small fry, and a diet coke and park it in front of some Grey's Anatomy. (I swear I'm not a sad cat lady!) No, it's not good to just eat whatever you want so long as it fits in your calories--that will leave you lacking in nutrients and without enough protein to support your muscles. But I've been keeping up this little habit for 6 months now, and I've lost 32 pounds b/c the rest of my week is good. The haters gonna hate. You enjoy your McD's once in while and keep up the good work! :)

    I agree with this method. I'm finally starting to learn that it's important to let yourself have either a cheat day or just one cheat meal. If McD's is it, okay. BUT, like above poster says, she only allows herself that treat once a week. Scale it back to once a week and make it a treat instead of a habit, that might be the better way to go about it rather than quitting it cold turkey.
  • Bobby_Clerici
    Bobby_Clerici Posts: 1,828 Member
    Lately, for completely unexplained reasons, I've been hitting McD 2-3 times a week for lunch. I eat reasonably (6 nuggets, buffalo sauce, small fries, diet soda == ~550 cals), and usually fit it into my total calorie goal. How bad is this, do I need to force myself to be more disciplined and quit this behavior, or is it okay?
    ...and a diet soda?:laugh: :laugh:
    You sound just like me!
    Anyway, McD food is the most fabulous cuisine on the planet...it's what the gods eat on Mt Olympus.
    I could have it every day and die fat.
    It's that good.
    How I broke my addiction was simple. I associate pleasure with being fit, and pain with being fat.
    That works wonders.
    It creates an internal drive that is unstoppable. People who find this reach their goals in any situation.
    Those that do not remain in the large herd of failures that populate the majority of planet earth.
    Decide right now where you want to be.
    Success is a choice. Good Luck :flowerforyou:
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
    Google how McD's nuggets are made. I'm pretty confident this would cease the habit.

    I've done that. I still find them delicious, sadly. But, I don't ever eat them anymore, LOL
  • egarcia83
    egarcia83 Posts: 11
    I think you should try slowly cutting back on it that way you dont try to fill in the mcdonalds loss with something equally as bad for you. I had the same problem for a while so I know how you feel. I would say definitley cut out the fries at least.
  • ChrisR7361
    ChrisR7361 Posts: 3
    A hamburger, small fry, and diet soda isn't so bad if it fits within your calorie range for the day, but the salt is the thing.
  • choface
    choface Posts: 107 Member
    its fine. just drink a ton of water after so you wont step on the scale and freak out. people go out to eat. it is normal. now if it was every day i would see the worry.
  • auria17
    auria17 Posts: 94 Member
    When in doubt watch Super Size me...or fast food nation, instant fast food aversion!
  • loadsandloads
    loadsandloads Posts: 353 Member
    I am NOT the role model for dieting here, but I do it. One night a week I have the house to myself, so I get 6 nuggets, sweet/sour, small fry, and a diet coke and park it in front of some Grey's Anatomy. (I swear I'm not a sad cat lady!) No, it's not good to just eat whatever you want so long as it fits in your calories--that will leave you lacking in nutrients and without enough protein to support your muscles. But I've been keeping up this little habit for 6 months now, and I've lost 32 pounds b/c the rest of my week is good. The haters gonna hate. You enjoy your McD's once in while and keep up the good work! :)

    I agree with this method. I'm finally starting to learn that it's important to let yourself have either a cheat day or just one cheat meal. If McD's is it, okay. BUT, like above poster says, she only allows herself that treat once a week. Scale it back to once a week and make it a treat instead of a habit, that might be the better way to go about it rather than quitting it cold turkey.

    I agree with this ^^^ I used to McD about 2-3 times a week and now I will only allow myself once a week and limit myself to 1 sausage muffin - no cheese/no egg. Everybody's right the sodium is awful but it's my way of 1 lazy morning a week.
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Google how McD's nuggets are made. I'm pretty confident this would cease the habit.

    I've seen it, so don't care. It makes me want them more, and a strawberry shake to go with them.

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