Then I actually switched to the mcgriddles (I don't even want to know how bad those are)

(Like some of the others have said) I think weening yourself off of McD's is the best idea or just create what you like a McD's at home. I REALLY used to love the mcmuffs so I bought the components and put them together myself.

Turkey sausage, wheat english muffins, egg beaters and I used to and still eat those for breakfast, they taste just as good to me and I can control the quality of the food.

(you never know what you're getting in the drive-thru)

Very informative article, thanks.

I think it is wise to figure out how to eat healthy foods at various restaurants and become really good at it. You can plan all you want and try to avoid such places, but you just may find yourself in a restaurant like McD's, and you should know what to do. I wonder how many calories are in that Yogurt Parfait?

I never thought about getting the Sausage Egg McMuffin without butter or cheese. I think that alone will reduce the calories by about 200?

Interesting post about McDonald's. Before I started my weight loss program in February, I had been going to Mac's for breakfast every day. It was a ritual. I would get some food and coffee, read the paper, and get ready for the day.

When I started my program, I knew I would have to change alot of things. I wanted some consistency in my life. I realized that my ritual gave me some comfort independent of the food.

Since I started, I have continued to go to Mac's for breakfast each morning. I typically order a scrambled egg with a piece of cheese melted on top and a coffee. I read the paper. When I get home (I work from home), I have a piece of toast (45 cal. bread) and either some fruit or some sugar free preserves on the toast. As part of my overall diet, I have lost weight doing this.

If I'm especially hungry, I get two scrambled eggs with two pieces of cheese. At home, I eat the toast and fruit. Or alternatively, I get a breakfast burrito and then skip the toast and fruit. I've found I can lose weight with these alternatives too.

On days when I've eaten more (a McSkillet burrito or a couple of breakfast burritos or pretty much any combo), I've found that I don't tend to lose.

Since February, I've dropped from 280 to 195 following this practice. Obviously, what has worked for me may not be right for you. But I think there are a couple of lessons worth passing on.

First, it is possible to maintain certain rituals while still accomplishing your goal. Second, you have to seriously restrict your choices at Mac's and other fast food joints if you want to lose weight. Fast food may taste good, but it's very high in fat, carbs, and/or sodium.

Good luck on your continuing efforts.

Gregg

http://eating.health.com/2009/06/30/lose-10-lbs-eating-fast-food/

I've been at a place where I haven't been into exercise lately. So anything that's convenient enough to get me to move for a bit is working. Once the habit is formed again, I'll worry about increasing activity.

You're on the right track and making ANY change for the better is a good thing!

Regarding a previous comment above: When your over weight you might die of a heart attack long before you have to worry about the sodium content. I'll lose weight and work on the nutrition as I go along.

With very little planning, I can usually put together a meal that is FASTER and certainly healthier than stopping by McD's. Even if it's just something like dumping some greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, blueberries (frozen or thawed in microwave) and a few walnuts.

Another really fast one is dumping a can or two of sardines on a bunch of spinach. I buy washed organic spinach in nice big tubs, a meal like that takes far less time than waiting on a McD's order.

I think people often overestimate the convenience factor of fast food. It's certainly possible to fix really fast meals at home. Or prepare meals to go.

Yes, I understand the "convenience" argument, but a little planning can take care of that. One a month, I invest about 90 minutes cooking up a huge batch of breakfast burritos, filled with eggs, potatoes, peppers, onions, black beans, cheese… basically whatever's in the fridge at the time. I wrap them up, cover them in foil and freezer the entire lot. Zap one in microwave for a few minutes and you're good to go.

There are roughly one billion better breakfast options than McDonalds.

Making those good choices are what matters – knowing the calories is so important. And yes staying away from fast food would be nice but its not always realistic and sometimes we do want that fast food fix – so why not make the best choice possible.

You'll want to choose something that not only satisfies you, but will keep you going until your next meal without "little detours". If you are talking breakfast, it's often a good idea to make breakfast a more substantial meal, and then go lighter through the day, ending with a light dinner. So that's a strategy to keep in mind.

I can't remember, but does McD offer any kind of fruit on their breakfast menu? If not, consider bringing an apple along with you. If grabbing an apple out of the fridge before you head out for breakfast is "too inconvenient", then you got work to do! But seriously, if you could add in an apple, you'd a) get something healthy with fiber in and b) apples can be pretty filling, so it might be much easier to live with just one breakfast sandwich at McDs.

At any rate, your approach is good… you've found out the options and where they weigh in calorie-wise. You might want to write your best options down on a card, keep it handy in a pocket or your wallet so that you can refer to it when you order. At least until your more diet friendly order is firmly established as a habit.

Hang in there!

I do the same thing at Wendy's with the mandarin oranges. At least I can still go there though, and eat with my family when we are on the run. It has worked for me.