Healthy Salads At McDonald's? You're Better Off Eating A Big Mac -- Seriously
When it comes to McDonald's new "healthy" salads, you'd be better off sticking with a Big Mac.
If you're trying to lose weight, a salad might seem like a good choice -- but that all depends on the salad.
McDonald's has been test marketing a new line of kale salads at its restaurants in Canada as part of the fast-food giant's effort to promote a healthier menu.
But according to nutritional information provided by McDonald's, their new salads have more calories, fat and sodium that a Double Big Mac.
The "Keep Calm, Caesar On" version of the salad with baby kale, crispy chicken, bacon and asiago Caesar dressing comes in at 730 calories, 53 grams of fat and 1,400 milligrams of salt.
In comparison, the Double Big Mac -- which has four beef patties -- has 680 calories, 38 grams of fat and 1,340 milligrams of sodium.
Now, you could argue that the kale salad is actually healthier, barely, if you swap out the crispy chicken for grilled chicken -- bringing your meal to 570 calories, 40 grams of fat and 1,240 milligrams of sodium. Or you could hold the dressing -- reducing the salad to 520 calories, 31 grams of fat and 1,140 milligrams of sodium -- but who really wants to eat a bowl of dry leafy stuff?
McDonald's other entrée salad, "I'm Greek-ing Out," is a slightly healthier option. With crispy chicken, feta cheese, Santorini-inspired couscous, seasoned pita crisps and Greek feta dressing, it comes in at 580 calories, 40 grams of fat and 1,200 milligrams of sodium. Go with grilled chicken and you're eating 430 calories, 27 grams of fat and 1,080 milligrams of sodium.
But if you're really trying to lose weight -- maybe just avoid the fast food all together.