No fries with that Big Mac®?

McDonald’s now offers alternatives.

The other day, I was busy running errands, and became extremely thirsty. While at a stop sign, I looked across the street and saw a McDonald’s.

In the window they had a sign advertising $.99 for a 44oz. beverage. I promptly went to the drive-through to purchase one. (I know Diet Coke isn’t the healthiest beverage, but I do enjoy it occasionally.)

On the drive-thru menu, there was a sign I had never seen at McDonald’s. Although it’s been years since I’ve been to one, they feature “Your choice of sides” and “At no additional cost.”

What side choices were available with their value meals?

1. French Fries

2. A fruit parfait

3. Apple Dippers

4. And a side salad

So I ordered a Grilled Chicken with a side salad topped with Newman's Own® Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing. The meal was extremely filling, in fact, I couldn’t eat the whole sandwich and I only used half the dressing. The salad consisted of lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and baby tomatoes.

Here is its nutritional data:

The sodium amount is too high, but otherwise this meal wasn’t too bad. The nutritional analysis was provided via McDonald’s website.

But what would the nutritional analysis be with French Fries?

That’s quite a difference.

Will the addition of side salads lead you to McDonald’s more often? Does the idea of having a salad with your Big Mac® make it more appealing? Or will you be tempted to purchase Fries—or anything else fatty--just by going?

It’s your choice to make, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

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