Looking to enjoy a satisfying breakfast at McDonald's without compromising your calorie goals? I've got you covered. Here are 11 low calorie McDonalds breakfast options to start your low calorie day right.
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I've rounded up 11 low-calorie options that combine taste and nutrition, perfect for starting your day right. Let's explore these healthier choices that ensure your morning meal is both delicious and mindful of your dietary needs.
1) Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin is my go-to breakfast at McDonald's when I am watching my calorie intake. It has 310 calories, making it one of the lighter options on the menu.
I appreciate that the Egg McMuffin offers 17 grams of protein. Protein helps me feel full and satisfied, which is important for a good start to the day.
It includes a fresh steamed egg, a slice of Canadian bacon, and a slice of American cheese on a buttered English muffin. Everything comes together to make a delicious and balanced breakfast.
If I want to cut down on calories even further, I can ask for no cheese or no butter. Skipping the cheese saves 50 calories, and skipping the butter saves another 30 calories.
2) Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
One of my favorite low-calorie breakfast options at McDonald's is the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. It's hearty and satisfying. The oatmeal consists of whole grains mixed with red and green apples, cranberries, and two varieties of raisins.
Clocking in at 320 calories, it's an excellent option for a nutritious start to the day. I love how it balances sweetness and wholesomeness without being overly indulgent. Plus, it has 4 grams of fiber, which helps me stay full.
Sometimes, I customize it by omitting the brown sugar and dried fruit to reduce the sugar content. This makes it even healthier while still delicious. Pairing it with a McCafé® Premium Roast Coffee is my go-to combo for a balanced and tasty breakfast.
3) Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles
One of my favorite low-calorie breakfast options at McDonald's is the Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles. This sandwich contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Each Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles sandwich has around 430 calories. This combination of flavors delivers both a savory and sweet experience.
The sandwich includes crispy bacon, a fluffy folded egg, and a slice of American cheese. All of this is nestled between two sweet McGriddles cakes. I love how the syrupy cakes complement the savory ingredients.
If you're looking for something satisfying but still mindful of calories, this could be a great choice. Pairing it with a black coffee can also help keep the calorie count even lower.
Though slightly higher in calories compared to other options, this tasty treat can still fit into a balanced diet. Each McGriddles provides a good source of carbohydrates and protein to start the day right.
4) Sausage Burrito
I love the Sausage Burrito at McDonald's because it's a quick and tasty breakfast option. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, it contains scrambled eggs, pork sausage, mild green chiles, and a blend of cheese.
With just 310 calories, this burrito fits easily into a low-calorie diet. Despite its modest calorie count, it packs in plenty of flavor with every bite.
It's perfect for those busy mornings when I need a convenient breakfast that won't derail my healthy eating goals. Plus, I can pair it with a small coffee for an added energy boost.
5) Hash Browns
McDonald's Hash Browns are a crispy and tasty breakfast option. At 140 calories, they fit well into a low-calorie diet. Sure, in a perfect world you'll have a breakfast sandwich along with your hash brown. More on that later.
Whenever I crave something crunchy, I often choose Hash Browns. They have a great texture, and the potatoes are cooked perfectly.
I sometimes find that having both a breakfast sandwich and Hash Browns can push my meal over my calorie budget. So, I stick with just one, but if you want you can splurge for two.
Hash Browns are also a great on-the-go option. I love how easy and convenient they are to grab and eat when I'm in a hurry.
6) Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait
One of my favorite low-calorie breakfast options at McDonald's is the Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait. It's a delicious and refreshing choice to start the day right.
This parfait features layers of low-fat vanilla yogurt, fresh strawberries, and blueberries.
It also comes with granola on top for added crunch and texture. At just 150 calories per serving, it fits perfectly into a healthy diet while still tasting fantastic. Plus, it's vegetarian-friendly and contains no artificial flavors, making it a wholesome option.
For those watching their gluten intake, you can skip the granola and still enjoy all the fruity goodness with yogurt. The parfait without granola is lower in calories, clocking in at around 120 calories.
I particularly love how customizable this parfait can be. You can ask for extra fruit or even forego the granola depending on your dietary needs.
It's not just delicious but also serves as a good source of protein and essential nutrients, helping me stay energized throughout the day.
7) Egg White Delight McMuffin
The Egg White Delight McMuffin is a fantastic choice for anyone aiming to enjoy a lighter breakfast at McDonald's. It features a toasted English muffin, fluffy egg whites, and lean Canadian bacon. The sandwich is topped with a slice of white cheddar cheese, combining classic flavors without excessive calories.
I love that it has 17% fewer calories and 42% less fat than the standard Egg McMuffin. Despite removing the egg yolk, it still manages to deliver a decent amount of protein. This sandwich fits nicely into my daily calorie budget and keeps me satisfied through the morning.
At around 250 calories, the Egg White Delight McMuffin is both nutritious and tasty. It's a straightforward, healthier alternative to traditional fast-food breakfasts. Plus, it's convenient and reasonably priced, making it an easy go-to option for a quick, guilt-free meal.
8) Sausage McGriddles
The Sausage McGriddles is a tasty option for those looking for a satisfying breakfast without too many calories. It contains 430 calories, making it manageable for a morning meal.
I love the mix of savory sausage with the sweet, pancake-like griddles. It's a great way to start the day if you're craving something a bit indulgent but still manageable.
Despite the calories, the Sausage McGriddles does pack 24 grams of fat and 14 grams of sugar. It’s a balanced choice if you keep the rest of your day’s meals light.
9) Sausage McMuffin (without cheese)
I always enjoy starting my day with a filling and delicious breakfast. The Sausage McMuffin without cheese is one of my top low-calorie picks at McDonald's.
This option comes in at around 340 calories. It features a savory sausage patty nestled inside an English muffin.
By skipping the cheese, I cut out an extra 50 calories. This simple change helps keep the meal lighter without sacrificing taste.
The Sausage McMuffin without cheese still offers a good amount of protein. It's a satisfying way to begin my morning. Sharing this classic breakfast item with family and friends is always fun.
Whether I'm on the go or enjoying a leisurely breakfast, this option is both convenient and tasty. It's a great way to maintain a low-calorie diet.
I love pairing the Sausage McMuffin without cheese with a cup of black coffee. This combo helps keep me energized throughout the morning.
10) Egg McMuffin Meal
Earlier I said you'd have an opportunity to pair your hash brown with a breakfast sandwich. Well, here we are.
I really appreciate the Egg McMuffin Meal for its balanced blend of flavors and nutrients. This breakfast choice includes an Egg McMuffin, one crispy hash brown, and a small coffee.
Surprisingly, the entire meal clocks in at around 455 calories.
The Egg McMuffin itself is made with a steamed egg round, Canadian bacon, and a slice of American cheese, all served on an English muffin.
This combination ensures a satisfying meal that doesn't leave me feeling guilty about my breakfast choices.
What I like the most about this meal is the protein content. The Egg McMuffin provides about 17 grams of protein, which keeps me full and fueled for the morning.
Even with the addition of a hash brown and coffee, this meal manages to stay under 500 calories.
Ordering the Egg McMuffin Meal is simple and convenient, making it a go-to option for busy mornings. Whether I'm rushing to work or just craving a quick and tasty breakfast, this meal offers a reliable and delicious start to the day.
11) Strawberry Banana Smoothie
One of my favorite options for a low-calorie breakfast at McDonald's is the Strawberry Banana Smoothie. This tasty treat has just 190 calories in a small size. It's not only delicious but also refreshing, making it perfect for starting the day.
The smoothie combines real strawberry and banana fruit purees with juices. McDonald's blends these with creamy low-fat yogurt and ice, offering a smooth and satisfying texture. It’s a great choice whenever I need something light yet satisfying.
Since the smoothie also contains 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, it helps keep me feeling full longer. I especially appreciate that it’s free from any artificial flavors or colors. Plus, it’s easy to grab and go when I’m in a hurry.
The Strawberry Banana Smoothie is versatile, available in small, medium, and large sizes. While the small size is my go-to, it's nice to have options depending on my hunger level. This tasty and fruity delight really hits the spot!
Benefits of Low Calorie Breakfast Options at McDonald's
Enjoying low calorie breakfast options at McDonald's can help you maintain a balanced diet and meet your weight management goals, making mornings more manageable and nutritious.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for energy and overall well-being. Low calorie breakfast options at McDonald's provide essential nutrients without excess calories.
For instance, the Egg McMuffin has just 310 calories but offers 17 grams of protein. This helps me start my day feeling full and satisfied.
Additionally, these options often contain lower levels of saturated fat and added sugars. This can support heart health and maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning.
By choosing items wisely, I can enjoy a quick meal that aligns with my nutritional needs.
Supporting Weight Management Goals
For those of us focused on weight management, low calorie options can be a game changer. By selecting breakfasts under 500 calories, I can better control my calorie intake and avoid overeating later.
The Sausage McMuffin without the muffin, for example, is just 260 calories. It's high in protein, which can help curb my hunger. Making such choices at McDonald's supports my efforts to maintain or lose weight without feeling deprived.
Moreover, having these lower-calorie options readily available makes it easier to stick to my goals even during busy mornings. This can lead to steadier progress and greater success in my weight management journey.
Understanding Nutritional Content
When choosing low-calorie breakfast options at McDonald's, it's essential to pay attention to the calorie count, as well as the protein and fiber content, which contribute to a balanced and satisfying meal.
Calorie Count Breakdown
Calories are important to monitor when trying to maintain or lose weight. At McDonald's, you can find several breakfast items under 400 calories.
For example, the Egg McMuffin has just 300 calories, while the Sausage Burrito contains 310 calories. These options provide a calorie-conscious start to your day.
Tracking calories can help you better manage your daily intake and make choices that align with your health goals.
Don't forget to consider the calories in any beverages you order, as some drinks can add significant amounts to your meal's total calorie count.
Protein and Fiber Importance
Protein and fiber are crucial components of a nutritious breakfast. They help to keep you full and energized. For instance, the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal offers 14 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
These nutrients are vital for muscle repair and digestive health. Consuming enough protein will keep hunger at bay, while fiber aids in digestion and provides sustained energy.
Breakfast options like the Egg White Delight McMuffin are excellent choices to ensure you're getting enough of these vital nutrients. This sandwich has 16 grams of protein.