Skip to content

Are you on Ozempic and avoiding McDonald's? You don't have to, according to an expert. Whitney Black, MS, RD is a GLP-1 Dietitian on Mounjaro herself. In a new post, she reveals that she eats fast food while on the drug. "Yes, you can eat McDonald's while on GLP-1 meds!" she confirms. "Here are 5 better choices that balance protein, fiber, and portion control without sacrificing flavor. Save this for your next drive-thru run!"

​Order One: Cheeseburger

Thailand-April2019: Cheeseburger with yellow paper wrap for take home is a hamburger sold by McDonald's. The cheeseburger is a burger similar to a regular hamburger, but with a slice of cheese added u
Shutterstock

Her first go-to order? A Cheeseburger and Side Salad. "Swap fries for extra greens!" she says. She maintains the balanced combo is 390 calories and offers 17g of protein and 3g of fiber.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

​Order Two: McChicken

McDonald's Fast Food Restaurantc Spicy fried chicken burger, mcdonalds mcchicken
Shutterstock

Her next order? She keeps it "light & satisfying" with a McChicken and apple slices. The fruit and chicken sandwich combo is only 450 calories, 16g protein, and 4g fiber.

​Order Three: Chicken McNuggets

mcdonalds mcnuggets McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain
Shutterstock

Yes, you can eat your favorite nuggets from McDonald's, but make sure to do so in moderation. A 6-piece McNuggets and small fries is another one of her favorite orders. It has 500 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. If you need a dipping sauce, "pair with buffalo or mustard for lower-fat dipping!" she says.

RELATED: 20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

​Order Four: Egg McMuffin

Egg McMuffin  McDonald's breakfast sandwich combo meal.
Shutterstock

If you hit Micky D's for breakfast, stick to an Egg McMuffin with 310 cal, 17g protein, and 2g fiber. "High protein, lower fat than sausage options!" she says.

​Order Five: Hamburger

Big Mac hamburger menu in McDonald's restaurant. burger
Shutterstock

If you are a traditionalist, go ahead and order a hamburger and small fries, "a classic choice with better balance than larger burgers," she points out. The combo is 480 calories, 15g protein, 5g fiber.

​She Also Offers These Fast Food Pro Tips

McDonald's, Drive Thru, and McCafe night. Fast food, night scene,, restaurant, drive-thru.
Shutterstock

She also offers some fast food pro tips. "Opt for grilled over fried when possible," she says. Next, "swap fries for a side salad to boost fiber" and "use mustard or buffalo sauce instead of creamy sauces." Finally, "stick with water or unsweetened iced tea to avoid extra sugar."

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

​More Eating Out Tips: Order From the Kids Menu

Happy meal set ,in soft focus, with blurred Ronald Mcdonald at McDonald's restaurant o
Shutterstock

In another post, she offers more tips. Her first? "Order from the kid's menu or lunch menu if you can!" she suggests. "Especially if there is a similar item. This is a great way to get smaller servings and save $$."

​Don't Eat Bread or Chips

Ayutthaya,Thailand - March 7, 2018 :View in Porto Go Bangpa-in, McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain
Shutterstock

"Limit the bread baskets and chips that come before your meal! Listen, I love the Texas Roadhouse Rolls as much as anyone, but you can easily fill up on those if you aren't careful! Enjoy a small amount, but be aware of earlier satiety with GLP-1 meds!" she says.

​Order Condiments on the Side

Packets of single serving Heinz Tomato Ketchup on wooden background. mcdonalds condiments, sauce
Shutterstock

Get your condiments on the side. "Ask for heavy sauces or dressings on the side if able! This can help you control how much is used. A lot of times, heavy sauces or dressings can be higher in fat, which may not be tolerated well with GLP-1 meds," she writes.

RELATED: 20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

​Order Grilled, Steamed, or Baked Items

McDonalds worker holding bag of fast food. Hand with a paper bag through the window of mcdonalds car drive thru service.
Shutterstock

Try to make healthier menu suggestions. "Opt for grilled, steamed, or baked items if able! Again, trying to limit the amount of fatty foods can help reduce GI side effects! If you wanted to get fried food, try to eat in small amounts to see how well it's tolerated first," she says.

​Fill Your Plate with Protein and Fiber

worker at McDonald's. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chain.
Shutterstock

"Center the meal around protein and fiber!" she adds. "You can still enjoy your meal and get in protein and fiber!" And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth is a writer for Eat This, Not That! and Best Life. Read more