Dietitians break down why the classic is the best option for those who have fast-food cravings<\/p>\n
Published May 27, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0day ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 3 minute read<\/p>\n
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Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.<\/p>\n See more Toronto Sun on Google \u2014\u00a0save as a Preferred Source<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When it comes to the iconic McDonald\u2019s cheeseburger, dieticians are lovin\u2019 it.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n In terms of food, items on the McDonald\u2019s menu may not be the healthiest of options. But in moderation, the cheeseburger \u2014 made up of ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles, a slice of processed cheese, and a beef patty sandwiched between two buns \u2014 can be a part of a balanced diet.<\/p>\n Online food publication Eating Well<\/a> surveyed a trio of dietitians on the healthiest option on the Mickey D\u2019s menu. They all chose the cheeseburger and broke down why it\u2019s the best option for those who have fast-food cravings.<\/p>\n Low calories, great protein<\/p>\n The calories and sodium levels of the classic cheeseburger are relatively low when compared to other favourites such as the Big Mac or the Quarter Pounder with Cheese. The cheeseburger is 300 calories and has 720 milligrams of sodium, which is half the amount compared to other menu offerings, said dietitian Lisa Andrews.<\/p>\n \u201c(This) is much lower than the larger burgers,\u201d Andrews told Eating Well, noting consumer should watch their sodium intake, as overdoing it can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n One needs protein to build all that muscle in the body, and the McDonald\u2019s cheeseburger is a solid source of it, dietitian Erin Jowett said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe regular cheeseburger gives you about 15 grams of protein, which is meaningful,\u201d Jowett told Eating Well. \u201cProtein is one of the most important nutrients for preserving lean muscle mass, supporting metabolism, and keeping you full between meals.\u201d<\/p>\n Dietary guidelines in the United States recommend adults get 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day, Eating Well reported, noting for a 150-pound person that\u2019s 82 to 109 grams of protein, of which the cheeseburger provides 14% to 18%.<\/p>\n Fibre helps keep digestive and bowel movements regular and the cheeseburger\u2019s condiments can help with that. Dietitian Alyssa Smolen said the onions, pickles and tomato (ketchup) give a small fibre boost.<\/p>\n \u201cThis burger provides two grams of fibre, which is 6% of the daily value,\u201d Smolen told Eating Well. \u201cSince most people don\u2019t consume enough fibre, every bit counts.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The cheeseburger is also a good source of dairy via the cheese slice. While highly processed, the slice still counts as a half-serving of daily dairy serving, and adds 8% of calcium to one\u2019s body.<\/p>\n The fast-food sandwich also gives eaters a dose of iron, which Jowett said is an \u201cunderrated benefit\u201d from the beef.<\/p>\n Iron helps the body transport oxygen and is essential for energy production \u2014 the cheeseburger provides 15% daily value of iron.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile it\u2019s not a huge amount, it contributes to overall intake and, again, you\u2019re getting it in a more balanced portion compared to heavier burgers on their menu loaded with extra cheese and sauces,\u201d said Jowett.<\/p>\n We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play VideoOther healthy McD\u2019s habits<\/p>\n One can eat healthy at McDonald\u2019s if you\u2019re smart about the choices, the dietitians said, offering these recommendations:<\/p>\n \u2014 Choose water over pop as a beverage.<\/p>\n \u2014 Downsize the fries when ordering a meal.<\/p>\n \u2014 Skip sauces for sandwiches and dipping.<\/p>\n \u2014 Choose apple slices instead of fries as a side option.<\/p>\n \u2014 Try a coffee drink as a dessert.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n McDonald\u2019s CEO Chris Kempczinski roasted over viral Big Arch tasting video<\/p>\n <\/a> McDonald\u2019s to phase out self-serve pop machines<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-460157086.jpg\")
A McDonald’s cheeseburger and fries. Photo by Justin Sullivan \/Getty ImagesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/21.3.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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An employee prepares a double cheeseburger in the Russian version of a former McDonald\u2019s restaurant before the opening ceremony in Moscow on June 12, 2022. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV \/ AFP)Condiments keep you regular<\/p>\n![\"Loading...\"](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/21.3.1\/websites\/images\/common\/icon-spinner-animated.svg\"){kind=icon}
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