A healthier McDonald’s? Now that’s what I’m talking about!
I don’t know about your family but my family visits McDonald’s more when on the go than any other fast food restaurant. As a mom who needs help when on the go it’s nice to see healthier options being considered at fast food restaurants.
I was recently invited to a McDonald’s First taste event in NYC. I was super excited to attend. I mean ya, who isn’t interested in being the first to try new products and healthier options for the family. I was like hey sign me up. I totally jumped on the opportunity.
The event was great. Right away they had us sample food followed by a cooking demo by Chef Dan, who is McDonald’s Senior Director of Culinary innovation.
At one point Chef Dan said “not saying fried food is good or bad but don’t u think it makes a difference what u fry it in?” Great point if you ask me, definitely music to my ears. Considering my family is on a healthy route, sometimes it’s not so easy to cut out fried foods cold turkey, ya know?
We have been baking more and of course using cooking spray but definitely going to start using Extra Virgin Olive Oil which is what Chef Dan used to fry breaded chicken breast.
He also gave out a good tip for busy parents. You can cook all your chicken days in advance, pre-wrap and refrigerate. This will eliminate deciding what to eat and of course cut time in cooking.
He served the cooled down chicken breast with a salad. It looked mighty tasty if you ask me!
Chef Dan & I
Bloggy Friends or as @OfeliaNJ named us Nugget Corner
nugget dipping sauces & mango pineapple smoothie
Asian Salad and Premium Chicken Sandwich
&&& of course can’t forget the kiddos
We were able to try the Asian Salad(available now til Sept.), the Mango pineapple smoothie and a couple of the new dipping sauces. Did you know McDonalds will be offering 8 different dipping sauces now!!! Spicy Buffalo, Sweet Chili, Chipotle BBQ, Creamy Ranch, Sweet and Sour, Honey Mustard, Hot Mustard & Tangy BBQ. Our favorites had to be the creamy ranch and the Chipotle BBQ. Awesome flavors that definitely satisfy whatever craving you may have.
The Mango Pineapple Smoothie, which will be available this summer, was a great hit with the kiddos. Little lady especially loved them. I learned that a small 12oz mango pineapple smoothie contains ½ cup of real fruit. This is going to be my new go to in the summer for the kids. It’s definitely a healthier option then our regular Oatmeal cookie treat.
I also had the chance to do my first interview. I interviewed Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, a Registered dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. One of the things I was interested in discussing with Sylvia were Healthier choices for on the go moms like my self. I learned that McDonald’s was trying to incorporate a lot more healthy snacks. We are already big fans of apple dippers and salads but what Sylvia also mentioned was the new 600 cal meal plans McDonalds is recommending. You can also visit MCDONALDS.COM to create your own meal plan.
I lost 20 lbs by counting calories and I knew that I could still enjoy some fast food if I looked at the calories before visiting such restaurants. This is going to continue to make my healthy road an easier one, while having healthy options for the kiddos too.
Check out My interview with Sylvia below.
At the end we were given a goody bag filled with lots of fun stuff from McDonald’s. I also have the opportunity to giveaway 2 of those bags to 2 lucky readers.
***Giveaway***
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends 5/23 Monday.
To enter simply leave a comment telling me which one of the new products you are most excited about trying make sure you also leave an email address to contact you.
Winners will be chosen via random.org.
[…] also had the chance to speak to Sylvia Meléndez Klinger the nutritionist I met and interviewed at McDonlad’s First Taste Event in NYC, about the new changes. I interviewed her via phone after the Webcast Happy Meal announcement. […]