by Hannah Walton aka The Cheapskate Mom

I'm going to be really honest with you for a moment : I'm an organic loving vegetarian eating green-minded gal who absolutely LOVES MCDONALD's.

Call it a relic from childhood and the hope that a happy meal really equals happiness … I don't know – I just know that seeing the golden arches makes me both happy and hungry. I've taken a lot of flack for this from a lot of different types of people. My love for frugal friendly McDonalds feels rebellious in this day and age of Whole Food this and Trader Joes that. When I eat a fry, I feel like James Dean.

That being said, I still care an awful lot about what I put into my body and don't always opt for my personal McDonald's vegetarian favorite : grilled cheese sandwich aka The Cheese Delight. They have other healthy food choices and – because no matter what you say about McDonald's their food is cheap – I'm excited to share with you some healthy and cheap options. Of course, being the cheapskate mom, I say this : don't pay the markup of eating out. Always eat at home unless it's a special occasion. If for some reason you find yourself really hungry – go to McDonalds' – not a bistro – and put the money you save by not ordering Shiraz and Foie Gras towards your kids' educations
 

With no further adieu – my terrific list of eight healthy food options you can choose at McDonalds!

1. Fruit'N Yogurt Parfait
I so heart the fruit n' yogurt parfait at MickeyD's – it's yummy and has a delish vanilla flavor going on. I think it's only a dollar – and it's surprisingly filling for the size. At 150 calories, 2 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein – it's a totally awesome way to eat healthy at McDonalds.

2. Dollar Menu Side Salad
Ok – 20 calories – no fat – and 25% of your Vitamin C for the day – for a buck. Nice one, McDonalds. Opt for one of the low fat salad dressings and use sparingly.

3. Reduced Fat Vanilla Ice Cream Cone
Of course, reduced fat doesn't mean low fat – but still – for only 170 calories, 5 grams of fat and the cost of a dollar – the vanilla ice cream cone is a reasonably healthy and sweet treat to opt for when "dining" at McDonald's.

4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is super healthy and McDonald's offers two kinds : Blueberries or Fruit and Nut. At around 300 calories and five grams of fat – ordering oatmeal at McDonalds is a great choice to kick off your morning with a cheap kick to the wallet

5. Fruit and Walnuts Tray
UMMMMMmmm : wedges of crisp apples, juicy red grapes, candied walnuts and our low-fat vanilla yogurt – are we talking about the same McDonald's ?? Yep – they've got it : at 200 calories and 8 grams of fat (don't forget some of that fat is the good nut fat) – this is a rockstar health choice. I'm still dancing with glee at this being on the menu and can't wait to try it!! (I'm a total dork.)

6. Apple Slices
YUP – you can now order apple slices along side the crowd of fry eaters. Enough said? I thought so.

7. Smoothies
McDonalds offers three different kinds of delish smoothies : the  mango pineapple one is my fave. McDonalds smoothies are blended with creamy low fat yogurt and ice. Coming in at 200 calories and a single gram of fat for a small – ordering a small McDonalds smoothie is a reasonably healthy selection when you want a snack or to complement your oatmeal breakfast.

8. Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Although I think meat is gross – I suppose I've got to throw a bone to all you meat lovers out there. If you're going to order meat at McDonalds – you've got to go with grilled chicken. Reasonably healthy with 350 calories, 9 grams of fat and a whopping 28 grams of protein – this is clearly the healthy choice for carnivores to order at McDonalds!