Photo bySimon RayonUnsplash

Like a lot of people, I love me some fast food.

Unfortunately, I’m also looking to keep my weight under control.

Those two issues often compete with each other. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

If I follow a reasonable diet most of the time, I can enjoy some relatively guilt-free cheat meals.

As long as I don’t go too crazy, that is.

For me, the cutoff is 1,000 calories. If I keep it under that, I can enjoy my cheat meal.

The question is whether or not it’s even possible at McDonald’s.

Let’s find out.

Food Options

Photo byMcDonald's Instagram

I like to have a meal at McDonald's whenever I eat there. Here are the calorie counts of two of my favorite options, courtesy of McDonald’s website.

Burgers

• Big Mac (590)
• Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese (740)

Fries

• S/M/L (230/320/480)

Soda

• Coke S/M/L (200/270/380)
• Diet Coke (0)

Sadly, normal Coke, or any other non-diet soda, doesn’t fit in a 1,000-calorie meal.

A small Big Mac Meal with a Diet Coke contains approximately 820 calories.

A small Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese Meal with a Diet Coke contains approximately 970 calories.

The Verdict

It is possible to get a meal from McDonald’s that is under 1,000 calories.

However, it’s difficult.

If you want a regular soda or a size larger than small, your meal will be over 1,000 calories.

In high school, my go-to meal was a large double Quarter-Pound with Cheese Meal with a Coke. That meal had a whopping 1,600 calories.

That’s out of the question today.

Of course, 1,000 calories is a made-up cut-off. Feel free to enjoy your McDonald’s at any calorie level you want.

McDonald’s in Henderson

Henderson residents never have to look far for McDonald's close by. There are an amazing five McDonald’s locations in Henderson.

• 310 N Boulder Hwy Henderson, NV 89015
• 701 E Horizon Henderson, NV 89015
• 220 W Sunset Henderson, NV 89105
• 601 N Stephanie Henderson, NV 89014
• 65 South Valle Verde Drive Henderson, NV 89012