What to Order at McDonald's for High Cholesterol

McDonald's isn't off-limits when you're watching your cholesterol — you just have to steer around the fried items, the special sauces, and the cheese-and-bacon stacking. Here's the heart-smart way through the menu.

What to look for

The saturated-fat and sodium load comes from fried items, cheese, bacon, and the creamy sauces. Lean on the grilled chicken, plain proteins, and lighter sides, and go easy on the sauce.

Heart-smart picks

• Grilled chicken sandwich (ask for it plain or with just lettuce/tomato and mustard) over the crispy/fried version.

• Hamburger or a plain single patty instead of a double with cheese and bacon.

• Apple slices or a side salad instead of fries, with a light vinaigrette on the side.

• Egg McMuffin for breakfast (skip extra cheese) — more balanced than the biscuit or bagel sandwiches.

Solid runners-up

• A plain grilled chicken McWrap, easy on the sauce.

• Oatmeal (Fruit & Maple) in the morning; skip half the brown sugar.

What to skip

• McDoubles and quarter-pounders with cheese + bacon — the saturated-fat stack.

• Anything "crispy"/fried (McCrispy, McNuggets, filet).

• Big Mac / special sauces and large fries (fat + sodium).

Quick tips

Say grilled and plain, swap fries for apple slices or a side salad, and use one sauce at most. That's the difference between a heavy meal and a reasonable one.

Fast food doesn't have to derail you. Forage tells you the best thing to order for your heart at McDonald's or anywhere, and remembers your good calls. Join the waitlist.

Forage and this guide offer general wellness guidance, not medical advice. Nutrition varies by location and portion — confirm with the restaurant, and talk to your doctor about your diet.