Woman shares McDonald’s 470-calorie meal hack that’s healthy and budget friendly

Striving for a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up visits to fast-food giants like McDonald’s.
TikTok user Sam, known by her handle @smallersam_pcos, has become an internet hit with her clever McDonald’s order that keeps her in a calorie deficit. Sam, who recently shed an impressive 200 pounds through diet and exercise, still enjoys her McDonald’s fix.
Fast food can be a tempting option for those in need of a quick, budget-friendly meal. McDonald’s latest offering, the $5 value meal, provides customers with a choice between a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink.
Sam’s go-to healthy McDonald’s order is a bun-less McDouble, sans ketchup and mustard, but loaded with extra shredded lettuce and pickles.
She adds a zesty twist with tangy barbecue sauce, which clocks in at just 45 calories, using the beef patties as makeshift buns.
According to Parade, a standard McDouble is around 400 calories, but ditching the buns slashes 175 calories from the total.
Accompanying her modified burger with a small serving of fries at 230 calories and a Diet Coke, Sam’s entire meal totals a modest 470 calories.
Packed with 25 grams of protein, this meal isn’t just low-calorie; it’s also satisfying, ensuring she feels full longer.
Fans are eager to try out Sam’s hack, with one commenter exclaiming, “Just ordered this and didn’t even miss the bun! These hacks are heaven sent for us girlies! Thank you!”
Another follower shared their appreciation, saying: “Your videos genuinely have been so helpful and inspiring. Thank you”.