An Australian fitness influencer has revealed a budget-friendly health tip using McDonald’s to maintain his protein intake while out and about.
For those who are dieting or aiming for healthier eating, it’s well-known how challenging it can be to adhere to dietary plans when travelling or constantly moving.
Jackson Adams, a fitness influencer, is currently preparing for a Hyrox fitness competition—an arduous event that merges an eight-kilometre run with eight functional workout stations.
A crucial element of his training plan is his diet, which prioritises protein-heavy foods like chicken, eggs, and salmon. Although he typically organises his meals in advance to take with him, there are times when he’s pressed for time and opts for a quick stop at the nearest McDonald’s for an affordable snack packed with 50 grams of protein.
“Literal protein hack for anyone on the road, Macca’s grilled chicken breast,” he shared at the beginning of his TikTok video. “I think they’re like 3 bucks [£1.51] each,” he mentioned. “So for six bucks [£3] it’s like 50 grams of protein, which is a gamechanger.”
He also mentioned that he indulged in a dipping sauce to accompany the chicken breast, adding: “And I treated myself to a little Big Mac sauce as well, which was like 60 cents. It’s so f**king good.”
Based on the nutrition data provided by McDonald’s UK, a single chicken breast contains 139 calories, 1.4 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein. Since Jackson purchased two chicken breasts, his snack totalled 50 grams of protein.
However, for those in the UK, it’s worth noting that you cannot buy grilled chicken breast from McDonald’s as a standalone item. It is, though, available as a component of the Grilled Chicken Salad, which has 139 calories and 25 grams of protein per serving. The price of this salad is approximately £3.29.
The British Heart Foundation recommends a daily intake of around 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for most adults. Individuals following a diet or seeking to increase muscle mass are often advised to consume higher amounts, as protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery after exercise.
Viewers were astonished by Jackson’s ingenious hack, with many expressing their eagerness to give this budget-friendly strategy a shot. “I am going on a road trip tomorrow. This is going to save me,” one person stated, while another viewer observed, “Didn’t know you could do this.”
A third spectator deemed it “Brilliant! “, while another named it “the best hack”.