Sometimes the drive-thru is unavoidable – but it doesn’t have to be a diet disaster.

Though fast food has long been associated with gaining weight, a nutritionist told Fox News Digital that you can eat select McDonald’s meals without packing on lots of pounds.

The key is moderation and focusing on protein – and these “diet-friendly” options shouldn’t be consumed every day.

Lauren Manaker, a South Carolina-based dietitian, helped compile some of the nutrition stats associated with McDonald’s most popular dishes.

If you don’t want to order apple slices and black coffee, here are some McDonald’s orders that won’t sabotage your diet.

1. Cheeseburger

It turns out that in moderation, McDonald’s cheeseburgers – and hamburgers by extension – can fit into a diet .

“These provide protei

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