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How to Take Control of the Kids' Meal Problem
The fast food nutritional study all over the news this week reveals that kids' meal are way too full calories. You might think a kid's meal is designed with kids' heath in mind, but for the most part, to be blunt, they're not.
I don't see these fast food chains making any major changes any time soon. So, for those who like to stop for a kid's meal for the children on the go, what can be done?
(1) Use parental discretion when you enter these establishments in order to choose the best lunch
or other meal options . You can buy ala carte, give your children choices
between the best 2-3 options, go to a place that offers healthier
options, or brown bag at least a portion of the meal.
(2) Nix the soda and highly sweetened juice and opt for water, low fat milk, or bring along something you trust and know is healthy.
(3) Do some research: While I agree that it should already be done for us, in many cases, it’s not. Many of these foods might look harmless but are packed with calories, sugar, fat, and sodium.
(4) Ask for details: If they don’t have the nutritional information out, ask for it. You have a right to know what your child is putting in his or her mouth.
(5) Make your desires known: Let your local restaurants know what you want. With enough people asking, they’ll be more likely to provide it.
(6) Be sure that your children's other meals for the day are on target: You
may not have full control of ingredients when you're eating out, but
you can certainly take control when your children are eating in your
home. Pay attention to labels at the store and integrate more whole
grains, veggies, and fruits into each meal.
(7) Discuss healthy choices with your kids: When
children know what foods make them grow strong, healthy and tall and
what foods don't have that same power-- they're much more likely to
make healthy choices. Who doesn't want to grow up strong and healthy?
(8 ) Expose your children to healthy choices at home: They're much more likely to gravitate to healthier options if they're used to them. Have fun! Nutritious food doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. You can make yummy, healthier versions of children's favorites like pizza, tacos, chicken nuggets, and even shakes
at home so that you know they're getting the good stuff and they won't
crave the "bad stuff" nearly as much. (I started making my own
dairy-free ice-creams so that I know exactly what's in them, how much,
and what's going into my family. They're delicious!)
(9) Request substitutes: You're
the buyer-- don't like what you see? Ask for something else. For
example, if you don't "want fries with that," ask for apple slices or
veggies, if they have them.
(10) Split it, give it, or pitch it: Just
because they give you double the calories, fat, sugar, and sodium in
the kids' meals doesn't mean that it all needs to be eaten in one
sitting. Your children want fries? Split the order in half and share it
between the two. You can do the same thing with the chicken, burgers,
or pizza. Don't have more than one child? Either split and give the
other half to someone else who is unable to buy it themselves, put it
away for later, or get rid of it. We want to teach children that just
because it's in front of them doesn't mean it's healthy to eat all at
one time.
It's vital that we don't allow the fast food chains to make
nutritional decisions for our children. After all, they're working for you! Get the information you need to make the best and most powerful
decision possible for your children and your family. They're depending
on it.
Have a Powerful Day-
