Happy Meal from Google Images by TrishUnruh
McDonald's is rolling out a lighter Happy Meal to all its restaurants in 2012. The major changes are apples (1/4 cup) in every Happy Meal and the serving of fries will be cut in half. You will also be able to request an extra serving of apples in place of fries. Lowfat 1 % white milk and fat free chocolate milk will also be an option.
Burger King is applying "Have it your way" to their kids meals. Rather than automatically sticking fries and soda in kids meals, parents will be asked about other side choices. In place of fries parents can select apple sticks (skinless apples cut to look like fries) or vegetables with dip. Soda alternatives are juice, low fat milk or water.
If you have a crazy schedule and fast food is the most practical option some days, alternate who gets to choose sides dishes and drink. I would hold out as long as you can for making the fruits/vegetables and milk or water the standard choice. For a year or so my kids did not know you could order soda with a kids meal.(fries were the only side option at that time) One trip with a different set of friends ended that illusion.
After reading over the nutrition information for these two restaurants, I would encourage you to enjoy the last few weeks of beautiful fall weather by grabbing a loaf of whole wheat bread, a jar peanut butter and a bag of apples. Head to the soccer field or park for a picnic. Many of the sandwiches and chicken nuggets at these restaurants are high in fat and sodium. The fruit and vegetable sides help but when you add a drink other than water most of the kids meals have over the 430 calories, a reasonable number of calories for a 4-8 year old child. I also worry that kids' taste buds are getting accustomed to high salt and fat flavors.
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