Healthier Kids Meals

It’s inevitable that from time to time our family eats at a quick serve restaurant. As a working mom and registered dietitian, I want to make even those eating occasions as healthy as possible. I’m not the french fry police, but good nutrition counts even when dining out. Some statistics suggest kids who eat out at least three or more times a week can get over 40% more calories each day when compared to kids who don’t eat out. Good news for parents (and kids) is that the industry is responding by adding healthier menu options.

Southern-based Chick-fil-A recently announced they are revamping their kid’s meal selections. Meal offerings now include grilled chicken and either fruit cup or applesauce. Children’s beverage options will be limited to 1% milk, 100% apple juice, lemonade and water. First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to fight child obesity has inspired other fast food chains to offer healthier kids fare such as Panera yogurt, McDonald’s apple slices,  Chipotle low-fat milk, and Subway sub sandwiches.

As a parent, I take advantage of the healthier kid options too by substituting fruit for fries, milk for soda and yogurt for a sweet treat. If you’re not seeing anything that is mom-approved on the kids menu, look at some of the adult entrées that are baked, steamed or meatless which keep calories and fat low. To keep portions in check, split the healthier “adult” entree between kids or take the leftovers home.

It can be difficult finding healthy options when dining out. Write in and tell us what your healthy favorites are when dining out are?

Tracy Noerper, MS, RD, LDN, SNS

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