Friday, April 30, 2010 - Mcdonald's Happy Meals

Today I went to Mcdonald's because I love there sweet tea. I pull into the drive through, three SUV's sat in front of me. All three SUV's either had a soccer mom sticker, or the cute family stickers with mom, dad, the ballerina, the football star and max the dog. Cute, but I thought to myself, these moms/dads must be getting happy meals for their children. I understand in today's world we are constantly on the go and mom/dad have less time to stay at home and cook a home cook meal, nor do they have the money to fork out for an in home cook. What is the solution you ask? Happy Meals or so you thought. Yes at younger ages children's metabolisms are so much better than those of their parents but to support such an active playful child, children need a balanced diet and they are definitely not getting it from chicken nuggets/cheeseburger, french fries and a soda. Up until a few years ago, Mcdonald's happy meals should have NEVER been the solution, but now if there isn't time to make dinner these happy meals may not be such a bad choice if the correct sides are chosen. Thankfully Mcdonald's has come to terms with the unhealthy side and offers alternatives to french fries and soda. A kids happy meal comes with either a hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets a choice of a soft drink, low fat milk or apple juice and a choice of french fries or apple dippers. Attached below is a link for the nutrition facts for the many different options for a child's happy meal.

http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/Happy_Meals_Nutrition_List.pdf

Thanks to Mcdonal's additional options for their happy meals, children are now able to eat healthy. Ordering a child's happy with chicken nuggets, apple dippers and an apple juice is just 380 calories, 12 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and 57 carbohydrates.

- Andi Cochran