A Happier Happy Meal

by Madelyn Fernstrom

In the real world, when it comes to fast food, many families find it hard to “just say no.” Now, a visit to McDonald’s provides some REAL change in their kids’ meals as an authentic step to healthier eating. Starting in September, 2011, all kids’ meals will contain a serving of sliced apples (1/4 cup – a 1/2 serving) and a downsized fries (half of the present serving – about 125 calories); fat free chocolate milk and 1% whole milk round out the selections. The small burger or chicken nuggets remain the same. You can even choose to skip the fries altogether, and opt for double apples.

While McDonald’s has offered sliced apples as an optional choice since 2004, most consumers did not select them. In fact, a poll showed that 88% of people “were aware” of the fresh apple slices, but only 11% chose them. Now, with the apples as part of the meal, the hope is kids will eat them, along with the rest of the meal since they’re already there (more than half the battle!).

And don’t think that adults can’t enjoy this as well. A hamburger and the mini-fries, apple slices, and a low-fat milk weighs in at around 500 calories.

While fast-food should not be an automatic first choice for kids or adults, it’s sometimes easy and convenient. Now, at least one fast-food company makes healthier eating a lot easier – and I’m hopeful that other companies will follow!

Looking for other fast food options? Try steering your family to SUBWAY, where healthy options for kids’ and adults have been in place for years!