You rush from the bank to pick up the kids at school to drop one off at soccer and the other off at football. By the time you get home there will be no time to make a healthy dinner and with pennies in the back after paying for football cleats and soccer uniforms, there is no money to eat out. So what’s a mom to do? Can you in good conscience choose a fast food restaurant to feed your family? You know the content of fat, oil, trans-fat and who knows what else that will invade your kid’s bodies if you order a cheeseburger and fries. This is all without considering what making this decision will do to your diet. Yet, the children’s choir in your backseat keeps chanting, “McDonald’s! McDonald’s!”
Relax and take a deep breath while I try to put your mind at ease. While fast food is not prime diet or health food, moderation and making clever choices can save the day and your sanity. This is also a perfect time to teach your child how proper choices can allow you to indulge yourself even at a fast food restaurant. Be armed and prepared with this list of better options the next time you find yourself at McDonald’s drive thru.
Healthier alternatives at McDonald’s:
-Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait with granola boasts a mere 160 calories and 2 grams of fat.
-Apple Dippers as an alternative to French fries has 35 calories and 0 fat. You can have the low-fat caramel dip with only 70 calories and 0.5 grams of fat.
-Choose low-fat milk over soda in Happy Meals . What child doesn’t love chocolate milk? You will love it for them at 100 calories and 2.5 grams of fat.
-Hamburgers weigh in at 250 calories and 9 grams of fat.
-Cheeseburgers turn up the calories but not too high at 300 calories and 12 grams of fat.
-If you truly crave those fries then order a small with 230 calories and 11 grams of fat.
-Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich has 420 calories and 10 grams of fat.
-Try the new snack wraps which have 260 calories and 9 grams of fat.
-Order one of McDonald’s tasty salads which have no more than 320 calories and 9 grams of fat.
While fast food is never the best option you can make the best choices for your family. Your child can have a hamburger, apple dippers and chocolate milk for a lunch or dinner with 455 calories and 11.5 grams of fat. Try a snack wrap and parfait with granola for yourself for a lunch or dinner with 420 calories and 11 grams of fat. With some proper choices you can enjoy a quick bite out at your child’s favorite fast food restaurant.
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