According to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," almost 25 percent of children between 4 and 8 eat fast food on a typical day, so the nutritional quality of fast-food meals probably contributes heavily to the health status of American kids. The majority of fast-food fare for kids is considered unhealthy, but there are nutritious options out there if you find yourself in the drive-through line.
General Information
According to a 2008 study reported in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," only 3 percent of fast-food kids meals meet all criteria for a nutritious meal under the USDA's National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The "AJCN" reports that it is the side dish, such as french fries or fruit, that has the most influence on nutritional content, not the entree, such as a hamburger or chicken nuggets. Drinks also play a large role. Obviously, milk is a better choice than soda.
Negative Research Findings
The study found that more than two-thirds of kids meals contained more saturated fat than recommended by the NSLP. Less than one-third of the meals analyzed provided sufficient calcium and iron, less than 20 percent provided adequate vitamin A, and more than half contained more sodium than recommended. For many of the meals, more than half the caloric content came from added sugar. Of the meals that fell below NSLP guidelines, 51 percent came with chicken, 28 percent contained a hamburger, 10 percent featured a deli sandwich and 11 percent contained another entree; 51 percent contained a side dish made of fried potatoes, and 46 percent came with a sweetened beverage.
Good News
Overall, 42 percent of the kids meals analyzed met at least four of the NSLP guidelines. Most of the them provided sufficient protein and more than half--those featuring fruit or juice--met guidelines for vitamin C. All that met NSLP guidelines included fruit as a side dish and milk as a drink, and almost all featured a deli sandwich as the main entree. Taco Bell's bean burrito kids meal contained a healthy amount of fiber. Deli sandwiches from Subway, Quizno's and Wendy's had the most calcium and iron. The average burger-based kids meal met three of the NSLP guidelines, including sufficient protein. Almost all chicken-based meals featured adequate amounts of protein and saturated fat and almost half met the vitamin C guideline.
Repercussions
According to the study, there is consistent evidence that eating out at restaurants, especially fast-food restaurants, is a risk factor for childhood obesity if done too often. Fast-food consumers consume more fat, sugar and soft drinks, and less milk, fruit and vegetables, than non-fast-food consumers. Foods consumed away from home usually have more calories, fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium than homemade fare. Compared with other kids, overweight children and adolescents eat more foods away from home, often from fast-food restaurants, so there is a clear link between escalating childhood obesity rates and the increasing frequency with which American families eat out.
Making Good Choices
The study's findings prove that healthy choices are available for kids at fast food restaurants. According to the "AJCN," raisins are the most nutritious side dish because of their high iron content. It's clear from the research that deli sandwiches, fruit side dishes and milk are the best choices for families on the go. Fortunately, many national fast-food chains, such as McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King, offer fruit and milk. Try to avoid french fries and soda, which add empty calories, sodium and lots of sugar to your little one's meal. If your child adores fries, forgo the meal and get fries, fruit and milk. Keepkidshealthy.com also recommends watching portion size. Stick with the small portions found in most kids meals.
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