Fast Food Nutrition For Children

Sometimes, it is more convenient to go through the drive- through to feed your children than to head home to prepare a meal. While eating fast food on an occasional basis will not harm your child's health, eating it more regularly can have negative effects on his well-being. If you do eat out a lot, knowing some key nutritional information will help you order your child a meal that is low in fat and high in nutrition.

Chicken

One of the most common fast food items ordered by and for children is chicken nuggets. Even if the nugget is made with low-fat white meat chicken, it is fried in high-fat oil, which decreases the nutritional value of the food. Some fast food restaurants use oils high in trans fats, which are detrimental to your child's health by raising her risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Healthy Children recommends ordering your child a grilled chicken sandwich without mayonnaise as a healthier alternative. Chicken is high in protein and iron, and when grilled, it is also low in saturated fat. Tomato slices on the sandwich will add additional vitamin C and fiber.

Burgers

Another common menu item for children is a hamburger or cheeseburger. Healthy Children notes that many burgers are high in sodium, particularly cheeseburgers, and relatively low in nutrition. While a burger does provide some protein and iron, it is also high in saturated fat and calories. If your child wants a burger, order a small one with just one patty, omit cheese and mayonnaise, and add lettuce and tomato to cut both fat and calorie content.

French Fries

Most fast food children's meals come with french fries as a side order. Some restaurants offer better choices, but you have to ask for them. A serving of french fries is high in salt and saturated fat and contains very few vitamins or minerals. French fries also add several hundred calories to your child's meal. Order your child a side salad, recommends Healthy Children, because it is lower in calories and supplies important nutrients like fiber. Fruit or a baked potato are also healthier side items that many fast food restaurants offer.

Desserts

The dessert options at most fast food restaurants contain little in the way of vitamins and minerals. Desserts such as cookies, pie and ice cream contain high amounts of calories, fat and sugar and do not provide any nutrients. If your child wants a dessert, many fast food restaurants offer low-fat yogurt or fruit bowls and these are much healthier. Yogurt will provide your child with calcium and protein and fruit provides vitamin C and potassium.