A reportcard for chain restaurants has come out from the writers/publishers of Eat This Not That for Kids. Here's a link to the selection:

http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/Restaurant-Report-Kids/

 While I agree with most of it, what your child eats is really a reflection of what you let him eat. If we go to McDonalds (*gasp*) and get a yogurt parfait - it's pretty healthy. If we go to McD's and get a big mac and fries - not so healthy.

We don't got to McD's often and when we do I steer my kids away from the worst of it. I know it's not good for them, but if we ban everything that's not good for them they're going to binge as soon as they get the chance to eat the forbidden foods. Teaching moderation is what it's all about. OK, we will eat at Taco Bell for lunch, but we won't eat out again this week - or we will have a huge salad and grilled chicken for dinner.

One thing to watch - does your child get an upset stomach after eating at a fast food restaurant? Mine do sometimes. I make note of it and bring it up with them... "Why do you think your stomach hurts?" Then they start realizing that the food they eat affects how they feel.

My kids are at the age when they want to start ordering from the adult menu. Great! A bigger variety for them to choose from. However, the meals are too big for them. My advice? Spilt a meal with your children or have them share. I've split numerous meals with one of my kids when they want what I'm having. It keeps me from overeating and gives them something a bit more healthy than the chicken fingers and fries option on the kids menu.

What are your favorite items on the kids menu?