Kids and Fast Foods- Silly Putty Ingredients Kids Meals

McDonald's is in the news again, this time for an ingredient in Chicken McNuggets. The ingredient happens to be one of the same ingredients in Silly Putty! While experts are reporting it 'probably' poses no health risk it is still alarming, you can read the article here.

This news is also is great reminder to try to cook at home more with whole food ingredients or to choose carefully when ordering for food for your children while 'on the go'.

Avoiding fast food restaurants with kids can be challenge, food is marketed to kids with powerful messages, fun characters, and of course the toy prizes! Recently there was even a lawsuit filed because of the toys in kids Happy Meals. But what can a parent do when their kids are influenced by food marketing?

• Teach kids that it's fun to eat healthy

• Be role model by choosing foods from the food groups in balanced portions and be sure to include lots of fruits and veggies!

• Rather than stopping at your local fast food place, try to eat at home or pack for food in a cooler for busy days

• Try not to make healthy food that food they have to eat in order to get dessert or the 'good stuff"

• Teach your kids to read food labels (and restaurant food label facts when available)

• Order an adult meal and have 2 kids split the meal or take home leftovers( the adult menu often has healthier choices and you can adjust portion size for children by dividing up the meal)
• Choose water for beverages when dining out

Fast Food, Soda and Kids Podcast- Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity interviews Dr David Ludwig Childhood Obesity Expert at Children's Hospital Boston.

Share your thoughts and ideas about kids and fast food.  What has worked for your family to avoid unhealthy fast foods?