80’s babies remember how popular McDonald’s Happy Meals were back in the day. My mom couldn’t pass those golden arches without me and my brother screaming from the back seat of her Oldsmobile, “Mommy, can we have a Happy Meal.”
You remember the Hamburgerlar, Grimace, and Officer Big Mac – the fry kids. Hands down McDonald’s had the best kids meal commercials. Add the McDonald’s playland to the mix and the company was definitely winning the kids vote for best restaurant in America. As a kid my focus was on the food, but now that I’m a parent, I’m impressed by McDonald’s commitment to community. There are a lot of businesses in urban communities that don’t sow a dime into the well being of the residents. It’s good to see McDoanld’s actually take a stake in the communities they serve.
There’s The Ronald McDonald’s House Charity that offers a comfortable living space for families of children with complex health conditions. The 365 Black Awards celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans. And not to mention the countless jobs created in neighborhoods across the country and scholarships awarded to those in need.
Over the years McDonald’s has lightened up its promotion of the famed Happy Meal – perhaps due to concerns with nutrition. The Government has cracked down on thefood industries use of trans fat and nutrition labeling. It’s with good reason too.
Nearly one and three children in America are over weight or obese. Unfortunately the numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese.
Of course McDonald’s isn’t to blame for all this. I’m all about taking responsibility. As parent’s we decide what we want our children to eat. We can’t let commercials or the tears of kids distract us from making healthy food choices. Let’s also note that exercise is also apart of the obesity problem in America. With the growth of technology – more kids are opting for Playstation 3 over the playground.
I’ve never banned fast food, but I certainly limit how many times my kids eat it monthly. And if we’re pressed for time or just really have the taste for something – we couple our burger with a salad, fruit and water. Small changes often can make a difference.
Thanks to McDonald’s revised menu, our choices are bit easier. My son absolutely loves the McDonald’s yogurts that now come with Happy Meals. Let’s not forget about the apple slices. Fist bump to McDonald’s for modifying the portion control for the kiddies too. If you haven’t noticed, the kid’s meals have less fries in exchange for the fruit and yogurt.
My favorite McDonald’s item is the yogurt parfaits. I’m not big on eating breakfast, so the parfait is just enough to fill me up in the morning. And it’s on the dollar menu. #Winning
We have to remember that we have options when it comes to our food choices. We don’t have to take meals as is at any restaurant. Ask for salad instead of fries, water instead of pop or eat a wrap instead of a burger.
Our kids do as we do, not as we say. If they see us making healthy food choices, they’re more likely to follow us. Let’s be healthy role models for our kids. Our lives depend on it.
How do you encourage your kids to make healthy food choices?
Mommy Making Moves by LaChanel Hemphill 