Unfortunately, kids have a tendency to eat fast foods instead of things they should.
As parents know, kids like visiting fast food chains.These restaurants expend a great deal of their marketing funds trying to keep the kids coming. From toys, games and movie related memorablilia targeting children, there's a lot more than just selling food at the center of fast food's efforts to market to kids. Kids can exert a significant about of pressure on parents to visit a fast food restaurant that has the latest movie-inspired toy.
State and Local Restrictions/Ordinances
Some cities, San Francisco is a high-profile example, have taken steps to stop fast food chains from giving out toys with every child's meal. This shows that speaking out and letting your voice be heard by your elected representatives can have an impact. However, do it in an organized way if you want them to take you seriously. Circulate a petition in your city asking for the elimination of toys in meals. Get as many resident to sign as you can. Then present your proposition at the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen or city council.
Educating Your Kids
Educating your children about healthy foods is an important first step in controlling visits to fast food restaurants. You can also explain to your children that if they choose to visit a restaurant, they should try to make healthy choices. For example, instead of choosing a standard greasy cheeseburger with a soda and fries, ask them to consider the grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo, whatever fruit is available and a low-fat milk or juice.
Pack Healthy Meals
Pack healthy lunches and snacks for your kids. This can at least guarantee they have good food choices, even if they choose something else. Along with a nutritious lunch you make yourself, add healthy snacks such as granola bars and bags of dried fruit to you child's backpack. By providing them with plenty of good things, you can reduce the chance they will resort to junk food.
Homemade Food Fun
One of the best ways to keep your kids eating right and making good food choices is to have "special" meals at home. In this, each time your children eat healthy snacks instead of unhealthy ones, or select reasonable portion sizes instead of mountains of food, reward them with toy points. When they accumulate enough points, they can then use them to buy a real toy rather than settling for a cheap mini-toy.
Tags: fast food, your children, fast food chains, food chains, food choices, good food