Happy Meals now come with disappointment

We love this place. Who doesn't, really? It really is the only fast food place we will eat at. It has been years, years, and years since I have ordered a burger at McDonalds or Burger King. I couldnt even tell you the last time I ate there.



Why do I love Chick-fil-a? Well for one, it's delicious. Also, Connor loves it too...probably more for the play area though. I also like the fact that there's wraps, fruit, and grilled sandwiches. BUT I am not deceived...there is also deep fried chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, french fries, chicken nuggets, among other calorie filled things that taste delicious but arent the best for you. (However one could argue that chicken is better for you than red meat hamburgers...and milkshakes have milk...and if you get a STRAWBERRY milkshake..then you get an extra fruit serving! )



We eat there once and a while. Probably once or twice a month. Usually if I'm out running errands and running short on time. Or as treat for Connor But again, in no means are we fast food junkies. But we do enjoy the occasional trip to Chick-Fil-A.



However, I dont walk into Chick-Fil-A and then pout about my son's kids meal and then act all concerned about the not so healthy food choices in his kids meal bag. Because I know what I am walking into. I am NOT walking into a health food store or a salad bar. I am walking into a fast food restaurant. And Im probably going to order a milkshake.



San Francisco is in the news today. They have passed an ordinance that toys/gifts will no longer be included with food choices. This has been done in order to make these unhealthy kids meals less enticing. New kids meals, if they want to include a toy, must also include vegetables, fruit and multigrains.



While I applaud the idea of such meals, because I myself usually swap Connor's fries for fruit, I have difficulty in understanding the logic in this bill. In order to fight childhood obesity...this is where they want to tackle.....the toy.



It all comes down to choices. And no I dont mean a choice for the child. This is where parent's step in.



Here's a scenario....



Enter Little Johnny and his Mommy driving down the road. Little Johnny spots a McDonalds.

Little Johnny: "Oh Mommy pull over! Let's eat at McDonalds today!" I love their Mcnuggets and Mcburgers and McFries and the McToy that comes in the McHappy Meal!!



Mommy: Oh, Little Johnny, those aren't the best choices for lunch. Let's go home and have lunch at home instead.



Little Johnny: McMommy, pull over the Mccar right now! I Mcneed me some McDonalds! :::Mcwhiiiiinnnnnneeee...Mcscream!!!!::::



Mommy: What's a mommy to do? :::Pulls into the Mcparking lot and throws away her Mcpower::::





OR it could go this way...



Little Johnny: Mommy can we go to McDonalds today?



Mommy: No.



When it comes down to it...your child's food issues are not in their hands. Children do not drive cars. They do not roll down their windows and say "Why yes, I would like fries with that, thank you." They do not biggie size their meals and they do not go to a fast food restaurant 5 times a week.



That's us. That's the parents. WE are ordering the kids meals. We are hitting fast food and calling it "Dinner" several times a week. These are decisions parents are making. And if we are willing to do that, then why are we surprised child obesity is on the rise?



We have to be the parents. And we have to say No to things that are harmful for our children. Not that I'm saying waffle fries are harmful....but waffle fries every day could be. We have to know our limits...because our children don't. We have to teach them what healthy choices are and that fast food is meant to be a treat. And we shouldnt be making our children the excuse of OUR poor choices.



No toys in the kids meals will probably be less enticing for the kids....maybe. However maybe these legislators should figure out how to make the adult, who's driving the car, and ordering the kids meal, less tempted to pull into a Fast Food restaurant in the first place.



(And again...not trying to come across all holier than thou fast food wise, because we do eat fast food from time to time. )

And to assure you that I love Chick-Fil-A

click below...Tim Hawkins video sums up what so many feel...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJHqstPuNo