Happy (Fatty) Meals

I have know for some time that the so called ‘happy’ meals from the various fastfood restaurants were calorie/saturated fat laden. Another report (see article from Washington Post below this post)  has lend further credence to the argument that kids should be discouraged to consume fastfood at too young an age. However, it seems a large number of Singaporeans parents are blissfully ignorant of this. I know as I saw way too many parents, together with their toddlers, stuffing/gobbling fries into their mouths at a particular fastfood chain while I was at Causeway Point last weekend.

I am going to be a really unpopular dad as I am already seeing myself delaying the introduction of fastfood to my kid’s (future) life as long as possible. He/she can indulge in such pleasures once he/she understands the health hazards posed by the consumption of such ‘junk’ food. As the saying goes, ‘everything in moderation’, for discerning adults like myself, such indulgence is allowed, but only to a once a month basis. However, ‘up-sizing’ is a no-no for me.

 

Unhappy News on Happy Meal Nutrition

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Unhappy News on Happy Meal Nutrition

· Most kids’ meals at top restaurant chains have way too many calories to be healthy, according to a report released yesterday.

Nearly every possible combination of the children’s meals at KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic and Chick-fil-A are too fattening, the report on meals at 13 major restaurants found.

The average 8-year-old should eat about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day, or about 430 calories a meal. But 93 percent of the meals at the chains had more calories than that. Instead of fried and fatty foods, restaurants should offer more choices that include fruits and whole grains, the report said.

Although some chains including McDonald’s offer apple slices as a substitute for french fries, the Center for Science in the Public Interest said many restaurants make it hard for kids and their parents to make healthy choices. Subway fared best, with 12 of its 18 kids’ meals having fewer than 430 calories, although that’s in part because Subway meals don’t include beverages.