Fries vs. Fruit: Helping Students Make Better Fast Food Choices

The Prevalence of Fast Food in Diets

While some fast food restaurants have introduced healthier kids’ meal options, many restaurants continue to provide high-calorie, nutritionally poor menu options that have harmful effects on students’ diets.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” -Jim Rohn

Today’s children and youth are hooked on fast food. According to the latest Fast Food FACTS, 33% of children and 41% of teens consume fast food every day. While some fast food restaurants have introduced healthier kids’ meal options, many restaurants continue to provide high-calorie, nutritionally poor menu options that have harmful effects on students’ diets.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has some tips that students – and adults – can follow for better fast-food choices. Share the following tips with the families in your program to promote healthier food options:

• For a healthier main course, order baked, broiled or grilled chicken.
• Avoid sandwiches with fried or breaded chicken.
• Ask for a whole-wheat bun or bread, which often has more fiber than white. Also, pack your sandwich with tomato, lettuce and onion to get more vegetables into your diet.
• Pass on sides such as fries or onion rings for a healthier alternative, like a side salad or fruit.
• Skip that carbonated soda for water, juice or milk.

For more on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and ideas for promoting health and wellness in your program, go to http://www.healthiergeneration.org.