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| Chicken fingers and fries: 508 calories and 47% of the fat one should consume in a day (based on a 2000 calorie diet). A hot dog and bun alone can have 420 calories. |
Restaurants are working on the path of cheapest and least resistance and acting on the assumption that children will only eat junk food, not recognizing that they are contributing to a health crisis, when they are in a position to make a positive difference, as kids may not be willing to try mom's asparagus, but a chef, who knows a secret or two that mom may not, might be able to turn a child on to something new. I would even be happy if instead of something new, some of the old favorites were reinvented; a baked chicken breast cut into strips would be a healthier option than chicken fingers, while still not taking children out of their comfort zone.
So after I diplomatically made subtle faces over the menu and respectfully pointed out my issues with the menu (remember that the server is not responsible for what the restaurant offers and you are setting an example for your child on treating others with respect), I created a healthy meal in the following ways:1. Send them in full. Before leaving for the restaurant, provide a small, healthy meal so that kids do not need a full meal, thus not putting you at the mercy of a children's menu, but do not give them so much that they will not be interested in a little more food. This allows them to share your meal without mom and dad walking away hungry.
2. Bring it with you. As my son gets older, more people stare as I tote in his dinner and do not order their food, but it has yet to bother me, especially as these unhealthy children's menu items are not cheap. When they offer something healthy, I am always happy to pay for it.
3. Work with your server. Most restaurants have healthy options for adults, like a baked or grilled chicken or fish, so ask if they can substitute one for the fried chicken fingers. Another easy option is to combine ingredients from two locations, such as a basic pasta with cherry tomatoes that are used on a salad. Frequently, restaurants are so embarrassed that their children's menu offers nothing remotely healthy that they will not charge for the change.
4. Order yourself a healthy extra and let them share. If a child needs a full meal and there are no options on the children's menu, instead of paying for an entire entree for them, simply let them share with you, while you order a salad or soup to complete your meal. Also, many restaurants will allow you to rearrange items to accommodate a sharing child, such as using more cucumbers and tomatoes on a salad if your child is not a fan of lettuce. Anytime a child is sharing a meal with you, make sure that they are eating off a separate plate.
5. Make a meal of sides. Many restaurants have healthy options hiding in their side items, so order steamed vegetables and wild rice and let your child have some of your fish. If a child is still hungry, there is always yogurt or fresh fruit at home.
The golden rule is that if a waiter is helpful and kind to your family, tip them well for their service. If they helped to create a meal for a child and did not charge, calculate the tip based upon what the bill would have been with the extra meal. Not only will it make you feel good, but it will help out the next family who sits at their table.
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