Welcome to Moms Talk, a feature here on Suisun City Patch dedicated to reaching moms and families. We invite you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support here in Suisun City. Additionally, you will have opportunity to ask questions or offer answers on issues and hot topics that concern you.
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from your Moms Council:
My children are 3, 8 and 10 and I am trying to get them to eat better. The problem is they love McDonald’s. I sometimes give in, though I feel guilty about it later. Even though they’ve started posting the amount of calories in each meal and offered lower calorie alternatives like apples and milk, I just feel uneasy about taking them there. Should I just stop taking them there altogether, or am I doing the right thing in letting them eat there, but changing their meals to healthier ones?
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My answer: If you are trying to break your children of bad eating habits, taking them to McDonald’s is a bit counterproductive. You might be able to help them understand the importance of choosing a well balanced meal, but they are still in an environment that has a lot of temptation. There is also an instant gratification element at fast food restaurants that can make it even easier for children to make bad eating decisions. If your goal is to teach them how to make the better choice, why not have “McDonald’s Night” at the house, where you make little happy meals for the kids in your own kitchen? It’s fun, original, and best of all you know what is going into the meat.
With that being said, staying totally away from fast food restaurants can be difficult. I am not saying you should beat yourself up for not going cold turkey. Pat yourself on the back for making moves in the right direction, and stay the course!
