Nothing can make a child feel better or more
grown up than going out to a restaurant. Not only
does it offer a different venue, but it can also
be a whole lot of fun. However, going out to eat
with your kids doesn't have to be a trip down the
unhealthy lane either.
It is possible for you, as a parent, to take
steps to ensure that your child will eat healthy
and not be filled with sugar, fat, and sodium
when (s)he eats out. Here are a few tips to make
sure that can help your child make healthy food
choices when you go out to eat.
1. Steer clear of kids' menus in restaurants as
much as possible. Over the years, many
restaurants have tried to provide healthier
options for children. However, children's menus
have lagged behind for some reason. Their menus
are usually loaded with fat and calories in foods
such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs, cheeseburgers,
pizza, and french fries. So, it may be better to
skip the kids' menu altogether and order off the
regular menu for everyone.
2. Before you leave home, decide where you will
go. If you have a chance, check the menu for the
particular restaurant online and know what they
have available as healthier versions of what your
kids love to eat. Then talk to your kids about
what is available so that all of you could be on
the same page about what is healthy and what
isn't. This will ensure that everyone has a good
time and there are no arguments at the
restaurant.
3. Take the time to teach your kids some of the
key terms for healthy choices on restaurant
menus. For instance, foods that are grilled,
steamed, garden fresh, broiled, baked, roasted or
poached are usually healthier than foods that are
pan-fried, deep-fried, basted, batter-dipped,
breaded, cheesy, creamy or crispy. It may take
some extra effort at first to familiarize your
kids with these terms. But in time, you'll be
able to help your kids become aware of wiser and
healthier food choices in restaurants.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for modifications
when you get to the restaurant. You could ask for
salsa instead of sour cream or mustard instead of
mayonnaise. This will reduce the fat in meals
that are kid friendly and will still provide a
lot of taste. That way your kids won't complain
when you suggest that they order healthier
versions of their favorite foods.
By following these tips, you could go out to
restaurants and still keep your kids healthy and
happy. And who knows, they may follow your lead
later on when they go out to restaurants
themselves.
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