Healthier Fast Food for Kids

Fresh fruit and grilled options among healthy choices.

Smarter Choices - Chicken nuggets, fries and sugary drinks are just a few of the unhealthy choices that once dominated kid’s meals at major fast food chains. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, they’ve “lightened up” their kid’s menus— as fast food restaurants are also the main contributors to childhood obesity. According to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, which aims to curb obesity rates across the U.S., African-American children are some of the worst off in the nation, with as many as 40 percent of Black children being overweight or obese. Some good news is that many fast food chains have “lightened up” their kid’s menus. Read on to see more of the healthier side of fast food. —Britt Middleton

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Smarter Choices - Chicken nuggets, fries and sugary drinks are just a few of the unhealthy choices that once dominated kid’s meals at major fast food chains. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, they’ve “lightened up” their kid’s menus— as fast food restaurants are also the main contributors to childhood obesity. According to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, which aims to curb obesity rates across the U.S., African-American children are some of the worst off in the nation, with as many as 40 percent of Black children being overweight or obese. Some good news is that many fast food chains have “lightened up” their kid’s menus. Read on to see more of the healthier side of fast food. —Britt Middleton

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Kid’s Meal - On Jan. 10, Chick-fil-A was the latest fast food chain to offer healthier food choices on their menus. The restaurant introduced its new kid’s meal that includes the choice of grilled chicken nuggets over the traditional fried. A four-piece serving has 80 calories and 1 gram of fat and a six-piece has 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. (Photo: Courtesy of Chick-Fil-A)

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Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Kid’s Meal - On Jan. 10, Chick-fil-A was the latest fast food chain to offer healthier food choices on their menus. The restaurant introduced its new kid’s meal that includes the choice of grilled chicken nuggets over the traditional fried. A four-piece serving has 80 calories and 1 gram of fat and a six-piece has 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. (Photo: Courtesy of Chick-Fil-A)

Subway Fit Fresh for Kids Meal - A black forest ham mini sub with apple slices and 1 percent low-fat milk totals 375 calories and 6 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Subway)

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Subway Fit Fresh for Kids Meal - A black forest ham mini sub with apple slices and 1 percent low-fat milk totals 375 calories and 6 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Subway)

McDonald’s Happy Meal - A happy meal, which includes a single hamburger, a side of apple dippers and 1 percent low-fat milk, has 390 calories and 11 grams of fat. (Photo: Courtesy of McDonald's)

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McDonald’s Happy Meal - A happy meal, which includes a single hamburger, a side of apple dippers and 1 percent low-fat milk, has 390 calories and 11 grams of fat. (Photo: Courtesy of McDonald's)

Burger King Kid’s Meal - In July 2011, Burger King was one of 19 fast food restaurants that joined the Kids Live Well initiative, launched by the National Restaurant Association to provide meals that include more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy. One of the newer menu items includes fresh apple slices, which have only 25 calories and 0 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Burger King)

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Burger King Kid’s Meal - In July 2011, Burger King was one of 19 fast food restaurants that joined the Kids Live Well initiative, launched by the National Restaurant Association to provide meals that include more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy. One of the newer menu items includes fresh apple slices, which have only 25 calories and 0 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Burger King)

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Taco Bell Kid's Meal - One bean burrito from the Taco Bell kid’s menu has 198 calories and only 3 grams of fat, but beware of the crispy cinnamon crisps that are included; they have 170 calories and 7 grams of fat.  (Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell)

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Taco Bell Kid's Meal - One bean burrito from the Taco Bell kid’s menu has 198 calories and only 3 grams of fat, but beware of the crispy cinnamon crisps that are included; they have 170 calories and 7 grams of fat.  (Photo: Courtesy of Taco Bell)

Blimpie Kid’s Tuna Sandwich Meal - A kid’s turkey sandwich meal from Blimpie’s with baked chips and a bottle of water comes in at 320 calories and 5 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Blimpie)

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Blimpie Kid’s Tuna Sandwich Meal - A kid’s turkey sandwich meal from Blimpie’s with baked chips and a bottle of water comes in at 320 calories and 5 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Blimpie)

Panera Bread Kid’s Meal - The peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole-grain bread with a serving of organic apple juice from the kid’s menu at Panera Bread totals 530 calories and 18 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Panera)

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Panera Bread Kid’s Meal - The peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole-grain bread with a serving of organic apple juice from the kid’s menu at Panera Bread totals 530 calories and 18 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Panera)

Quiznos Q Kidz Meal - A Toasty Turkey and Cheese sandwich from Quizno’s kid’s selections has 305 calories and 8 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Quiznos)

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Quiznos Q Kidz Meal - A Toasty Turkey and Cheese sandwich from Quizno’s kid’s selections has 305 calories and 8 grams of fat.(Photo: Courtesy of Quiznos)