We recently took the kids to the coast for a night. It was a last-minute decision to stay for the night after a fun day on the beach, and we were all exhausted so it was a good decision. The place we rented was also a deal, but not something we’d rent again (apparently, you get what you pay for). Needless to say, the kids woke early and wanted to get dressed so we could get the heck out of there. So we did.
Sand Castle Day at the Oregon Coast
The remote beach town didn’t have any dining options open that early so we hit the road, hoping to find something before too long. In the next city, which we knew was the only one before the rest of the long drive home, our options were Burger King, McDonald’s or a sketchy old diner that would open in 30 minutes.
We chose McDonald’s.
Each of us had an Egg McMuffin (with no cheese), which is basically an english muffin, egg and Canadian bacon and the kids loved them. We went there over the alternatives because I know that McDonald’s cracks fresh eggs for each order and have no idea what that liquid egg stuff is made of that other fast food places use. The ingredients may not be the quality that I serve at home, but when you’re on the road sometimes you make compromises. Right?
Eating a healthy diet is important to me for my family, and I’m well aware of the quality of nutrients found at fast food. For us, it’s about moderaton. I mentioned a few weeks ago that it’s pretty rare for us to hit the drive-thru and nothing has changed.
We don’t eat ice cream every night (even during the summertime), we don’t have bacon every morning – but we have them both in moderation. I have a diet Coke from time to time, we eat frozen fish filets and use instant oatmeal. But my kids also enjoy kale chips just as much as kettle chips, they’ll snack on grapes and carrots, and love beets as much as I do.
About 90% of my kids’ diet is healthy and clean of artificial ingredients and hormones, and I’d say that’s pretty darn good. So, when we need to hit the drive-thru, or pop a frozen Tofurky pizza in the oven, I don’t worry.
What do you think…can fast food be part of a healthy diet?
2 Comments
It seems like you made a pretty good selection from their menu for your family. When times are challenging and we are on the road, our kids have to be fed…
I think you did the right thing. I don’t feel that demonizing any particular food (or food chain) is a good approach. I’d rather teach my kids (as you are teaching yours) that less-than-perfect foods can be enjoyed in moderation — indeed, they’re a delightful part of life! (I’m thinking here of the ice cream, not so much the McMuffin, but for others it might be the reverse!
) You also taught your kids that it’s OK to be flexible and resourceful and not to freak out if Perfect Food X is not available, another good life lesson.