Healthy Balance for Kids: A Mom's POV on Kids' Meals

My daughter just flexed her adorable kid muscles to show me the “energy” in her arms.
Her favorite breakfast? Oatmeal with almond butter and berries. Favorite snack? Cashews and diced red bell pepper. Favorite family date night meal away from home? A tie between grilled chicken with asparagus (yes, asparagus) and a cheeseburger with fries. Sometimes the cheeseburger wins the coin toss, but our family meal is a win either way. I focus on modeling a healthy, happy, active lifestyle, leaving room for the occasional indulgence. I consider it my responsibility to help my daughter develop her palate by building a strong understanding of the way we use food—as fuel, and occasionally as a reward. If restaurants we visit offer a variety of colorful, flavorful menu items and ingredients, then we can continue to make healthy choices when we dine out or take out.

Here are 3 ways to outsmart the average kids’ menu:

1. If the kids’ meal portion is large but includes a side of fruit, ask your server to bring the fruit out first, as an appetizer.
2. Explore the menu BEYOND kids’ meals. Is there a 55+ menu? You’ll frequently find green veggies and proteins with lighter prep here. Ask if you can order a smaller version of that protein, or substitute the fresh veggies for the kids’ meal default side (usually fries or potato chips).
3. Build a smarter plate. Create a veggie plate, or rethink a sandwich to make it more age-appropriate, like a meat & cheese roll-up. Ask for condiments on the side for dipping.

As a mom, I define value beyond simply the price point—I’m looking at the ROI. I will gladly spend more for high-quality and fresh ingredients, a variety of choices, friendly service, and a memorable overall experience for my family. 22 percent of families say kids’ menu options are the priority when picking a restaurant, and nearly one-third of parents said a lack of variety on kids’ menus would lead to them considering other options (Datassential)

The kid’s marketer in me is thrilled when I see a kids’ menu that acknowledges adventurous palates—smaller portions of adult entrées (including burgers), entrée salads, ethnic flavors and vegetarian options. I’m just as impressed when kids’ activity book content reflects their natural desire to be active. And you know what? Sometimes our little gazelles and cheetahs deserve a burger. When restaurants give us choices, we continue to give them our business.

Meg Ross is a writer, creative, and mom