Kids eat healthier when fast-food menus count calories

Fast-food chains have spruced up their menus in recent years to include healthier fare. But most still need to make room for another menu item: calorie counts. A new study suggests that when menus display calorie info, fast-food patrons make healthier choices—at least for their kids.

The study included 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-old children, who reported eating fast-food on occasion. Researchers presented them with sample McDonald's menus that included current prices and pictures of the items. Half were given menus that showed calorie information, and the other half had menus with no calorie info. The parents were then asked which items they would select for themselves and their children.

Strikingly, parents who viewed the calorie info selected meals for their kids with 102 fewer calories, on average, than parents not shown the calorie content. This amounted to an overall calorie reduction of around 20 percent. But the calorie info didn't sway parents when it came to their own meals. They chose to dine on items with around the same number of calories regardless of whether they viewed the calorie content. (As a parent, I didn't find this too surprising, as I often yield to temptation while holding my kids to a higher dietary standard: "Let's see, a side of fruit for the kids—and fries for me." But I digress...)

This study comes at a time when more state and local governments are mandating that nutritional information be readily available at chain restaurants. And this means making these details clearly visible when someone orders, not tucked away in a brochure or on an out-of-the-way placard. Currently, more than 30 localities and states are considering such policies, and four have already implemented them. If you're wondering what's going on in your area, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has details, including a map of menu-labeling policies across the country.

What you need to know. This study suggests that listing calories on menus could lead to healthier fast-food dining for kids. But unfortunately most fast-food menus don't yet include this info (unless you live in an area that mandates this).

So what's a parent to do? It takes a bit of effort, but you can often find calorie details online. Or you might locate a brochure, leaflet, or poster at the restaurant. You can also follow these tips on eating well while eating out, provided by the study's sponsor, the Seattle Children's Research Institute.

• Eat at restaurants less often. Studies show that people consume almost double the calories when they eat out. They also consume more saturated fat and less fiber and calcium.
• Model healthy ordering—your children will learn from you.
• Choose the smallest portions available.
• For side dishes, choose salads, vegetables, apple slices, mixed fruit, and yogurt. Avoid french fries, other fried items, and sugary items.
• For beverages, choose water, low-fat milk or 100 percent fruit juice. Avoid sodas, shakes, or blended drinks.
• Load up on veggies. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pickles, and salsa add a lot of flavor, crunch, and fiber, but not many calories.
• Avoid deep-fried or breaded items. Choose grilled items instead.
• Avoid add-ons, such as extra cheeses, meats, bacon, butter, and toppings. The extra calories add up fast.
• Avoid sauces, breads/buns/tortillas, and desserts. If you do have sauces, ask for these on the side. If you have a bun, you might eat only part of it.
• Moderation is key. If your family eats out for a meal, try to eat extra healthy the rest of the day.

—Sophie Ramsey, patient editor, BMJ Group

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