You’ve read our Picky Eating blog, and that’s great and all, but you’re starting to hit a wall. Parenting life is getting hectic, and time is becoming a rare commodity. Making dinner every single night feels more aspirational than realistic, and often, throwing caution to the wind and getting dinner at a fast food restaurant is a more convenient option. It’s fast and easy. It makes your busy day at least one groan lighter.
“But at what cost?” you ask yourself. “At what cost?”
Stop that. You’re not a bad parent because you’re trying to make your life easier. Hold your head up high and blot out the judgmental onlookers. Your kids will happily deem you parent of the year for taking them to McDonald’s. And maybe, that’s all that matters.
We’ve gathered the healthiest options on the menu from popular fast food chains, and compiled them for you and your kids. You and your family can grub out all you want, and not feel totally bad about it.
McDonald’s:
- Hamburger – 250 calories
- Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap – 270 calories
- Chicken McNuggets (6pc) – 280 calories
- Filet-O-Fish – 380 calories
Burger King:
- Four-piece Chicken Nugget with Apple Slices and Fat-Free Milk – 310 calories
- Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich – 380 calories with mayo, 290 calories without
- Tendergrill Chicken Garden Salad – 220 calories
- With both Burger King and McDonald’s, the smaller the better. Luckily with a lot of kids’ menu options, there is an option to substitute fries and onion rings with apple slices! Also, to curb any calories, you can always remove mayo and cheese. And while it’s unrealistic that your kids will be willing to down a salad, you can always order a hamburger, and have them add the salad into the burger (just call it a fun burger-building activity, and they might be thrilled).
Chick-Fil-A:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – 320 calories
- Hailed by health experts as one of the best sandwiches around, the grilled chicken sandwich is made with natural ingredients (whole spelt flour, red bell peppers, and fruit juices), and is a perfect option for the kids!
- Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets – 140 calories
- Multigrain Oatmeal – 290 calories
Wendy’s:
- Chili and Fries – 390 calories
- While it might seem that you’re upping the calorie count with this order, you and your kids are getting 7 grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein, and less than 5 grams of saturated fat. Consider this one a done deal!
- Junior Hamburger and Side Salad – 460 calories
- Ultimate Chicken Grill – 370 calories
Taco Bell:
Don’t let the Cinnamon Delights or the Doritos Taco Shell fool you. Make no mistake, Taco Bell is one of the healthiest fast food chains in the nation. With as many healthy food options as there are unhealthy, Taco Bell has a veritable platter of items to choose from.
- Fresco Crunchy Taco – 140 calories
- Gordita Supreme (Chicken or Steak) – 275 calories
- Chicken Soft Taco – 170 calories
- Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Taco – 160 calories
- Grilled Steak Soft Taco – 260 calories
If you’re still caught in the throes of an existential crisis, take a moment to breathe. You’re a great parent. You can stave off the broccoli for another day. Go ahead and shield your eyes from the accusers, and have a fast food family dinner in style. Your kids would want it that way!
Fast food with no prep time? Excellent. We’re all about convenience and accommodating busy schedules. That’s why with the McGruff Safe Kit, you can personally store your child’s information all in one place in case of an emergency! Store their hair, DNA samples, fingerprints, and description. Now that’s safety at a fast, convenient price.
