Counting calories in kids' meals

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By Arielle Clay aclay@nbcaugusta.com

Ever thought about how many calories are in that kids' meal you order for your child?

Probably too many, that's the bottom line of a new report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The Center studied the nutritional information at 13 major restaurant chains, including Sonic, Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s and Taco Bell.

It found 93% of their kids’ meals exceeded the recommended calorie, fat and sodium allotment for a single children’s meal.

Gloria Couch said her nephew, Benjamin Sharp, is a good eater. She said the six-year-old eats out about two times a week and she doesn't really pay attention to his choices when they're at his favorite restaurant.

“I don't look at it,” she said.

Benjamin is one of many children who are consuming more and more food outside of the home. A fact that is alarming to dietitians.

“There are no home-cooked meals. It's all cheeseburgers, french fries, and chicken nuggets,” said Mary Beth Arnold, University Health dietitian.

“Restaurants should provide that information to consumers, the calories, the fat content,” said Arnold.

Here is a look at calories for some popular restaurants.

Sonic's “Wacky Pack” with a grilled cheese, fries and a slush is 830 calories.

Burger King's “Big Kid's Meal” includes a double cheeseburger, fries and chocolate milk and totals 910 calories.

KFC's “Laptop Meal” adds up to 940 calories. It includes popcorn chicken, baked beans, a biscuit, cookies and fruit punch.

But it's not only calories that can hurt. Many of these options are high in sodium and fat.

“We have to teach our children good nutrition. They don't just turn an adult at age 18 and say I'm going to eat 2 fruit and 3 veggies,” Arnold said.

Many restaurants have added healthier options. Subway's kids' meals came out the best among the chains examined in the report. Only 6 of 18 "Fresh Fit for Kids" meals -- which include a mini-sub, juice box, and one of several healthful side items such as apple slices, raisins or yogurt -- exceed the 430-calorie threshold. But Subway is the only chain that doesn't offer soft drinks with kids' meals, which helped lower the calorie count.

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 6:49 PM kenneth williams wrote ...

excellent overview ms. clay

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 6:20 AM Alex Baran wrote ...

Taking your kids to the fast food will have a lot of negative influence in their life. It's not only old people who have heart – strikes but you must take in consideration that the veins clog while they are young. I read about the serious consequences serving such a meal to kids has at http://www.projectweightloss.com and I was impressed! Parents should think twice before taking their children to a fast food restaurant as tasty the food may be.

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