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Goobster
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by Goobster
I think fast food gets a bad rap, but there are plenty of other foods that are just as bad. Eating at any restaurant probably rivals fast food in a fat and calorie content. Even some home cooks cook just as equally fattening/caloric meals as McDonald's cooks up. Any other frozen items you might pick up (such as certain pkgs of chicken nuggets or pizza bites, etc) and buy, as well, are up there with McDonalds too.
I believe there is nothing wrong with everything in moderation.
I was just thinking this myself - what is really the difference between chicken nuggets and fries from a fast food restaurant or chicken fingers and fries from a diner or Friendly's, or someplace like that. Even grilled cheese at one of those places is terrible for you.
Exactly, or if you have a mom who cooks like Paula Deen (or you cook like Paula Deen, love that woman btw!) then nothing is really that different from McDonalds froma fat and calorie standpoint.
To me, part of life is about enjoying food. Maybe it's b/c that's how I grew up, but I plan to raise my kids the same way. And yes, as kids, we were out constantly playing with our friends. I barely even saw any tv or movies and still don't watch them too much.
And I have never been overweight my entire life. It's all about moderation (which I have always done, since I am 12 I even recall). That's the key with anything. Let's face it, what is bad for us is usually what tastes the best. I believe that's perfectly fine as long as it's not what you eat everyday.
Message edited 6/9/2008 11:41:19 AM.
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Posted 6/9/08 11:40 AM  |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
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Beth
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by Goobster
I think fast food gets a bad rap, but there are plenty of other foods that are just as bad. Eating at any restaurant probably rivals fast food in a fat and calorie content. Even some home cooks cook just as equally fattening/caloric meals as McDonald's cooks up. Any other frozen items you might pick up (such as certain pkgs of chicken nuggets or pizza bites, etc) and buy, as well, are up there with McDonalds too.
I believe there is nothing wrong with everything in moderation.
I was just thinking this myself - what is really the difference between chicken nuggets and fries from a fast food restaurant or chicken fingers and fries from a diner or Friendly's, or someplace like that. Even grilled cheese at one of those places is terrible for you.
Agreed - and that's my point really. Fast Food is definitely not the sole culprit. The problem is that virtually 90% of the food out there, whether at a diner, a chain restaurant, a fast food restaurant or at your local supermarket, is processed, and contains an inordinate amount of fructose/sugar. So, cutting back on fast food is not the only way to ensure your kids will grow up healthy.
We read EVERY label. We order most of our produce through a local cooperative, organic farm. We don't buy meat. We don't buy many processed items - our snacks consist of veggies, fruit, sometimes lowfat cottage cheese and cheese. Our lunches and dinners are homeade, without all the starchy, white carbs. And on the rare occasion that we DO eat out, we choose the healthier items on the menu, like sauteed fish with fresh veggies.
Moderation is definitely key - we treat ourselves once in a while, but it's just that, once in a while.
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:41 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by Goobster
I think fast food gets a bad rap, but there are plenty of other foods that are just as bad. Eating at any restaurant probably rivals fast food in a fat and calorie content. Even some home cooks cook just as equally fattening/caloric meals as McDonald's cooks up. Any other frozen items you might pick up (such as certain pkgs of chicken nuggets or pizza bites, etc) and buy, as well, are up there with McDonalds too.
I believe there is nothing wrong with everything in moderation.
I was just thinking this myself - what is really the difference between chicken nuggets and fries from a fast food restaurant or chicken fingers and fries from a diner or Friendly's, or someplace like that. Even grilled cheese at one of those places is terrible for you.
It's true, I wonder if those who really shun fast food also shun diners and regular restaurants for the same reasons? Asking a serious question.
You are so right! The grilled cheese in a diner tastes so much better than MY OWN, wonder why that could be?  
Message edited 6/9/2008 11:49:34 AM.
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:43 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I agree with Beth & racheee.
Everything in moderation & it's a combination of factors.
I wouldn't let my kids roam around the block on their own (aged 4 & 6), but I remember riding my bike all over our block when I was 6, climbing trees, etc.
eta. I think as a society we are so much more focused on technology that we barely move. We have remote controls for everything, we sit in front to the computer for hours. The children take after the parents.
Message edited 6/9/2008 11:49:48 AM.
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:47 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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:)
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by nrthshgrl
I wouldn't let my kids roam around the block on their own (aged 4 & 6), but I remember riding my bike all over our block when I was 6, climbing trees, etc.
Same here!
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:49 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by Goobster
It's true, I wonder if those who really shun fast food also shun diners and regular restaurants for the same reasons? Asking a serious question.
Diners and chain restaurants, yes, we avoid them, but mostly because there aren't too many vegetarian items there. We eat out at local restaurants, probably 2 times a week, and we just pick the healthier options. We even eat chinese food every Friday, but our usual order consists of steamed veggie dumplings, vegetarian wonton soup and steamed veggies with tofu, with the sauce on the side  And my kid loves to gobble up the "toefood", as she refers to it 
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:56 AM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
My girls have had their fair share of MickeyDs...DS, all of 9 months old, has had chicken nuggets on more than one occassion....
with that said....
Im a firm believer in getting back to basics and sending kids outside to play..enough of the video gaming...get them off the computer...throw on the sprinkler and lock the doors...
Im fortunate to live on the end of a quiet dead end. My girls ride their bikes, play ball in the road, and pool hop from neighbors to neighbors...Im famous for the sign on my door that states..."BEWARE to those who enter! You will be expected to CLEAN" Seriously they leave in the morning. Come back around lunch time and unless they are looking for ice cream man money I dont see them again until dinner.
Fast food isnt the culprit...it's the lifestyle change...
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:58 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by Goobster
It's true, I wonder if those who really shun fast food also shun diners and regular restaurants for the same reasons? Asking a serious question.
Diners and chain restaurants, yes, we avoid them, but mostly because there aren't too many vegetarian items there. We eat out at local restaurants, probably 2 times a week, and we just pick the healthier options. We even eat chinese food every Friday, but our usual order consists of steamed veggie dumplings, vegetarian wonton soup and steamed veggies with tofu, with the sauce on the side And my kid loves to gobble up the "toefood", as she refers to it
Ok, that makes sense then! I just wonder if some people say "Ill, McDonald's, no way" but then go get chicken fingers and fries for their kids at a diner or from the frozen food section anyway? That is what I was wondering.
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| Posted 6/9/08 11:59 AM |
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ArmyOfBabies
Growing older but not up
Member since 7/07 4427 total posts
Name:
Jeri
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by Goobster
It's true, I wonder if those who really shun fast food also shun diners and regular restaurants for the same reasons? Asking a serious question.
You are so right! The grilled cheese in a diner tastes so much better than MY OWN, wonder why that could be?
I don't "shun" fast food, diners or restaurants but in all honesty, but I view them the same. I go out to eat with my girlfriends like 4 or 5 times a year to celebrate birthdays. DH and I barely ever get fast food. I look up the nutrition info on all these places and it's scary.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:00 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I cook from scratch at home almost everything.
you will not see frozen pre made or even pre mixed foods in my freezer. we don't use many pre made marinades or dressings.
we DO drink soda. I love coffee. there has to be some kind of balance.
If my child wants a burger and fries, I'd rather they get a taste for the home cooked version first. you'd be surprised how much developing a palate can influence what a child craves.
I understand the allure of fast food places, and quite honestly, I'd rather them have a happy meal from mickey 'ds than a "sit down mea" from TGIF's.
I agree that people need to start looking at ingredients lists on their favorite foods more often. SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR is so often an ingredient that is leading to obesity...
fat is not necessarily the enemy. I am more cautious about sugar intake and overall calorie intake than I am about fat.
thankfully my husband won't stand for highly processed meals in our home...and I can't bring myself to serve them....but we don't have kids yet.
for our nieces and nephews, I refuse to serve them processed foods b/c their parents do. they will NEVER be taken to a fast food joint while they are with me. but they actually LOVE my cooking, and prefer to cook with me at home, chopping veggies, learning how to actually prepare food, than they do rolling up to the drive through to get a fried burger and indestructible french fries.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:05 PM |
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sticklee
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 2984 total posts
Name:
Stick
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
i just don't think fast food should be used as a reward
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:05 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by sticklee
i just don't think fast food should be used as a reward
this is 100% true. NO food should be used as a reward. not even an apple LOL b/c it sets a pattern of behavior.
parents need to ENGAGE their children in everything. instead of plopping them in front of the tv while they cook/clean whatever...INVOLVE them.
my nieces are over our house every day (my MIL takes care of them) and they are with me from the time I get home until the time we leave...cooking, coloring, cleaning what have you.
the only time we watch TV is to watch soccer (HA) or INFORMATIVE tv....such as How Clean Is YOur House and You are What You Eat.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:13 PM |
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ArmyOfBabies
Growing older but not up
Member since 7/07 4427 total posts
Name:
Jeri
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by Ophelia
I cook from scratch at home almost everything.
you will not see frozen pre made or even pre mixed foods in my freezer. we don't use many pre made marinades or dressings.
we DO drink soda. I love coffee. there has to be some kind of balance.
If my child wants a burger and fries, I'd rather they get a taste for the home cooked version first. you'd be surprised how much developing a palate can influence what a child craves.
I understand the allure of fast food places, and quite honestly, I'd rather them have a happy meal from mickey 'ds than a "sit down mea" from TGIF's.
I agree that people need to start looking at ingredients lists on their favorite foods more often. SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR is so often an ingredient that is leading to obesity...
fat is not necessarily the enemy. I am more cautious about sugar intake and overall calorie intake than I am about fat.
thankfully my husband won't stand for highly processed meals in our home...and I can't bring myself to serve them....but we don't have kids yet.
for our nieces and nephews, I refuse to serve them processed foods b/c their parents do. they will NEVER be taken to a fast food joint while they are with me. but they actually LOVE my cooking, and prefer to cook with me at home, chopping veggies, learning how to actually prepare food, than they do rolling up to the drive through to get a fried burger and indestructible french fries.
I feel the same way!
I've been chubby since after HS and my mom almost never took us to get fast food and forget restaurants. Unfortunately, it's in my genes to be chubby, so I really want to be careful with DD and any other future children and show them that home cooking with fresh ingredients tastes better and is better for you than fast food.
My sister is the same way with her four boys, and they'd rather have me cook them something than have me take them to the drive-thru.
ETA: Spelling
Message edited 6/9/2008 12:14:52 PM.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:14 PM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
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Baby Momma
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by baghag
I don't think the problem is just that fast food is junk, it's also the frequency that people eat it, and the portion sizes that have increased dramatically over the years.
I read in the Times a while ago that kids eat fast food twice a day- not twice a month. When fast food places got started, a regular meal was the size of today's kid's meals. 
Seems to be a combination of things instead of any one cause.
So true. They didn't have biggie size fries when i was a kid!
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:18 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I dont think its bad in moderation but I also think you have to know your child. If my dd weighed 80 pounds at a yr and a half like I saw on Dr Phil last week and I could put down on her food list...MC'd's then thats my own fault.
Yes, my dd will eat a cheeseburger from time to time but she also sits in front of the tv with a bowl of peas/corn/ or carrots. I balance out her nutrition very well.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:24 PM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
First I will admit that I am not a parent...yet.
I can tell you what has been instilled in me since I was younger and what DH and I view as potential parents to be.
When I was younger my parents rarely took us to fast food places. Not to say we were not allowed junk food at all, but my father hated McDonalds and Burger King w/ a passion. When I was a teenager, if I would request it and beg, he would sometimes get it for me. My sister and I were active participants in gymnastics and track, as well as we rarely sat in front of the TV for extended periods of time and freq played outside. I could tell you, the more I ate that crap, the more weight I gained. I stopped eating that stuff except once a year and I lost weight.
We have stroke, diabetes, obesity, and HTN in my family. DH has obesity and cardiovascular diseases in his family. I see a lot of harm in giving that to my kids, even once in a while since it's still highly preserved, high in fat and calories, fried, high in sodium, and not the best quality of food. IMO, no one needs it and studies have show LT health problems associated w/ eating that food on a regular basis. I concede that today's kids are not getting enough exercise, but even an increase in exercise does not necessarily negate the harmful affects of poor diet...they go hand in hand. We also believe that if we teach our children young to begin making better food choices, the better their chances of adopting a healthy lifestyle when the choice is in their hands. I want to go on to say that these are MY views, and I am not trying to convince anyone to think like me. I would just encourage others to do research on the effect FF has on health. I am not a parent yet, and I do understand the craziness that comes along w/ kids (I have numerous close friends who have them, and a sister who is a mom too). DH and I have to decided to just to try to make the time to prepare even simple meals that have more nutritional value, afterall we need to eat too (and I can not eat that stuff anymore), as well as enroll our kids in a sport of their choosing.
Message edited 6/9/2008 12:52:46 PM.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:36 PM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by SweetTooth
I was talking to my mom the other day and she told me that when me and my brother were kids she used to take us to McDonalds pretty often - like a few times a month - maybe once a week, she couldn't remember specifically. I was in shock because of all the negativity associated with fast food (rightfully so). She was actually surprised herself at how often we went because she never goes now that we are grown, but she said it was our special lunch when we were kids. We also had soda pretty often as kids, and my mom always had snack foods in the house we would eat when we came home from school.
Now my thought is this - my brother and I were both skinny little things and both of us are very healthy now as adults, so obviously eating McDonalds as kids didn't hurt us. So to blame fast food for the health problems of kids today is to give blame to a very small part of the problem.
After we came home from McDonalds we were running around outside or riding our bikes, or some other kind of activity. This leads me to believe that the fact that kids are not getting enough physical activity is more of a problem than the foods they are eating.
Am I alone in this? I don't see evil in letting kids eat chicken nuggets a few times a month if they are running and playing when they are home - not sitting in front of the tv or playing video games.
Sometimes I lurk on the parenting board and a majority of the moms shun fast food, soda, and all that as the devil itself, which makes me wonder if my mom was a "bad" mom for letting us eat "bad" stuff. But the fact that me and my brother are so happy and healthy now (and were as kids too) makes me know that this is nowhere near the truth.
my sisters and i were raised the exact same way - we had mcdonalds about 1x a week, usually as a treat after our ballet or gymnastics class.
i have never really had a weight problem, my sisters have struggled though... but i think that's because we love food and have no self control - there is no way i'd ever think to blame the fast food companies.
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| Posted 6/9/08 12:57 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I totally agree with restaurant and diners being just as bad as fast food.
I got hit in the face with a huge dose of reality last month.
I was making turkey burgers...ran out of buns...called DH at work(runs a steakhouse) and asked him to bring home 2 buns.
Seriously, you can fit 2 homemade burgers on one restaurant sized bun. I never realized the size difference.
We could eat for free every night from different restaurants, but I make almost everything fresh.
The number of ingredients on packages is CRAZY. Pancakes and waffles from scratch vs. the mix or frozen is out of hand.
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| Posted 6/9/08 1:01 PM |
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I agree with you, Lauren. McDonald's and other fast food establishments are not to blame for child obesity and health problems. Growing up we would always eat a sit-down dinner as a family and then, like you, go out to play and remained very active. Eating out at a fast food place was usually if we were out at the mall and was mainly for convenience than anything else. It was a treat for us, but we still ate our veggies at home.
Now I'm not a mother but I do have a step-daughter and I have to say I'm so happy that they have healthy options for kids these days. Almost always she orders chicken nuggets and those apple dippers, or if we're at Wendy's she'll ask for a side salad, and milk instead of soda. She often doesn't even want the free ice cream that comes with a happy meal!! We don't eat out frequently, again it's more for convenience if we're running errands, but she's a healthy girl and we're not "worried" about fast food when it's in moderation. Now, to get that for your child every day especially before they've developed good eating habits and if they aren't active, that's a problem.
I don't think your mom was a bad mom, mine wasn't either; they've both raised grown children who are successful. I think every parent does what's best for them and THEIR child(ren), it isn't fair to make comparisons, especially across generations. 
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| Posted 6/9/08 1:32 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by racheeeee
Everything in moderation...
Definately! We rarely have fast food but DD has had some in her time- a few fries and a bite of burger or breakfast sandwhich. She also has had lollipops, ice pops and other items with sugar in it. But NOT all the time or on a regular basis!
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| Posted 6/9/08 2:16 PM |
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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
I cook from scratch every single night also, we don't buy any ready meals, processed food, and we eat really good food...361 days a year.
But you know what...every few months I get that craving for a Big Mac. And once or twice my son has been with me. Lets not condemn these children who have a cheeseburger three or four times a year to childhood obesity.
At the end of the day, we all make our choices, and hey, I would get knocked down by a bus tomorrow crossing the street (I never remember which way to look...)
And as Janice said, Many a person who has had a MaccyD's has gone on to live a happy and successful life.
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| Posted 6/9/08 3:08 PM |
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CunningOne
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Re: Fast Food and Kids
Posted by SweetTooth
This leads me to believe that the fact that kids are not getting enough physical activity is more of a problem than the foods they are eating.
Am I alone in this? I don't see evil in letting kids eat chicken nuggets a few times a month if they are running and playing when they are home - not sitting in front of the tv or playing video games.
Sometimes I lurk on the parenting board and a majority of the moms shun fast food, soda, and all that as the devil itself, which makes me wonder if my mom was a "bad" mom for letting us eat "bad" stuff. But the fact that me and my brother are so happy and healthy now (and were as kids too) makes me know that this is nowhere near the truth.
I certainly don't shun FF for my kids! They've had their fair share of Happy Meals  But ITA with you. The lack of physical activity is certainly a problem! Way too much TV and video games can have such a huge effect!
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| Posted 6/9/08 3:13 PM |
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