Researchers examined hundreds of fast food meals sold to children at 477 restaurants in metropolitan Houston. Over 65% of these meals contained too much fat, 75% did not have enough calcium, and 82% did not contain enough Vitamin A to meet federal standards.
These results are troublesome because one in every four children 4 to 8 years old eats fast food every day, according to nutritionist Sharon Hoerr, co-author of the study, which is the first to examine the nutritional content of children's fast food meals.
Hoerr suggests that parents skip dipping sauces and other condiments because of their high sugar content, and choose fruit and milk as side dishes and beverage. These choices increase nutritional values considerably.
Fast food companies are not required by law to serve foods that meet federal guidelines for nutrition.
Posted By: Aspen Education Group