Eating Out with Kids

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, I'll be sharing some healthy eating posts through the rest of this month. Let's start with a look at eating out with kids.

We parents all battle the temptation of settling for an unhealthy fast food meal when pressed for time and dining out. But whether it’s part of your busy lifestyle or a special treat for the family, eating out at restaurants with your kids can be both a healthy and pleasant experience. Jennifer Whitlock, Clinical Nutrition manager for Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital and Jewish Convalescent Nursing Home offers the following tips for healthy dining out experiences:

• Choose a restaurant that caters to children with healthier children’s menus
• Order your kids plain foods and keep the sauce on the side
• Substitute healthier sides dishes, such as carrots or apple slices, for fried foods like french fries
• Choose two or three suitable menu items, then let your child pick one; let the child place the order if he or she wants.
• Let kids order familiar favorites when they eat out. For new foods, offer a bite or two from your plate