Michelle Obama reaches out to restaurant industry to help fight childhood obesity

Michelle Obama is reaching out to the Restaurant Industry asking them to join the fight against childhood obesity.

According to her stats, restaurants are responsible for 1/3 of our kids calories.  Yes 1/3.

• Research has shown that kids eat more saturated fat and less fiber and calcium when they eat out.

• The meals they eat at restaurants have twice as many calories as the ones they eat at home.

• One local survey found that 90 percent of those menus includes mac and cheese -- our children's favorite; 80 percent includes chicken fingers; 60 includes burgers or cheeseburgers.

• Some options weigh in at over 1,000 calories, and that's close to the recommended amount that a child should have for the entire day.

She has asked the restaurant industry to do the right thing and create healthy menus for kids. To be creative and find ways to reach out to children and create healthier foods that are low in fat and high in nutrients.

It is hard to eat healthier foods when we see all that rich menu items and kids feel the same way.  The problem is that the more we eat those foods the more we will actually crave them.  And the same for kids.

We all know that it is better to cook at home but sometimes with a busy schedule it is not always practical.  So working with your kids to set limits and help them pick healthier foods is going to be an important goal to help them eat healthier but more importantly, crave healthier foods in the longer run.

We are here to support you with tools and guides to help you get started.

Resources:

Family Restaurant Tips - Food Choices for Kids Healthy Nutrition

Fast Foods Kids- Restaurants with Kids Tips, Healthier Food ...

Read the speech from Michelle Obama to the Restaurant Industry