Nutritionists usually teach people how to have a healthy diet to improve their overall well-being. But when it comes to fast food items like hamburgers and french fries sold at places like McDonald’s, would they let their children eat them? Let’s see what they have to say.
According to a report by The Huffington Post, some parents may worry that giving their children fast food could make them “bad parents” or believe that these foods are “completely unhealthy.” However, nutritionists point out that the issue is not so black and white. In fact, McDonald’s also has its place.
Several nutritionists provided their statements. They all say they would let their children eat at McDonald’s, but it depends on the circumstances, and their views differ.
– Rachel Trotta says she keeps plenty of food at home, cooks most meals herself, and also brings fruits as snacks when going out. However, she believes people shouldn’t be against McDonald’s.
She says, “I know that occasionally consuming fast food (without listening to negative comments) can help us see the issue correctly, rather than exaggerating it.”
She mentions that her 5-year-old daughter has never eaten at McDonald’s, but not because it’s prohibited. She emphasizes that her focus is on helping her daughter establish a healthy relationship with food, such as encouraging her to listen to her body’s signals, like eating when hungry and stopping when full. This has helped her daughter maintain a good state of being.
– Julia Cassidy believes that food is just food and doesn’t need moral judgement. Labeling certain foods as “taboo” or “junk food” may make children feel ashamed, hide their eating habits, or develop an unhealthy relationship with food.
She says her sons sometimes go eat at McDonald’s, and she treats it like any other meal.
McDonald’s meals can also serve many reasonable purposes. For her, it can mean convenience, enjoying food, or a family tradition, like having a chicken nugget meal on the way to watch a game.
– Aliza Marogy says she usually doesn’t take her children to McDonald’s, only in select cases like birthday parties or social gatherings.
She says, “We don’t set restrictions that could lead to unhealthy eating habits as a family but focus on education and choice. Our approach emphasizes teaching about nutrient-rich foods so that he understands what foods best support his growing body and how to choose them.”
However, physical health is not the only consideration when it comes to health factors, as social health is equally essential. For many individuals and cultures, social health also includes specific foods and eating habits.
Marogy says, “Social dining experiences are very valuable for a child’s growth.”
– Heidi McIndoo lets her children eat at McDonald’s primarily for psychological reasons and its impact on children’s health.
McIndoo says, “When you completely ban certain foods for children, you only make those foods more attractive to them. This also fosters a psychological division between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food, leading to dietary health issues as they grow up.”
She refers to McDonald’s meals as “occasional foods to eat” and states that on journeys, it’s often the only choice, thus making it a frequent go-to place.
She says she tries to balance the meal at McDonald’s. For instance, choosing milk as a beverage, apple slices as a side, along with chicken nuggets or a burger.
Additionally, she discusses with her children the types of nutrients they didn’t consume in their meal that day. Then they talk about how to replenish those nutrients later in the day.
– As a mother of three children, Sarah Schlichter believes maintaining flexibility in food choices is crucial.
Schlichter says that while eating at McDonald’s is not an everyday occurrence, it can be a convenient and affordable option for outings while making food fun. “Parents can also choose to add nutrition to children’s meals, like adding fruits or pure fruit juice.”
– Nikki Fata says, “I firmly believe that all foods can integrate into a healthy diet and lifestyle. This means McDonald’s is a popular choice for me and my future children.”
She says, “If you agree with my perspective that McDonald’s can integrate into a healthy diet and lifestyle, that’s great. If you disagree with my perspective, that’s also fine, but don’t let others make you feel ashamed of your dietary choices.”
Marogy adds, “I think the most important thing is helping children establish a positive, insightful relationship with food, a relationship that will benefit them for life and not create pressure or guilt as these can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits during their growth.”