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Study: Restaurant kids' meals loaded with calories

KFC statement regarding study on restaurant kid's meals

McDonalds's statement regarding study on restaurant kid's meals

Weekly meal planner

Does the calorie count of kid's meals at some restaurants surprise you?

(WHAS11) - We’ve all been there; in need of something fast for dinner. And for many, a fast food restaurant has to do. But, if you’re searching for a healthy kid’s meal at the top restaurant chains, you may find yourself out of luck.

A double cheeseburger, fries and a Coke has over 900 calories.

And chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes has over 430 calories.

That’s one meal and it’s a kids meals.

“We’re seeing too many kids eat too many calories from these restaurants,” says Amy Oetken.

A new report from a nonprofit public health group blasts 13 major fast food chains including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Sonic and McDonald’s for serving kids meals which are too high in calories and fat.

The study found most kids meals were above 430 calories or one third the recommended intake for kids ages 4 - 8.

The report says the restaurants don’t offer enough healthy options and in effect are, “putting obesity on the menu.”

And Amy Oetken, Director of Fit Kids, agrees.

“Age 4 - 8 might need anywhere from 1200-1500 calories. So if you’re looking at a kid’s meal that has 500 or 600 calories, you’re looking at almost half of what they need for the day,” she says.

She explained it by comparing a plate of Crisco - to a burger king “Big Kids” meal.

“Double cheeseburger, fries and 1% chocolate milk: 44 grams of fat. This is 11 teaspoons of fat and 44 grams of fat. A child might only need 55 grams of fat. They’re getting their entire days worth of fat and it’s not the good fat. It’s the artery clogging fat.”

In Burger King’s defense, you can choose chicken strips over a double cheeseburger. We asked several restaurants to respond to the report; KFC and Taco Bell said they have “meal options well below 430 calories.”

McDonald’s says, “Children’s advertising... will feature well balanced choices including a 375 calorie, 4 piece chicken McNuggets Happy Meal.”

And in the restaurants’ defense, kids aren’t driving themselves to fast food restaurants. Parents are. But Amy says there’s an alternative - a plan of action,

“A lot of families take one night out of the week and they plan their meals for the week. So when they get off work, they already know what they’re eating. And if they have soccer practice Thursday night, they already know they’re having leftovers from Wednesday,” she says.

View the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s Report

Ive learned that things that taste really good usually have too many calories

A lot of kids are to fat these days.

Many restaurants are cutting back high calorie meals or have a choice of diet conscious meals.

Seems like everything you eat out is high in fat and not good for you.

The serving sizes of kid's meals are comparable to what adults should be eating...surprised? No! It's my responsibility as a parent to watch what my kids eat...not McDonald's.

Your kids, your choice...just hope that people make the right one when it comes to children. Don't blame the food chains, they are not responsible for the health of your children.

You can order a salad at many fast food places WITH low-fat dressings. Read the menu and nutritional information if you can get it. Grilled chicken is very low in fat if you eat it plain with nothing on it. Restaurants are not to blame. People need to learn how to make better choices for their kids and themselves.

Its fast food. You cannot have healthy food fast, which is why I and the rest of America are obese slobs. Lack of money for your "healthy, rich peoples food".