A Delicious World of Food

It’s just a phase, just a phase, JUST A PHASE… Any parents out there ever muttered that as their mantra?  I seem to do it quite often.  Unfortunately, in talking to other parents, it sounds like there are some things my daughter may never grow out of, like preferring a lopsided and particularly unhealthy meal.  Last night it was Goldfish crackers for dinner… just Goldfish crackers.  Needless to say, that wasn’t an option.

So what happens when we go out to a restaurant and can’t find something that she’ll eat and I won’t feel guilty about letting her eat?  It really puts a damper on the outing, either because I’m feeling like a horrible parent or she’s screaming and we have to leave.  If you’re a parent, you understand, and if you’re not, this may offer some insight.

Luckily, the tide seems to be turning when it comes to kids’ menus.  Yes, they still have the cheeseburger and fries, pizza, and mac and cheese, but more restaurants are getting a little creative with healthier side dishes and entrées that we can feel good about.  Friendly’s, for example, completely revamped their kids’ menu to offer plenty of options that can make dining out more family-friendly.  Can you say 1% milk and carrot and celery sticks to pair with the favorite mac and cheese or cheeseburger?

While it is still all about the compromise, every little thing that restaurants do helps make dining out with kids easier!

How do you balance the nutrition your kids need with the fun foods they love at restaurants?

Summer is in full swing, and that means Americans will be hitting the road for weekend getaways and “vacations” with the relatives.  While we often let our hair down during the summer months, there’s also the constant reminder that it’s “bikini season!”  Our best intentions to eat well are often challenged when eating out.  That [...]

Boomer Corner
Along with several Healthy Dining team members, I had the enviable opportunity of attending the National Restaurant Association’s annual show in Chicago this week. WOW! For anybody who loves food and the excitement of the big city, this experience is unbeatable. As exhibitors, we had the opportunity to introduce Healthy Dining [...]

Boomer Corner
Although it kills fewer people than heart disease, cancer packs an emotional punch like no other disease. But did you know that numerous studies have identified an association between being overweight/obesity and cancer? At least six kinds of cancer – esophagus, pancreas, kidney, gallbladder, breast, and colon – are thought [...]