The McDonald’s Conundrum: Do You Do Fast Food?
I'm (not) lovin' it.
It should probably come as no surprise that I’m not a fast-food fan. I used to love it, as a child, and even into my twenties, but no more. The few times I’ve had it, post age 30 or so, it didn’t sit right, in more ways than one. So, me and McDonald’s (or BK or Wendy’s…)? Not so much. Especially after I read author Erik Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation, and saw Morgan Spurlock’s brilliant and nausea-inducing documentary Super Size Me, which details (horrifyingly) his 30-day experiment of eating nothing but fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
My problem with fast food is that it’s changed from being an occasional treat, a fun but unhealthy island in a sea of good eating, to a commonplace part of many American children’s weekly, or even daily, diet. I sort of knew this, just by noting the sheer number of Happy Meal toys that turn up in the preschool treasure box and in friends’ and relatives’ toyboxes, and the sheer number of cars clogging the parking lot and snaking away from the drive-throughs of every fast food joint I pass. But I wanted a little more empirical evidence.
How about this, from a 2004 study in the journal Pediatrics: On a typical day, 30.3% of 4 – 19-year-olds in a survey had fast food at least once. What?! That’s just wrong. The researchers also found that all those high-fat, high-salt, low-nutrition meals were adding pounds a year to our kids’ bodies. Not only that, but the average fast-food meal has gotten bigger and bigger and less and less healthy (the addition of salads and side orders of apple slices to the menu notwithstanding) than they were when I was a child.
Back then, my experience with McDonald’s was as exotic as a weekend in Paris might be to my present-day life. We’d only go there if my parents were going out for an evening (which happened at least once a month), and my mom had nothing in the house to feed us kids (highly unlikely). But when we did get it? Boy did I enjoy my cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake dinner! That and a fun babysitter, and I was set for a rockin’ Saturday night.
All this is my longish-winded way of saying that I don’t take my boys out for fast food all that often. Daniel is 6 and James is 4, and they’ve had McDonald’s precisely three times in their lives: once on a winter-day playdate in a mall food court (oh, they places we’ll go when we can’t play outside!); once with my parents when my mom, who does not eat fast food but who does love a bargain, was babysitting and had a coupon for something like a zillion McNuggets for $3); and once a couple of weeks ago, with me. As a Treat.
Which it was not. Not really.
On this particular day, the boys both had soccer games, with an hour to kill in between. Because I try to space out treats to give them more impact (see my post on the power of delayed gratification, I figured a trip to a fast-food joint, Chicken McNuggets and a Happy Meal would pack a punch (and the happy-kid result would outweigh the lack of nutrition; after all, it’s just one meal in between a good breakfast and a healthy dinner).
So off we went! First funny thing that happened: We got in the car at the soccer field, I told the boys we’d go to McDonald’s for lunch before the next game … and I had no idea where the closest McD’s even was. I had a vague idea, so I sort of drove on a major road for a while until, voila, the Golden Arches loomed. Second funny thing that happened: I realized that my older son, Daniel, actually had no idea that McDonald’s serves — indeed, is most known for — hamburgers! He’s only ever had their McNuggets and fries. I found that not just amusing, but gratifying.
I ordered two McNugget Happy Meals, and a salad for myself. And down we sat. I guess it’s nice that McDonald’s tries to keep its locations clean, but every time I’ve been in a McD’s restaurant (the last time before this was at a rest-stop during a road trip, so we could pee and get some coffee), someone’s mopping the floor. There’s something disspiriting about munching on a saddish-looking salad while someone’s swishing a mop around your feet, you know?
The boys did okay, though James only nibbled two of his six nuggets (he ate the fries and drank his Mott’s apple-juice box, though). For the boys, the peripherals of the meal — getting ketchup out of little packets rather than a bottle; eating out of a partitioned cardboard box; getting a “prize,” in this case a music CD that’s on endless loop in the car now — were more enticing than the food itself. I heard not one “Wow, this is so good!”
I’m sort of surprised by the lesson I drew from the experience. I guess I figured I’d get a “Gee, Mom, thanks for the treat!” reaction. Truth to be told, the boys seemed as disspirited as I had. They’d have been happier with a couple slices at the pizza place, or lunch at home with the promise of an Italian ice after the game.
How often do you and your kids have fast food? And how do you feel about it?
[photo: Everystockphoto.com]
June 9, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
i don’t think my daughter has had true “fast food” yet. went to applebees the other night, where she had a few french fries and ketchup, along with some apples and strawberries.
as she gets older, i don’t intend to let her and any other siblings eat fast food on a regular (or even occasional basis). i like to cook too much to spent money on drive thru meals. and since i’ve struggled with weight most of my life, i am going to focus on providing healthy food options to my family.
June 10, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
We do fast food only occasionally — usually, on the 7-hour road trips to my parents, when I just can’t get it together to pack sandwiches ahead of time — and I’m also amazed at how many people do it on a regular basis. First of all, if you have to leave your house to get it, it’s really not fast food. Even if we’re down to bare bones at home, I can usually make a PBJ, which takes all of about 30 seconds. And, it all adds up — both in terms of $$ and pounds. THere are much better places to spend money and calories, I think.
Karen
June 10, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
It really depends on what’s going on. Sometimes we go months without darkening the drive-thru, and other times–when we’re road-tripping, or our lives are particularly hectic for some reason, we might do fast food more than once a day. I hate pretty much all of it, so it’s no kind of treat for me, but it can sometimes be a sanity-saver.
We just got done moving and ate more fast food than I would usually eat in a month. And I feel totally gross.
June 10, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Road trips scare me for this reason — being stuck with nothing to eat BUT fast food! I’m so like my mom, though — I’m an incurable cooler-packer. My mom’s always the one who pretty much tosses whatever’s in her fridge into a cooler if she has to be in a car for any length of time! And isn’t it amazing how quickly a couple of fast-food meals can leave you feeling lousy?
June 10, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
I have never taken my children to fast food, and am very proud of that fact. I don’t really see the validity in the “we were on a road trip and it was the only option” disclaimer either. Parenting is about doing your homework and doing what’s right, not caving to what’s convenient. Before leaving for a road trip, I find every Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods I can find along our route. I also look into local options that serve regional foods and if there truly aren’t any nutritious options, I pack good stuff before we depart. It’s not that I think fast food is the root of all evil…it’s just not a good option for what to feed kids, or even adults for that matter.
June 11, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
My boys have definitely had fast food more than yours, Denise, but I’d still put it in the “sometimes” and “occasional treat category.” The last time they had McDs was, um, last week when Boy #3 had his last gymnastics class (which ran over) and needed to get back home for a ball game. We swung through the drive-thru and had supper taken care of before he headed out to the ballpark.
Grandma and Grandpa also like to treat the kids to McD.
What about the way McD insinuates itself in schools? I shouldn’t complain — because the read-10-books-get-a-Happy-Meal-coupon is totally inspiring my 6-yr-old to read — but it’s a questionable association in my opinion. Will the Golden Arches become the next Joe Camel?
June 11, 2009 @ 8:25 pm
We never do fast food. Our 5-year-old doesn’t even know what McDonald’s is. On road trips I pack good food and educate myself about healthy places to stop along the way (the book “Healthy Highways,” about to be released in a new edition, is a terrific resource). And it’s not just for health reasons. If you think “Fast Food Nation”and “Super Size Me” were bad, wait until the movie “Food Inc.” gets wide release. We saw a screening at a local film festival and, even though I know more than the average person about food, where it comes from and the role of big agriculture, it’s still shocking. If anyone can eat another fast-food burger after seeing the meat-filler plant featured in the movie, well, at least you’re doing it with eyes wide open. I think the movie should be required viewing in schools.
June 11, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
Chris, I’d like to see Food, Inc.! My kids do know what the Golden Arches are, but I remember a couple years ago, my mom came across a news story about how kids who couldn’t read yet knew just what that giant yellow “M” was. I pointed out the news photo to my son, who was I guess 4 at the time, and said, “what’s that?” All proud of himself, he said, “It’s a M!”
June 11, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Ha, that’s what my daughter said one day: “Look, Mama, it’s a big yellow M!” Then at a thruway rest stop she asked about the “funny clown” statue in the food court and concluded, “He’s that funny clown who’s on PBS Kids!” (McDonald’s is or was a sponsor…)
June 12, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
OK, I have to pop back in and respond to Lynn’s comments. Yes, we’ll usually stop for fast food while traveling to see my parents, and no, I don’t believe I’m shirking my parental duties. Between making sure my kids are packed and ready, tying up whatever work I have to, making sure my volunteer commitments are done (for the record, I’m one of the four volunteer directors of my daughter’s skating team, volunteer in my son’s classroom and have been, at various times, a class parent, Sunday School teacher, and on various other committees at school) and getting whatever needs to be done around the house done, something’s got to give. For me, it’s packing lunches. If you choose otherwise, that’s fine.
And, no I don’t find all the Trader Joes along the way – most of the trip is through rural Wisconsin. It’s lovely, but our choices when it comes to eating are somewhat limited, unless we wanted to add hours onto the trip. We could, but then that would probably mean adding an extra day onto the trip (we can now do a 3-day trip, and it’s not too bad). Add an extra day, and we’d end up cutting down the # of times we go to see grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. You may find that an acceptable choice. I don’t.
And, my kids (now 15 and 12) are healthy, active and have decent diets. A cheeseburger every couple of months is, I think, much less harmful than your insufferable self righteousness.
June 13, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
I think we can all agree that fast food is not the best way to feed kids, but it does have its place for many smart, well-meaning parents. I don’t think Dunkin Donuts have any redeeming value, either — at least not nutritionally. But those Munchkins after the soccer game? I can’t deny my son that little treat, nor should I. And I certainly wouldn’t stand in judgment of any other mom, short of those who make fast food a nearly-daily habit!
June 20, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
For roadtrips, we go to Subway, Quiznos, or Panera if we have to stop. Or we go into a Trader Joe’s and get snacky stuff, which is my favorite where there’s a TJ’s nearby.
Otherwise, I can totally skip the fast food. Even Kate, who is 6, says McDonald’s makes her stomach hurt (she has gone with friends and very occasionally with us, and I’ll concur on the stomachache comment).
Sophia hasn’t really eaten there but she recognizes the arches and calls it “Old MacDonald,” which is embarrassing because she calls it out and I think people think I take my kids there twice a day!
June 20, 2009 @ 11:07 pm
This is a very interesting discussion, and full of lots of opinions! I think its wonderful that people question what their kids are eating. We live in a society full of opportunities to learn, and much has been written on the bad nutrition of fast food. I agree that a hamburger once in a while won’t harm your child, but I just wonder why you’d want to feed that scientifically-engineered product to your kids. There are always alternatives.
Karen, your response seems very defensive and that shows in your comments. It’s testament to how this discussion brings out strong thoughts. Granted, Lynn’s comment is opinionated, but I think it comes from conviction and not over confidence. As mommies and daddies we are all busy with 10 jobs, but we need to ensure that what we let slide doesn’t impact our kids health. What you put into your kids is so important, and should be at the top of all of our lists. Just take a look at all of the focus on that right now – from the new White House organic arden to the shift in McDs menu offerings, to these truly enlightening movies like “Super Size Me.”
Jennifer, I think your comment about fast food in schools is right on target, and in no way should they be allowed on campus. Chris, I’m going to hunt down “Healthy Highways” right now — thanks for the tip. And Denise, thank you so much for offering up such weighty issues that make us stop, pause and think. It truly makes us better parents!
June 21, 2009 @ 12:36 am
The closest we come to fast food is the occasional pizza from American Pie (which is pretty delicious, I gotta say). I figure I don’t need to introduce my 3 yr old to fast food now … he’s gonna find it on his own soon enough. That said, I don’t skimp on dessert after dinner and would never stand in the way of the post-swim-class lollipop.
Norine
June 21, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
My son is 7, my daughter is 2. I’d say we do fast food once a month… but we might go a couple of months without eating it. However, I learned recently that certain family members were taking them more often and not telling me… I asked them to stop.
For me it’s not only the healthy aspect, but the money. I have all that food right here, I can make it and not pay any more money…
When we do eat something… it’s usually because we are rushing from one place to another and the only other choice is to NOT eat. (in other words, I’ve failed to plan properly!)
June 23, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
I just realized there were a few more comments, so I’d like to respond again. I have to disagree that Lynn’s comments were just based on her convictions – she made some strong comments judging my parenting based on a comment I made in a blog post. As I said in my original post, we do fast food only occasionally. Yes, we’ll stop at fast food (I include Subway in that category, by the way) on road trips. For some reason, this seems to be seen as worse than stopping for fast food when, for instance, you’re between activities or short on time or whatever. In either case, it’s not ideal (and, in either case, if you could always plan perfectly, probably not necessary).
Karen
June 28, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
How hard is it to throw a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, and a bunch of bananas into the car before you go?
July 2, 2009 @ 9:40 am
Not very hard, and I’m no fan of fast food, but years of experience have taught me that bananas do NOT travel well. And never mind the loaf of bread if the kids get their hands on it!
July 2, 2009 @ 10:31 am
“How hard is it to throw a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, and a bunch of bananas into the car before you go?”
It’s not. But speaking as someone whose parents were overly restrictive with food during childhood, I think that eliminating the “junk” completely does more harm than good.
We go the fast food route on long road trips–Wendy’s & BK most often. A) My kids like the toys, which give them something “new” to play with in the car. B) They eat oranges & apples for sides (by choice). and C) They view it as a treat.
The rest of the time, they eat well, with random treats thrown in from time to time.
The result? When given too much dessert by indulgent grandparents, my kids (almost 5 & 8) will walk away from the table when they’re done, leaving half of it in their bowl. When given a bag of chips, they’re content to eat a handful (their size, not mine), and move on.
Compare that to my own experience: Sugar & fast food were off limits until I “discovered” them on my own around age 9 or so. Once I tasted it, it triggered obsessive cravings, something that I have to work hard to keep under control even now. It’s that “forbidden fruit” argument. I couldn’t settle for just a few Cheetos–I had to devour the whole bag before someone took it away. Same with ice cream, candy, fast food, and the list goes on.
I much prefer my children’s attitudes toward food. We talk about what makes foods healthy, and when they feel ill after eating something, we talk about why (i.e. sugar on an empty stomach, a greasy meal, etc). Knowing the why behind it, they typically make better decisions on their own the next time.
July 2, 2009 @ 10:39 am
Jenn, I hear you. I had sweet stuff and junk food restricted, and I did go overboard when I got ahold of anything I liked (hello, hoarding candy under my bed!). I do pretty much what you do with my boys, trying from now to teach them what good food is versus junk. Just last night we were talking about protein and how they need it to grow strong (this was to get the little guy to eat his chicken; he’d be happy with just pasta and vegetables, which I guess isn’t awful, either!). They started listing foods and asking if this or that or the other was “good for you.” They asked if candy is good for you, and I said, “only in that it makes you feel happy, but if you ate it all the time, it would not be good, and in fact it would make you sick.”
Meanwhile, the same parents who NEVER got us fast food (or extremely rarely) took the boys to McD’s just this weekend when they were babysitting! I think I’ve given my parents a great gift: because I’m fairly strict, they get to be indulgent. In small doses.
Great conversation!
Denise
August 10, 2009 @ 12:12 am
Wow, sorry I got to this party so late! Being summer and all, road trips abound and so does fast food. Oh, well. Love In-N-Out Burger, El Pollo Loco (my personal favorite), and Panda Express (DH works at corporate). We’re a lean, trim, and athletic family. We look at fast food as a treat. Yes, it’s evil, pure evil! And thank God for it. I’m with Denise, when you’re packing and shutting down the house, making sandwiches is the last thing on your mind! The over all lesson? Moderation, baby. And…life’s short, so lighten up!
March 22, 2010 @ 5:08 pm
Cool. I am so happy to hear this (that your boys weren’t all gaga over McDonalds).
But I have been thinking and I don’t know how to verify this—first of all, I want to say—I don’t think I have ever had a burger at McDonalds. I didn’t like them (burgers) when I was young and when I got old enough to eat a hamburger, I wanted a HAMBURGER so I would go to a “restaurant”, not fast food.
Ok, now onto my wonderings . . . back when I was young I don’t think they put HFCS in the buns or the sauce. And I am not sure they were using partially hydrogenated oils back then either. I don’t think they had the same preservatives back then that we have now(like TBHQ). There are so many preservatives in SO MANY foods that the idea of “moderation” is laughable. And even if they did have all that stuff, like you said, McDonalds was a treat. I remember we used to get McDonlds maybe four times a year when we were on our way to go camping and everything was packed up and we need to be on our way quickly. We would stop and get breakfast there. It was such a treat!
Thanks Mean Mommy, I don’t have children, but I like to see that some parents try to avoid the Fast Food escape route.