WASHINGTON, July 13 (UPI) -- Some U.S. restaurants are offering a children's meal with 600 calories or fewer as a healthy option, the restaurant trade association says.
The National Restaurant Association said Wednesday more than 15,000 restaurant locations nationwide are participating in the initiative "Kids LiveWell," offering a children's meal -- entree, side and beverage -- with two servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and/or low-fat dairy, with limits on sodium, fat and sugar.
A team of registered dietitians worked with participating restaurants to identify and validate the menu choices that meet the Kids LiveWell criteria -- based on leading health organizations' scientific recommendations
The restaurants will also offer at least one other individual item with 200 calories or fewer, with limits on fat, sugar and sodium, plus contain a serving of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein or low-fat dairy, the association says.
However, Margo G. Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, says most restaurants already offer one or two healthy choices amidst their many high-calorie, salty, high-fat options for children.
"The great majority of choices on children's menus should be healthy, given that kids are getting one-third of their calories outside the home, and eating out is linked to obesity," Wootan says.
