Good Lifestyle

Most American children are deficient in these four major nutrients, says a new studyOrderChildren's menu Seems like a good way to reduce calories, and is that the portions will be smaller. You will reap these benefits if you are an adult looking for a lighter meal from your favorite quick restaurant. However, when it comes to yourChild health, options may not be as healthy. Since children anyway eat a size of portion anyway, a healthy fast food is the right macro balance and micro-nutrients (think calcium, magnesium, fiber and protein).

Sodium is a major problem on the children's menu because most fast restaurants have focused on the youngest guest-shaped pasta with grilled cheese, fries and chicken nuggets - are super salted.

RELATED:Most American children are deficient in these four major nutrients, says a new study

"Chronic inflammation of sugar height or high salt feed contributes to chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease over time," says the nutritionistTammy Lakatos Shams. "And not only the sugar causes inflammation, but also calories without nutrients, and these calories can be added quickly and contribute to weight gain."

While the average sodium quantities have in fact benefits for children's health, such as stimulating their electrolytes for adequate hydration, while outside the moderate sodium consumption is worrying as they get older. Excess sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure later in life, so it is advisable to start limiting its consumption at an early age, says DietitianLauren Harris-Pincus.

"The American dietary guidelines recommend that children limit sodium consumption to 1,200 to 2,300 milligrams a day, according to their age," she says. However, reality is currently very different. "Average intakes for children aged 1 and over are 3,393 milligrams a day, with a range of about 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams a day, so we have the work to do when it comes to controlling the sodium, especially for children. "

Fast food for children is also often loaded with the thing youth have the most sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar for children to 24 grams or 6 teaspoons a day. However, the average children consume about 3 times this amount, says Harris-Pincus. "It is therefore important to include more dense nutrient foods in their diet, mainly plant foods, to meet the nutritional needs of growth and development while maintaining a healthy weight," she says.

"The easiest ways to avoid excess salt and sugar consists in avoiding fried foods, skipping soda and sister tremors, going from light on cheese and condiments, and N ' Add no more salt to meals, "says Lakat0s Shams.

Building a healthy fast food meal for your child, look for meal proteins such as grilled chicken, simple hamburger or turkey sandwich. Whenever possible, complement the main course with vegetables or side salad, and always try to include fruits on the side. A portion of dairy products, such as 1% milk, is also preferred on the juice, even the 100%, as these are still high in sugars, explains Pincus-Harris.

That being said, here is the healthiest order you can find in a quick restoration menu for kids.

The healthiest fast food meal for kids: Grilled Children's Grilled Children's Meal

The grilled nuggets are a rare find, explains Harris-Pincus, that's why it's his choice for the healthiest children's meal. The meal also includes a cup of fruit and 1% milk, so it really strikes all nutritional stains, she says.

"This is close enough to the USDA nutrition guidelines for children and is not a bad choice for a fast food meal," she says.

Calcium milk to enhance strong bone health in children and fresh fruits adds fiber and antioxidants, as well as vitamin C to keep high immunity, so it's a great option for lunch or a lunch Fast dinner.

"Add a dip sauce such as honey grilled barbecue to bring an extra flavor to grilled nuggets," says Harris-Pincus. A little dunk for each nugget does the trick in terms of flavor and while she adds a little sugar, it's nothing worrying. And do not forget toSubscribe to our newsletterTo get the latest news from the restaurant delivered directly to your inbox.