Fast Foods for Kids

Between classes, homework and extra-curricular activities, kids don't always have time to sit down for three full meals. Only 3 percent of kids' meals served at fast-food restaurants meet federal dietary guidelines, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It is important to educate your children and help them choose healthy fast food options to keep them going through their busy days.

Fast-Food / Burger Restaurants

• Choose grilled chicken burgers over fried or breaded meats.

  Fast food burger restaurants often get a bad reputation for the lack of nutritional value found in their foods but you can still eat healthy in many of these restaurants with a little education. Choose grilled meats rather than fried or breaded meats. Replace French fries with a baked potato or a side salad and go easy on the sour cream or dressing. Replace the large soda pops with skim milk, and choose the right portion sizes for both foods and drinks.

Supermarket Fast Foods

• Many supermarkets carry pre-cut vegetables and dip.

  There are plenty of fast and healthy options at the grocery store. Nutritionists at Teens Health suggest sticking to the perimeter of the store where you will find the fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and deli meat. Great fast food choices at the supermarket include dip with vegetables. You can also find pre-cut, ready-made fruit salads, yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. You can also buy whole grain breads or buns and deli meat to make your own sandwiches or visit the store's deli and order a freshly made sandwich or other healthy options. If buying pre-packaged foods from the supermarket, be weary of high sodium counts, preservatives and other unhealthy additives.

Foods from the Pantry

• Milk and cereal can make a quick, healthy after-school snack

  If your child has a busy day, chances are he or she will reach into the pantry or refrigerator in your house for a snack or fast food. Keep your kitchen stocked with whole grain crackers and skim-milk cheese, low-fat popcorn, natural peanut butter, whole wheat waffles, granola bars, cereal and other healthy options. As with supermarket foods, always read the labels of the foods you keep in your pantry to make sure they are not laden with unhealthy additives.

Portable Meal Replacements

• Pre-packaged protein or carbohydrate bars are a handy snack to keep in your child's school bag.

  Protein and carbohydrate bars and meal replacement shakes can be a healthy fast food that your child can keep in their school bag. These items are small and portable and have a long shelf-life so you don't have to worry about them going bad too quickly. When choosing bars or shakes, check the nutrition label, especially for added sugars, which can spike your child's insulin levels.