McDonald’s is changing and that is a GREAT thing

I’ll be the first to admit that food has always been an issue for me. My weight is something I’ve struggled with as a kid. Some say it’s in my genes and others say it’s because of the junk I eat. I like to think it’s a little of both.
Which is why when I became a mom, watching what my family, especially my kids, consumed was a priority. However I never wanted to take the deliciousness away from them either. I knew I wanted a change for them and my family.

I can proudly say this year my efforts to keep a healthy state of mind have been the most consistent. While we do treat ourselves to a sweet treat now and again, I make an effort to find delicious foods my kids can enjoy. I want them to also create healthy consistent choices, which is why I try to be involved in the things I know my family enjoys.

I had the privilege to be part of a webcast where McDonald’s USA President, Jan Fields, Announced the new changes to the happy meal as well as the launch of their new McDonald’s app.

The app is awesome because not only does it give you your nearest McDonalds location but it now also provides you with nutritional information. This is cool for a mom like me because I’ve been learning to count my calories and when the app can tell me what calories are in my favorite sandwich in a matter of seconds it’s a definite win!

Also if you haven’t noticed all food packaging provides you with nutritional information. This makes it easy for me to see and add calories. It helps me make better decisions and helps me be a role model for my kids. I know many moms can relate when I say that kids would rather eat what you are eating than the food you serve them. It’s just the curious part of kids. My kids are always willing to try new things, from my plate of course.

You may have heard by now that starting September the Happy Meal will now automatically come with 2 servings of produce, apple slices and a smaller portion of the classic French fries.

This is a great change because I don’t know how many times I had to guess what my kids were in the mood for. I would guess wrong and we would have tears flowing over who gets to hold the apple slices.
Here is a picture of the new child size French fries packaging as compared to a ketchup packet and dipping sauce. I like it because it’s small enough to fit in a cup holder when we are on the go.

McD new Happy Meal size kids fries packaging

It’s also great to hear that the chocolate milk is now being reduced to fat free. This new treat I’ve recently introduced the kids to.

During Blogher’11, I mentioned in my last post, I was invited to a luncheon where I had the chance to meet President of McDonald’s USA, Jan Fields and senior director of nutrition for McDonald’s, DR. Cindy Goody. They both were super sweet and down to earth. They came by to launch their Multi-city Listening tour to talk to consumers like you and me.

Here’s a video from McDonald’s kick off tour at Blogher. You can see me talking to Jan I’m the one in the green!

While we talked about the new changes they mentioned many cool facts. One being that the Milk jugs for happy meals were especially designed for little hands that is why they are only found at McDonalds. They were created in efforts of having it be accessible to children. I loved that I had no idea. Another awesome fact is McDonald’s is the biggest buyer of apples in the US. They said the apples are cut in the way they are because they keep in mind “tiny hands, tiny tummies”

Also if you’re wondering if caramel dipping sauce is included with the apples I’m afraid to say it is not. I know many parents turn to caramel to have their kids eat apple slices or any other produce for that matter but to keep calorie consumption at a healthy count it will not be included.

I also had the chance to speak to Sylvia Meléndez Klinger the nutritionist I met and interviewed at McDonlad’s First Taste Event in NYC, about the new changes. I interviewed her via phone after the Webcast Happy Meal announcement.

Interviewing Sylvia Meléndez Klinger at the McD’s First Taste event in NYC – May2011

GUB: As a mom one of the most important things for me is to choose foods that my kids like but most importantly are healthy. With the new Happy Meal added Apples and child size fries. What do you feel the best combination of entre and beverage is for a 2 and 3 year old?

Sylvia: Variety nuggets provide protein order a cheeseburger but don’t forget to introduce them to vegetables too tomato and lettuce or how about a grilled cheese (its like asking for a burger minus the beef patty)
Chocolate milk is now fat free but you also have apple juice and water, mix it up

GUB: What size will the apples and fries be starting in September?

Sylvia:Apples will stay the same size equaling a quarter cup or ½ of a fruit serving
Fries will now be 1.1oz as compared to the 2.4 oz it was before.

GUB: Like I mentioned my kids are small is the Happy Meal ok to split?

Sylvia: Absolutely it is ok to split. Don’t push foods. Sharing is ok it teaches them to share.
So are you excited about the new changes? I know I am it is definitely a step in the right direction.

With McDonald’s new efforts for change and healthy lifestyles It’s easy to make the right choices for my family.

How about a giveaway in honor of McDonald’s new changes.

A chance to win this:

To enter to win giveaway:
• Comment below telling us “What other McDonald’s products you would like to see changed?” or “What are your thoughts on the new changes?”
Additional entries
• “like” GUB on facebook AND write on our wall
• Subscribe to Growingupblackxican.com through Google Connect, Email or RSS.
• Follow me on twitter @rubydw
• Tweet on twitter: I just entered to win Mcdonald’s giveaway VIA @RubyDW at http://www.growingupblackxican.com #giveaway

Please leave separate comment for each entry.

Open to U.S. residents 18 years+ only.

2 winners will be chosen via random.org.
Giveaway ends 8/31

Winners will be emailed.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED