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Fast-Food Kids, Olympic Vids and a Weight-Loss Bid

Kiddie meals miss the mark, the Olympics continue on our laptops and acupuncture helps drop the lbs.

Unhappy Meals
While many restaurant chains are finally offering better-for-you fare than the traditional burger and fries (fresh salads and skim lattes—hooray!), it turns out that kids may not have as many healthy options. Boo. A recent report rated the most popular chain restaurants, and most didn’t do so hot. Chik-fil-A (a Fit Bottomed Girls’ fave!) scored an “A” on the ranking for itsfresh fruit and low-cal sandwich offerings. McDonald’s landed a solid “B” for its apple dippers and 2 percent milk. IHOP, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and T.G.I. Friday’s all scored the big “F.” So did Applebee’s, which should take a cue from its Weight Watchers’ menu for adults. Healthy food shouldn’t discriminate by age.


I don’t have kids, but I can only imagine how hard it is to feed them something nutritious and tasty while on vacation or out and about. Thankfully, parents now have this helpful guide.

Hungry, hungry kiddos.

The Coverage Continues
So, the Olympics ended this past weekend and although my television is probably happy to not be on 24/7, I’m a little bummed. To go all Valley Girl, they’re just, like, so awesome. And I’ll miss the daily reminder to dream and dream big (yes, this goes a bit against our earlier Olympics post, but there’s no denying that taking home gold is oh-so sweet and inspiring). If you still have Olympic fever like I do, you’re in luck! The folks at Stack TV have a whole series of online videos that highlight how U.S. Olympians train and prepare for the big games.


The vids not only give you some new killer moves for the gym, but they also got me out of my post-Olympics funk. Be sure to check out any of the moves with U.S. basketball player Katie Smith. That girl is tear’n it up!

Pretend the Olympics aren’t over.

Pins and Needles
Can something as simple as a few pins and needles help you lose weight? It just might. According to an article by Men’s Fitness*, acupuncture can increase your energy levels and speed recovery from injury. It may also reduce your appetite.

Although I’ve never tried it myself, I have good friends who swear by the power of acupuncture. I would imagine that anything that gets you into a deep relaxed state is good for just plain living, but I am intrigued by the “ear points” that calm the spirits. I like to think that I have a spirit that can never be tamed…

Get stuck.

Jenn

*Why was I reading Men’s Fitness you ask? Well, maybe to see this, um, I mean do research. Mama said knock you out.

Photos grabbed from http://flickr.com/photos/cosmickitty/201475810/; http://media.photobucket.com/image/phelps/anna_yup/Img214523914.jpg?o=15; http://flickr.com/photos/mikefats/10920514/.

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

7 Comments
  1. Christie I. says:

    I don’t have children, either but I can’t imagine trying to keep them healthy in this day and age. I’m sure it must be really hard and I admire those families who make eating healthy a top priority.

  2. Erica says:

    Ugh- that news about the kids meals is somewhat depressing. You can’t start kids off on the wrong foot healthwise because it will just be a recurring problem throughout their lives. Hopefully some of these restaurants will smarten up and start to think beyond profits…. thanks for the great post.

  3. Marcy says:

    Ooooooooo thanks for that linky! It IS hard finding decent foods while out. But I find that as long as we don’t eat out all the time, it’s coolio (for me at least, every parent has their own thang) for them to eat the bad stuff while out 😉

  4. tfh says:

    How am I going to get any work done with all these Olympic videos? So, so cool.

    As for acupuncture, love it. I got it done about three times when I had an ankle injury and it was so relaxing. Hopefully every study showing its effectiveness will bring my insurance closer to covering it!

  5. HangryPants says:

    Good call on the kids meals. I did, however, recently go to Subway with my niece and she was able to get the Kid’s Meal that included a 4 inch turkey and cheese sandwich, apple slices and low fat milk. And some Disney trading cards that she loved.

  6. eatingbender says:

    I agree with Erica – the news about the kid meals is so sad! I really hope that a significant change will come in our lifetime – and hopefully sooner rather than later.

    I really appreciated your research efforts in Men’s Health – thanks ;o)

  7. MizFit says:

    damn.
    Im feeling even more thankful that my Toddler CLAMORS for the yogurt up at McD’s

    I know that will change but for now I LOVE IT.

    M.

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