ALBANY, GA -
You're probably not surprised to hear that American children are getting fatter, but the numbers are still alarming.
Meg Chaffin, a Dietician at Phoebe North said about childhood obesity, "it has tripled since 1980."
It's not the food that's changed, it's how much of the food that we eat that's changed.
"We're drinking more sugar sweetened beverages, unhealthy snacks, larger portion sizes and lots of fast food," said Chaffin.
The fast food part has gotten much of the blame for the rise in obesity, and with some justification. After all, burgers and fries aren't exactly health food.
But things are changing in drive throughs all over the nation.
With childhood obesity on the rise, restaurant chains like Chick Fil-A have come up with new ways to allow parents to make better choices for their kids when they go out to eat.
The latest meal to tempt the kids is from Chick Fil-A. The chain already had a kids meal, but the newest version has a change.
Anna Wari, from Chick Fil-A of Albany said, "the difference between this kids meal and our original kids meal is that the nuggets are grilled."
It's the grilled part that makes it leaner.
"There is one gram of fat. Our four piece kids meal has 80 calories," said Wari.
Chick Fil-A isn't alone in offering healthier options for kids. McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's all offer kids meals that swap the fries for fruits.
Like anything these days, you can go to the web to find out nutritional information on each meal.
"That's the way the entire industry is moving," Wari said.
Going out doesn't have to ruin your kids health - or yours - if you follow some basic rules.
Chaffin tells us what they are: "staying away from fried foods, sticking with lean meats and fish that are cooked without added fats. Non fat dairy products, low fat dairy products, milks, cheese, yogurt fall in that category."
And it doesn't just apply when eating out. Because ultimately it's up to the parents, whether it's at a restaurant or at home.
"They have to cook healthier. And parental participation makes for more successful children when they're trying to reach those health goals."
A little work now from parents will bear fruit for both them - and for their children - for years to come.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
The new children's meal at Chick Fil-A. The chicken can be grilled now, saving some calories and fat grams.
Yogurts and other dairy products are considered to be healthy alternatives when it comes to snacking.
Chick Fil-A is one of the restaurant chains offering healthier kids meals.
As this computer screen shows, you can actually figure out how much fat is in your meal before even stepping up to the ordering counter.
A painting of fruit hangs in the Phoebe North cafeteria. Fruit is an excellent snacking choice.
