Macaroni Kid Williamsburg is excited to be partnering with McDonald’s of Southeastern Virginia and Northeast North Carolina and their Nutritional Consultant, Shaye Arluk, to promote healthy living and eating for busy families! We will have articles from Shaye, in addition to special promotions and events with McDonald’s to help you and your family make the best possible choices when eating at the Golden Arches!
McDonald’s Happy Meal Gets a New Look
As the nutritional consultant for McDonald’s in Southeastern Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, I have seen McDonald’s menu go through many changes over thelast six years. The McDonald’s hamburgers and world famous French fries willalways be staples on the menu, but the addition of premium salads with grilled chicken breast, the Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, the Grilled Chicken Snack Wraps andthe Fruit and Maple Oatmeal are all great new well-balanced additions to the menu. This year McDonalds is focusing on championing children’s well being as well as continuing to expand and improve upon their nutritionally balanced menu choices.
As a Mom of three young children the new Happy Meal, which is now available inthe Hampton Roads market, is an exciting change. The new Happy Meal consists ofan entrée – hamburger or 4-piece chicken nuggets, a serving of apple slices and akid-friendly portion of French fries averaging around 100 calories. Although apples have been a side option for the Happy Meal since 2004 only 11% of families were choosing the apples. Double apples will also be an option for those parents who want it. In addition, McDonald’s chocolate milk will now be fat-free and offered as a beverage choice along with the 1% White Milk and 100% Apple Juice. Carmel dipping sauce will be removed from the McDonald’s menu. The new Happy Meal has 20% less calories than the original and contains less fat and sodium.
The Mighty Kids Meals, which have been formulated for older children, has also changed to better suit older kids nutritional needs. The entrée choice has changed from a double cheeseburger to the McDouble®, providing less calories, fat, and sodium. In addition the meal also comes with a potion controlled French fry servingand a bag of apples along with a beverage choice.
More Happy Meal fruit and vegetable choices are under consideration and expected to come out in the next three years. McDonald’s is also looking to bring on new whole grain and low-fat dairy options to both the children’s and adult menu. It is this commitment to nutrition that makes me as a nutritional professional and a mom excited to work with McDonald’s in helping to educate the public about how you can eat quick, on a budget and with good health in mind!
Shaye Arluk, MS RD HFI
McDonalds Nutritional Consultant
