{"id":69271,"date":"2025-08-14T15:03:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T15:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/69271\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T15:03:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T15:03:10","slug":"is-it-healthy-for-kids-to-eat-mcdonalds-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/69271\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Healthy For Kids To Eat McDonald’s?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Actor Jessica Biel recently told Parade that her kids \u201cdon\u2019t get McDonald\u2019s.\u201d<\/a> For her, this is about the quality and price of the food, as she\u2019d rather \u201cpay more\u201d for them to \u201chave something fancy.\u201d <\/p>\n

This poorly worded statement comes across as classist, which is another conversation for another day. But it also raises a different point that\u2019s probably on many parents\u2019 minds: Is McDonald\u2019s<\/a> a good meal option for kids?<\/p>\n

Parents may worry that feeding fast food to their kids makes them \u201cbad parents,\u201d<\/a> or that the food is \u201ctotally unhealthy.\u201d But according to nutritionists, the issue isn\u2019t that black-and-white. In reality, McDonald\u2019s has its place. <\/p>\n

Ahead, nine nutritionists shared whether they let their kids eat McDonald\u2019s, plus when and why.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 but she mainly focuses on home-cooked meals<\/p>\n

Rachel Trotta<\/a>, a fitness nutrition specialist and personal trainer, said her approach is \u201cnot necessarily a \u2018let\u2019 situation,\u201d but focused on shaping healthy attitudes toward food and not setting food \u201crules.\u201d <\/p>\n

She stocks the house with whole foods, cooks most meals at home and brings fruit<\/a> for on-the-go snacks. At the same time, she doesn\u2019t believe in being full-out anti-McDonald\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that occasionally having fast food (without negative commentary) keeps it in perspective instead of blowing it out of proportion,\u201d Trotta said.<\/p>\n

Her 5-year-old daughter has actually never had McDonald\u2019s, but not because it\u2019s forbidden, she clarified. Again, Trotta\u2019s focus is on helping her daughter shape a healthy relationship with food. This looks like encouraging her to listen to her body, such as eating when she\u2019s hungry and stopping when she\u2019s full. That is what sets her daughter up well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know when she does have the opportunity to eat more fast food, she\u2019ll be able to trust her own internal compass,\u201d Trotta said.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 in a flexible way and without moralizing it <\/p>\n

Julia Cassidy<\/a>, a dietitian and eating disorder specialist with Eating Recovery Center, believes that food is just food; it doesn\u2019t need moral judgment. Further, she said labeling certain foods as \u201coff limits\u201d or \u201cjunk\u201d can set kids up for shame, secrecy or an unhealthy relationship with eating. <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t view McDonald\u2019s \u2014 or any food \u2014 as \u2018good\u2019 or \u2018bad,\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cMy sons eat at McDonald\u2019s sometimes, and I treat it the same way I would at any other meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

A McDonald\u2019s meal can have many legitimate purposes, too. For Cassidy, it\u2019s been about convenience, genuinely enjoying the food, or a family tradition, like a chicken nugget meal on the way to a ballgame.<\/p>\n

Similar to Trotta, she doesn\u2019t make a big deal about a McDonald\u2019s meal and focuses on modeling balance. Some meals are McDonald\u2019s, and some meals are home-cooked. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the long run, this approach supports food flexibility, reduces guilt and protects against the kind of rigid thinking that can contribute to disordered eating<\/a>,\u201d Cassidy said.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 but only for special occasions<\/p>\n

Megan Wroe<\/a>, a registered dietitian with St. Jude\u2019s Wellness Center, doesn\u2019t consider any food to be an \u201cabsolute no,\u201d knowing that strict restriction can lead to unhealthy food relationships. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat said, I don\u2019t go out of my way to get fast food of any kind for my kids,\u201d she added. \u201cI believe in providing as much real, homemade food as possible and reserving fast food for special occasions or for days when our schedule absolutely demands it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 but rarely, and more in social situations <\/p>\n

Liza Marogy<\/a>, a registered nutritionist in England with two decades of experience, said she wouldn\u2019t choose to take her child to McDonald\u2019s, and there are rare occasions when she would take them, like a birthday party<\/a> or social gathering. <\/p>\n

She doesn\u2019t demonize the food, though \u2014 that\u2019s not helpful. \u201cRather than creating restrictions that might foster an unhealthy relationship with food, as a family, we focus on education and choices,\u201d Marogy said. \u201cOur approach centers on teaching about nutrient-dense foods so he can understand how and which foods best support his growing body.\u201d <\/p>\n

Additionally, Marogy sometimes cooks alternatives, like homemade burgers<\/a> and potato wedges.<\/p>\n

\"\u201cI<\/p>\n

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t view McDonald\u2019s \u2014 or any food \u2014 as \u2018good\u2019 or \u2018bad,\u2019\u201d said Julia Cassidy, a dietitian and eating disorder specialist. \u201cMy sons eat at McDonald\u2019s sometimes, and I treat it the same way I would at any other meal.\u201d <\/p>\n

Physical health is not the only important type of health to consider here, though \u2014 social health is important, too. And for many people and cultures, that includes certain foods and eating rituals.<\/p>\n

\u201cSocial eating experiences are valuable for children\u2019s development,\u201d Marogy said. \u201cFood anxiety shouldn\u2019t overshadow these important moments with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marogy also acknowledged that not every family has the same privileges. \u201cI appreciate that every family\u2019s circumstances are different, and some need to rely on fast food due to economic or time constraints,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 once in a while and as a balanced meal<\/p>\n

Heidi McIndoo<\/a> is a registered dietitian in Boston at FoodieMomRD. \u201cI would and have let my kids eat McDonald\u2019s for many reasons,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Her main reason acknowledges the psychological piece and how it can affect a child\u2019s well-being. \u201cWhen you completely ban food from your kids, you\u2019re just making those foods more appealing to them,\u201d she said. \u201cIt also encourages the mentality of \u2018good\u2019 and \u2018bad\u2019 foods, which can lead to issues with healthy eating as they get older.\u201d<\/p>\n

She called McDonald\u2019s a \u201conce in a while food\u201d and said it is a common go-to on road trips<\/a> when it is often the only choice. <\/p>\n

Then, when at McDonald\u2019s, she tries to balance the meal. For example, milk for the drink and apple slices as the side, along with the nuggets or a burger. <\/p>\n

Those foods can also be added \u2014 such as, getting both fries and apple slices as sides. This is an example of gentle nutrition<\/a>, an intuitive eating principle that\u2019s key for adults and children alike.<\/p>\n

Additionally, McIndoo talks to her kids about the food groups that they didn\u2019t get in that meal. Then, they discuss how they can get those nutrients into their bodies later in the day.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 when needed for flexibility<\/p>\n

Sarah Schlichter<\/a> is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant of Bucket List Tummy, as well as a mom of three. She believes it\u2019s important to be flexible with food.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a daily occurrence, but it can be a convenient and affordable option for on-the-go, as well as an opportunity to make food fun,\u201d she said. \u201cParents also have choices to add nutrition to kids\u2019 meals, such as adding fruit or 100% juice.\u201d (So again, gentle nutrition.)<\/p>\n

Schlichter emphasized the room for nuance. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to fall into the \u2018healthy\u2019 or \u2018unhealthy\u2019 category,\u201d she said. \u201cWe can view it for what it is: one simple meal out of the day, or a quick meal on the go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 all foods can fit into a healthy diet<\/p>\n

Nikki Fata<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nutrition with N approaches food with inclusivity. <\/p>\n

\u201cI truly believe that all foods can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle,\u201d she said. \u201cThis means McDonald\u2019s is a welcome option for me and my future children.\u201d<\/p>\n

She welcomes McDonald\u2019s for various reasons, too. For starters, she said, it\u2019s easily accessible, affordable and convenient. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf accessible food options did not exist, it would make it more difficult for people to nourish themselves and their families,\u201d Fata said.<\/p>\n

On that note, she added that McDonald\u2019s can even be nutritious. (Yes, you read that right!) <\/p>\n

\u201cWhether it\u2019s a Big Mac, french fry, chicken nugget or McFlurry, each one of these options contains vital nutrients for the human body<\/a>: carbohydrates, fat, protein and various micronutrients,\u201d she said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t recommend only eating McDonald\u2019s for every meal, every day of the week, but I also wouldn\u2019t recommend eating any other food or type of food for every meal, every day of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several nutrition experts agree that carbs and sugar are not all \u201cbad,\u201d<\/a> and in fact, are necessary nutrients.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Fata pointed to the variety of foods at McDonald\u2019s, from chicken sandwiches to fries to apple slices, and how eating there can be enjoyable. <\/p>\n

\u201cFood is allowed to be fun,\u201d she said. \u201cPoint blank.\u201d<\/p>\n

McDonald\u2019s can also be a comforting, predictable option, particularly for kids who are picky eaters<\/a> or have sensory issues. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis makes it a trusted and reliable option that allows people to meet their energy needs,\u201d Fata said. <\/p>\n

Last but not least, she\u2019s seen the impact of putting foods into an \u201coff limits\u201d or \u201conly on special occasions\u201d category, and wants to avoid that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis rule-based and rigid mentality with food only contributes to greater fixation and preoccupation in the long run and fuels disordered eating patterns,\u201d Fata said.<\/p>\n

\"DonaldDonald Trump worked behind the counter serving fries during a campaign event at McDonald’s on Oct. 20, 2024, in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 but only when they drive themselves or someone else takes them<\/p>\n

Kristi Ruth<\/a>, a registered dietitian and the owner of Carrots and Cookies, isn\u2019t personally a fan of McDonald\u2019s, but that doesn\u2019t mean she doesn\u2019t let her kids eat it sometimes. <\/p>\n

\u201cI do allow my kids to eat McDonald\u2019s, but only when they drive themselves or someone else takes them,\u201d she said. \u201cI choose not to eat at McDonald\u2019s because I don\u2019t care for their food in terms of taste and how it makes me feel. And since we usually eat together as a family, my kids don\u2019t even question it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019s also found that her kids choose to eat there less, despite now being able to drive themselves there.<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 especially during social gatherings <\/p>\n

Yvette Hill<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist, lets her kids eat McDonald\u2019s, just not regularly. \u201cI\u2019m careful not to be so restrictive that they can\u2019t enjoy time out with friends or family, or during celebrations or holidays,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

She also focuses on overall dietary intake, knowing that \u201ca few experiences with McDonald\u2019s are very different from a diet that is only made up of McDonald\u2019s foods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like Marogy, Hill makes burgers at home, too, and said her kids like them better. <\/p>\n

TL;DR<\/p>\n

By and large, nutritionists agree McDonald\u2019s can be a part of a healthy relationship with food and a healthy diet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe what matters most is helping children develop a positive, informed relationship with food that will serve them throughout their lives, without the pressure or guilt that can sometimes lead to unhealthy patterns as they grow,\u201d Marogy added.<\/p>\n

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Thank you again for your support along the way. We\u2019re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Fata made a great point to top off this conversation, too: Food choices are individual. Each person knows their needs best.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you agree with me and feel that McDonald\u2019s can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle, great,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t agree with me, that\u2019s also great, but don\u2019t make someone else feel shame about their individual decision on how to nourish themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n