Migrant Mom: September 2013

Fast Facts on Fries

Fries, Weight watchers, Travel, Fast Food,

Well we are travelling on the road again. On our way from Flint, Michigan to Queens, New York. I always get a little nervous before we head out to a new place because I know I am really going to have to put more effort into putting good things into my and my daughter's body and not just what is convenient!

True story: A few days ago we stopped at McDonald's after church to grab a quick bite to eat. As we pulled into our parking space, my precious 21 month old daughter lets out an excited request in the sweetest little voice, "FRIES!?!" My heart sank into my stomach and almost simultaneously I burst out into uncontrollable laughter! We have only been to McDonald's a handful of times in her life, but somehow her little mind had already made an association between those famous golden arches and the flavorful crispy goodness that is a french fry. Little did she know those fries were the very things I was dreading trying to resist.

I recently embarked on an endeavor to loose weight with my best friend using the weight watchers points plus system, and have thus banished eating fries while trying to get to my goal weight. Before I banished the fries, I did a little research comparing 6 popular fast food chains fry nutrition facts to see, just how bad they are for me. Knowing what's in my food nutritionally before I eat it helps me make wise choices and keep me on track with my weight loss and eventually my maintenance. I got my figures from the restaurant's websites themselves, and have included the links. There are plenty of substitutes at all of these restaurants if you are watching what you eat, and I enjoy eating at them, but I want to empower you with the knowledge that has helped me make wise choices for my daughter and myself. Key word....moderation. :) As you can see, even the beloved french fry can fit into a diet if you can practice a little self and portion control.

My tips if you need to indulge in some deep fried spuds?
1. Bigger is not always better: Get a kid size and share it with your little one. Or get one large for the family and split it up that way
2. Enjoy each fry: None of of that three fries at a time madness, pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth and how much
3. I know fries are the best hot, so eat your sandwich, side salad, and water first, then eat some fries, and the draw may fade a little
4. With kids: I always have a healthier option on hand to give between the fries to be sure my daughter's nutritional needs are met