FAQ Archive

Q: Now that school has started, I am in the car constantly taking my kids to sports practices, music lessons or other school activities. Too often, we head through the drive-thru for snacks or quick meals. How can I do better?

A: For many of us, nutrition often takes a back seat to convenience when choosing where to eat. A third of Americans eat at a quick-serve restaurant at least once a week. The good news is that fast food restaurants are including healthier options on their menus, including dairy and fruit — two major food groups that most kids like but don’t get enough of in their diets.

Burger King, for example, recently joined McDonald’s and Wendy’s in offering lowfat chocolate and white milk in 8-ounce plastic, resealable containers that fit easily into cup holders. Studies show that kids like the plastic packaging better than cartons. They also love the taste of chocolate milk, which helps entice them to choose milk instead of soda and drink more milk once they choose it.

As a parent, insist that your children usually pick milk or water to drink, even at fast food restaurants. Two out of three children don’t get enough calcium. Teens fall far below their needs, too. Milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and many other key nutrients that children need for stronger bones and normal growth and development.

On days when you are on the road longer, carry a small cooler filled with nutritious choices like yogurt, grapes, cheese cubes, apples, cherry tomatoes, smoothies and string cheese. Take a bag of portable snacks like raisins, whole wheat crackers, nuts and popcorn. Eating-on-the-go doesn’t have to mean a vacation from good nutrition.

Despite your busy lifestyle, don’t forget that it is still crucial to continue (or start) sitting down together as a family for meals. Family meals matter because studies show they improve children’s academic performance, decrease drug and alcohol use among teens, improve family relationships, and promote better nutrition and healthier body weights.

Family meals don’t have to happen every night, nor do they have to be at dinner. Try breakfast, snack time or weekends to maximize the time spent with your family around the dinner table. Simply turn off the TV, keep conversation pleasant and positive, and focus on each other. For family-pleasing recipes that are quick, easy and nutritious, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org.

Do you have a dairy-related question for “Ask the Dietitian?”

If so, please submit your question to dairyspot.com. We will try our best to answer your question in an upcoming “Ask the Dietitian” column. We cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered.