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Really, when you look at Shrek, what is the first thing that comes to mind? His svelte figure? His healthy glow? His lovely umm...green skin? Though he may not exactly be the poster child for healthy living, McDonald's nonetheless chose him to lead their latest campaign, promoting the healthier choices they now offer to kids on their regular menu and in Happy Meals. Shrek, Donkey, and other characters from the movie will apparently try to convince your kids to choose apple slices and salads rather than fries and burgers, and milk rather than soda. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not entirely convinced that even Shrek has the power to make kids want apples slices rather than salty, crispy, golden fries - but it is a step in the right direction at least.
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5-11-2007 @3:02PM Lily Iris said... I hate the idea of cartoons being the role models for kids, in teaching them "right" from "wrong". But I think it would make more sense if they used Fiona as the role model... the human (skinny) Fiona as being the outcome for eating the healthy foods and the ogre (fat) Fiona for eating the burgers and fries. Though some kids (probably the boys) may get the wrong idea from that and think "oh cool, I'll turn into a green ogre if I eat fries!". The skinny vs fat message may get through to the girls, no matter how young they are.
Kids learn from their parents about nutrition, more than anyone else. If Mom and Dad take their kids to McD's and order apple slices for the kids, yet get fries for themselves, what message is that sending?
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5-11-2007 @3:50PM Rick Dobbs said... The apples come in a bag and already have the skins peeled off, plus they come with a nice zero fat caramel dipping sauce. You're right, they're not french fries, but they're a manageable alternative and I use them as the bribe for going to McD's. "Okay, we can go to McD's if you want, but you have to get apple slices instead of fries" and it's a pretty good compromise.
Yes, I have kids. Don't look so shocked.
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5-11-2007 @4:06PM Scott said... I don't think you're going to get kids to not "want" fries instead of apple slices, hell I'm grown up and I still want fries much more than an apple, I just know better and more often than not choose a healthier option. The point is the parents can BUY the kids apple slices instead of fries, and since the kid doesn't have a heck of a lot of choice until he gets his own money then he's going to eat apple slices instead of fries. Child obesity is not the child's fault, it's the parents' faults. Of course kids just want to eat junk food and candy, they're kids. It's up to the parents to decide for the kids what they are allowed to eat, hence having healthy options at otherwise unhealthy restaurants is a good idea.
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5-11-2007 @4:32PM Lisa said... Getting kids out of the fries habit is a really really tricky thing. My 7-year-old step-daughter doesn't even like fries. She won't eat them. But when given the choice, she will always ask for fries over anything else. It's like it's programmed into her head.
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5-11-2007 @5:05PM Donna said... I would say it is a nice try and McD's to offer a healthier alternative, however I'd be willing to bet that the apple is not organic. Apples are one of these worst foods to buy that are not organic they are filled with poisonous chemicals and the sauce is sugar ridden. Did you know that the average human consumes 185 pounds of sugar per year? Do you know that if we do not get this sugar epidemic under control that the next generation of children will not outlive their parents!!! I think it is awful how these companies market to our children and we need to spread this awareness. If you would like more information on getting healthy you may visit my website www.feedyourmindbodyandspirit.com
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5-11-2007 @11:34PM kaitlin Hess said... Ay ay ay, Its just NEVER good enough for some of you people!
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5-12-2007 @10:16AM jenn said... re: "But I think it would make more sense if they used Fiona as the role model... the human (skinny) Fiona as being the outcome for eating the healthy foods and the ogre (fat) Fiona for eating the burgers and fries."
I think you missed the point of the original Shrek movie (and perhaps have missed media coverage on the rise in eating disorders in young women). Yes, childhood obesity is a problem, but the solution is not to teach girls that if they don't look like a Barbie doll, they won't be able to find happiness.
Re the original post: Do you really think kids are going to see the irony that a fat green dude is pushing healthy food? No! They'll do what Shrek says... cause its Shrek. Let's not give our children too much credit - thinking they could make more adult decisions than they can is what has led to the problem of childhood obesity.
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5-13-2007 @2:34PM Cal_T5X said... re: "But I think it would make more sense if they used Fiona as the role model... the human (skinny) Fiona as being the outcome for eating the healthy foods and the ogre (fat) Fiona for eating the burgers and fries."
That's like saying healthy food is only for thin, beautiful people. I would much rather send kids the message that you don't have to look impossibly thin, and you can still be happy and healthy.
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5-14-2007 @12:01AM Frank said... shut down mcd and force all parents cook healthy for their own kids...that would be the best option right?
at least they are trying...
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5-14-2007 @10:27PM Dayna said... Last I heard they skinnied up the Shrek doll found in the kids meal. I still don't understand why you can't just buy a toy. Honestly I think the kids get hooked to the food, sure but they're really after the toy more than the fries... or the apples.
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5-15-2007 @8:24AM Bob said... Ironic that they pick apples, which most dieticians will tell you have too much sugar, and a caramel sauce...but I suppose it's something.
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