McDonalds was just becoming popular when I was a college student. In those days, ’’change back from your dollar’’ was the slogan and an important feature for students on a budget. The burgers were ok, the fries were great and we thought little of nutrition. After college, I rarely went to McDonalds except as a treat for a nephew or niece. Then I had a child of my own.
Preschoolers love McDonalds. My son would have survived on chicken mcnuggets and fries if I let him. By the time he got to be five or so-it was much more about the toy than the food. I do admit, though, Mc Donalds was convenient when my husband and I wanted to have food that children tend not to like.
Over the past couple of years, my son has outgrown the toys so we don’t have the back seat begging going on. I work doing home visiting and find myself on the road at lunch time often so I’m always on the lookout for quick food. In the US, McDonalds has marketed two products recently that on the surface seem to be fairly healthy. A Lobster Roll and a yogurt and fruit combination. Being drawn by the convenience of a drive through, I thought it was time to give it a try again.
The Lobster Roll was mostly mayo and roll with something that looked like shreds of lobster and one smallish claw that was soft. Definitely not worth the trip.
The Yogurt and Fruit on the commercial and pictures looked sooo good! The reality was something different. In the pictures, the fruit looks fresh-it’s not-it’s clearly canned and packed in a sugar syrup. The Yogurt has fat and no active cultures. Better to run into the supermarket grab a container of yogurt and then some fresh fruit from the salad bar and make your own.
The burgers are dry and lifeless looking. There are no veggie burgers in US McDonalds. I wouldn’t even think of eating a breakfast with those square scrambled eggs and processed meat on salty biscuits.
Still, most of the McDonalds I’ve visited are clean and the food does come out fast. And those play areas are very nice for a little one full of energy on a road trip. For me, I’m glad those days are over. For fast food, you’ll find me at Wendys!