Photo by Xurble (Creative Commons)

In the “duh!” news item of the day, the Associated Press reports that 93% of meal options at America’s most popular chain restaurants contain too many calories for your children.

Really? I never would have guessed.

From the story:

“Parents want to feed their children healthy meals, but America’s chain restaurants are setting parents up to fail,” CSPI nutrition policy director Margo Wootan said in a statement.

“McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and other chains are conditioning kids to expect burgers, fried chicken, pizza, french fries, macaroni and cheese, and soda in various combination at almost every lunch and dinner.”

I’ve been making my way across the southern and south western US this week, and - in case you still had any doubts - I can vouch for the story’s authenticity.

Fresh veggies along the interstate? No dice. French fries for breakfast? You betcha.

Good thing I had this handy AP story to warn me, or I never would have thought to pack my own fruit.

Eva Holland

Eva Holland is a historical researcher and freelance writer based in Ottawa, Canada. She is a blogger for World Hum and for Rolf Potts Vagablogging, and her travel writing has appeared in The Ottawa Citizen, and The Edmonton Journal.