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    Kids’ Restaurant Food That Isn't Terrible for Them

    By | Parenting – Thu, Aug 18, 2011 7:08 PM EDT

    Now there's another reason to enjoy a dinner out (besides no kitchen or dish duty). 19 chains - amounting to more than 15,000 restaurants - have joined forces with a new initiative called Kids LiveWell, a collaboration of the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining. Big names like Outback Steakhouse, Denny's, and Joe's Crab Shack are shaking up kids' menus to include more than just the traditional chicken fingers and mac-and-cheese combo. As part of the program, these chains have packaged meals that include an entrée, side dish, and beverage for less than 600 calories.

    One small gripe: Most of the fruit on these menus comes in the form of fruit juice. While 100% juice technically counts as fruit, it lacks fiber and is high in calories, so it isn't as nutritious as choosing an apple, orange, or berries. A better choice: low-fat milk. It packs 30 percent of your kid's daily calcium requirements, plus several other important nutrients that are shortchanged in many kids' diets. So ask your server if they have milk - we discovered that many chains stock milk (for coffee), even if it's not on the menu. If that's not an option, water is the next best choice.

    Aside from that hitch, menu options with red apple stamps are a good way to zero in on better-for-kids options at each chain. Here are five Kids LiveWell picks to get you started:

    1. AU BON PAIN: Egg White and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
    Three egg whites and cheddar served on your choice of wheat or white skinny bagel (we'd pick the wheat), plus a side of small apple cinnamon oatmeal and orange juice will make kids want to eat dinner at any hour.
    Fruit, lean protein, whole grains. 550 calories || 120 calories from fat || 14g fat || 7g saturated fat || 0g trans fat || 30mg cholesterol || 560mg sodium || 86g carbs || 32g sugars || 11g fiber || 28g protein

    Related: Healthy Fast Food for Kids a Tall Order?

    2. CHEVY'S: Kiddie Chicken Soft Taco
    Your child's chicken soft taco comes with carrots and celery, but a scoop of the pudding-like sweet corn tamalito completes this Mexican dish. Like other Kids LiveWell meals, this one comes with juice (apple), but again, milk and water are better choices. Ask for less cheese on the taco.
    Fruit, vegetable. 490 calories || 120 calories from fat || 13g fat || 5g saturated fat || 0g trans fat || 30mg cholesterol || 740mg sodium || 79g carbs || 36g sugars || 4g fiber || 13g protein

    3. CHILI'S: Grilled Chicken Platter with Sides of Broccoli and Pepper Pals Corn on the Cob
    Broccoli comes with this helping of chicken, but it's hard to pass up the traditional summer side of corn on the cob, so splurge and order it extra. Just request no butter or seasoning on those kernels. Complete with a glass of OJ.
    Fruit, vegetable, lean protein. 450 calories || 33.5 calories from fat || 5g fat || 1g saturated fat || 0g trans fat || 60mg cholesterol || 205mg sodium || 66g carbs || 31g sugars || 6g fiber || 40g protein

    Related: Healthy Fast Food Options for Kids

    4. JOE'S CRAB SHACK: Shrimply Grilled Shrimp
    For a seafood dinner, reel in six hot-off-the-grill shrimp served over rice with a side of corn and orange juice to drink. For the lower sodium count, request no seasoned salt on your child's shrimp.
    Fruit, vegetable, lean protein. 420 calories || 50 calories from fat || 5g fat || 1g saturated fat || 0g trans fat || 140mg cholesterol || 750mg sodium || 70g carbs || 27g sugars || 3g fiber || 22g protein

    5. Z PIZZA: Two Slices of California Pizza
    Organic tomato sauce, skim mozzarella, fresh rounds of tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and black olives on organic wheat crust disguised as a Friday-night favorite. Start the meal with a glass of water and a small California Salad (with a tablespoon of dressing, which adds calories) to keep from reaching for a third slice.
    Vegetable, whole grains. 350 calories || 110 calories from fat || 12g fat || 4g saturated fat || 0g trans fat || 15mg cholesterol || 710mg sodium || 47g carbs || 8g sugars || 9g fiber

    For even more menu options, check out our healthy guide to eating out.

    How do you make sure that your kids are eating healthy when your family dines out? Tell us in the comments!

    - By Samantha Cassetty, M.S., R.D.

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    Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.