Ask for a side of brocoli or fruit. Tell them you'll pay extra. Just say NO to fries. And/or bring a bag of sliced apples, carrots, etc and tell the waitress no sides. Sounds too easy huh? Let me know how it goes.

I just get one order of fries for the family. You don't have to buy the whole meal - order items a la carte.

Here's a good idea! Avoid the fast food restaurants and start exploring foods from other countries. With a little bit of effort you can find inexpensive "mom and pop" type of family run restaurants that serve good healthy food. Mediterrean food (Greek, Lebanese, Persian, etc.). Make it exciting for your kids by making an adventure out of it. I live in Toronto. I love finding the really great restaurants in obscure little strip malls. By way of example, Persian kebobs (grilled which reduces fat) served with basmati rice and grilled tomatoes AND a drink for takeout price of $5.00!!! WAY cheaper, WAY better than McDonalds. Tell your kids as they enjoy their meals that they are eating healthy. Healthy habits are a lifetime, learned early on. It will take a little bit of effort at first, but once you find these places, you will return. Expand your palate, expand your choices and eliminate the crappy food.

Depending on how old your kids are you could order an adult meal for them with out the fries and ask for an extra plate so they can share it then they will be eating the same as you. Its ok not to eat all of your food! I guess when your at home (well we did) the rule is usually finish your food because we are given the right amount but when you are at a resturant the rule could be relaxed a bit and dont feel you have to finish the kids food.

I got so disgusted with kids' menus that I started letting ds order off the adult menu or I'd split my meal with him.
I can't figure out why our society thinks it's OK for kids to eat foods that are known to be unhealthy.

I hear a lot of people say "all my kids will eat is burgers, fries and pizza." and I want to say "that's b/c that's all you feed them - if you don't them pizza every day then they'll have to eat something else"

but I keep my mouth shut b/c I'm not perfect either.

Im only 22 and dont have kids of my own so who iam i really to comment but i believe if the kids are hungry enough they will eat anything. I use to be a live-in-nanny for 2 preschoolers and they were really fussy and wouldnt eat their food and then would ask for food in between meals until i discovered that if i kept their food and reheated it they would eat it coz they were hungry! obviously you cant reheat all food but kids will eat healthy if you dont give them an option