McDonald's rolls out healthier Happy Meal this week

New options include fat-free chocolate milk, low-fat white milk and a smaller size container of French fries.

Posted 1:51 a.m. Jan 18, 2012 — Updated 1:51 a.m. Jan 18, 2012

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Your kids' McDonald's Happy Meals are about to look a little different.

Local McDonald's will begin offering a reformulated Happy Meal starting Wednesday. The new meal will include both apple slices and a smaller size container of French fries, along with a choice of a hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken nuggets. Beverage choices include new fat free chocolate milk or 1 percent low fat white milk. For customers who don't want fries, they can ask for two bags of apple slices.

McDonald's began rolling out this healthier Happy Meal this summer. The changes represent an estimated 20 percent reduction in calories of the most popular Happy Meals and also cut the fat, according to McDonald's. McDonald's also is looking to expand on its side offerings, possibly eventually including other produce or low-fat dairy options, according to this McDonald's report.

Later this year, McDonald's also will begin promoting nutrition and active lifestyles in all of its marketing to kids, including merchandising, advertising and Happy Meal packaging.

As most of you know, McDonald's has gotten a lot of flack in recent years from health advocates and some parents for its quality of food. For a broader look at the debate, check this New York Times article, written when McDonald's announced the new Happy Meal.

According to the New York Times article, the new Happy Meal with chicken nuggets and 1 percent milk will equal 410 calories and 19 grams of fat, compared to the old version, which had 520 calories and 26 grams of fat.

For information on McDonald's local promotions and events, check this Facebook page.

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