Healthier happy mealsWhat would happen if a fast-food restaurant reduces the calories in a children's meal by 104 calories mainly by decreasing the portion size of French fries? Would children compensate by choosing a more calorie dense entr e or beverage? Researchers at Cornell University Dr. Brian Wansink and Dr. Andrew Hanks analyzed transaction data from 30 representative McDonald's restaurants to answer that question.Prior to 2012 the Happy Meal ® was served with one of three entr e options (chicken nuggets cheeseburger hamburger) a side item (apples or small size French fry) and a beverage (fountain beverage white milk chocolate milk apple juice). By April 2012 all restaurants in this chain served a smaller size kid fry and a packet of apples with each CMB. Wansink and Hanks found that this change in default side offerings resulted 98 of the 104-calorie decrease in the CMB.With such a large decrease in calories would children compensate by choosing a more calorie dense entr e or beverage? Wansink and Hanks found that 99% of children ordered the same entr e and orders of chicken nuggets (the lowest calorie entr e) remained flat at nearly 62% of all orders. Yet nearly 11% fewer children took caloric soda as a beverage and 22% more chose white or chocolate milk -- a more satiating beverage. This increase was partially due to small changes in advertising for milk. Interestingly the chocolate milk served in 2012 was of the fat-free variety compared to the 1% milk variety served previously. It also contained 40 fewer calories. Overall the substitutions in beverage purchases resulted in 6 fewer calories served with the average CMB.Small changes in the automatic -- or default -- foods offered or promoted in children's meals can reduce calorie intake and improve the overall nutrition from selected foods as long as there is still an indulgence. Importantly balancing a meal with smaller portions of favored foods might avoid reactance and overeating. Just as managers have done this in restaurants parents can do this at home.Story Source:The above story is based on materials provided by Cornell Food & Brand Lab. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.Journal Reference: