McDonald's Goes on a Diet

The large restaurant chain yielded to pressure from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today and announced plans to make Happy Meals healthier by substituting "apple slices and juice for fries and a soft drink." Mike Roberts, Mcdonald's president, said the move came about because his company is "very concerned" about its "customers' well-being."

Roberts also announced plans to change restaurant decor and include brochures with customers' orders to advise them on how to eat less fat, calories and carbohydrates. "We are trying to distance ourselves from that soft and fluffy 'Ronald McDonald' image. Now when customers sit down in our restaurants, they will be greeted by photos of Dr. Phil McGraw. He's so inspirational," Roberts said. The brochures will feature several of Dr. Phil's motivational quotes, including: "I don't care what I weigh!" "You're a big fat goony-bird," and "Kids hate me."