Many Americans like to blame our obesity problem on fast food chains. But as the general population becomes more aware of what is and is not healthy, food chains are starting to wise up. Where does the responsibility lie for our eating habits?

Walk into any McDonald’s or Wendy’s and you will find that the current menus, while still featuring crowd favorites, now include more health conscious items as well, such as fruit salads, bottled water, parfaits and apple dippers.

So if the food chains are starting to catch up and offer healthy items as well as traditionally unhealthy items, who is responsible for choosing wisely? Can we still blame other people for our own poor choices?

In a recent article featured on CNNMoney.com, FORTUNE senior writer Marc Gunther reports:

“Whatever the back story, McDonald’s new attention to health concerns appears to be paying off, for the company’s bottom line if not Americans’ waistlines. Same-store sales in the U.S. have grown for an impressive 36 consecutive months. The company’s share price is up by more than 30 percent in the past two years, outpacing the S&P500.”

Clearly, fast food chains are in no shortage of customers. And while many customers are choosing healthier fare, many are still ordering more fattening choices. The old fashioned Happy Meal still contains toys and features burgers and fries. There is even a link on the McDonalds site to a children oriented Happy Meal site that describes the old and new meal choice options. Children can now choose between the old favorites like burgers, fries and sodas, and more healthy items such as Apple Dippers served with a low fat caramel dipping sauce, and beverages including 100% pure Minute Maid® apple juice and 1% low fat white and chocolate Milk Jugs. Certainly not the same menu I remember as a child.
But with more choices comes more confusion for children as well as parents. Are children prone to pick the milk and apples over soda and fries? Are parents the ones making the final decision, and do they themselves pick the healthy choices?

The bottom line is there is always a choice. The more fattening options might seem more desirable to some, but healthy options are indeed available. McDonald’s, as well as other fast food chains, are starting to accommodate a wider range of consumers. It is and has always been the consumers’ burden to choose. Now the fast food chains are making it more challenging by finally adapting their menus and marketing both options. I know what my choice would be, how about you?

As the Gipper would say, Just say No - to unhealthy meal choices.

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