French fries, washed down with a pint of soda, are a favourite part of fast-food lunches and dinners for millions of American youngsters. But taking a cue from health experts, a group of 19 restaurant companies are pledging to offer more-healthful menu    1    for children at a time when    2    is growing over the role of fast food in childhood obesity.

Burger King, the nation's second-largest fast food chain, for instance, will stop automatically    3    French fries and soda in its kids' meals starting this month, although they will still be available. Instead, the company said Tuesday, its employees will ask parents whether they prefer such options as milk or sliced apples before    4    the meals. "We' re asking the customers to    5    what they want," said Craig Prusher, the chain's vice president of government relations. Other    6    chains, with a variety of menu options, include Denny's, Chili's, Friendly's and Chevys.

As part of the Kids Live Well    7    expected to be announced nationwide Wednesday, participating restaurants must promise to offer at least one children's meal that has fewer than 600 calories, no soft drinks and at least two    8    from the following food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins or low-fat dairy. Among other    9    , they must offer a side dish that meets    10    criteria, with fewer than 200 calories and less than 35% of its calories from sugar.