Not So Fast!
Five restaurants that offer healthy, wholesome options when eating on the go
One of the greatest challenges I face in raising a family with a hectic schedule is keeping them fed on the go.
Sure, I’ve had a few delusions of grandeur along the way. I figured my kids wouldn’t miss what they’d never had so they wouldn’t be interested in commercial fast food or processed junk food.
Not so. Despite the many alternatives, which they actually love, they were always overjoyed when we succumbed under the pressure in pursuit of anything quick and cheap and pulled into Wendy’s to raid the value menu.
In my perfect world, I have prepared a series of mouth-watering meals that are individually packaged in clever containers that my family can just grab out of the fridge and go. My world is SO far from perfect, these days it’s downright shameful.
In my opinion, fresh vegetables—and meat-free alternatives, for that matter—are best hot out of the sauté pan when crisp, tender and not reheated a few days later. So, making them ahead and storing is unappealing.
And so it goes, the Iveys would rather cook fresh everyday—that is, if we actually had the time.
Though I do avoid fast food establishments in general, I, too, have been seduced by the irresistible convenience of a $5 Hot-N-Ready a time or two. It’s just way too easy!
Otherwise, there are a few different places I frequent on a general basis to grab something quick, but I sometimes pay a little more. It’s worth it to me if the food is fresh, real and wholesome.
Even with the endless recipes around for quick weeknight meals, they only work for you if you’re actually home to make them! We can probably all agree that it’s best to serve our families a hot cooked meal from scratch each and every night.
We can also probably agree that it is very unlikely, particularly for those of us chauffeuring kids with extra curricular activities and budding social lives to and fro. The truth of the matter is, as much as I hate to admit it, quick take-out is a real time saver when you’re on the go.
Breakfast isn’t as big a problem in my house; I try to keep fresh fruit or a box of Kashi bars or yogurt (WholeSoy makes the tastiest dairy-free) around so they can take with, if in a hurry. It’s the after school/ dinner shift where I falter.
That being the case, I have found a few places around town my girls like and there are healthy choices for the entire family. Here are my top five stops for “food fast”—though my 15-year- old points out my list is merely one of carryout restaurants rather than “fast” food joints.
So, in the interest of clarity, how about food “fast enough!”
Bon Appetit!
Email
Print
