Healthy fast food dinners for the family
Print
Monday, November 09, 2009
Between basketball practice and the school band concert, there's
barely enough time to squeeze in dinner. You can't bear the thought
of another burger and fries, but what are you to do when there's
limited time? Try some of the options that strike the balance
between sit-down restaurants and fast food.
Noodles & Co.
A long-time favorite of my pasta-loving sons, Noodles & Co.
offers noodle dishes inspired by Mediterranean, Asian and American
cuisine. From Pad Thai to mac 'n' cheese, even a family of fussy
eaters can find something to please their palettes. Carb-conscious
eaters can find a few noodle-less options, including salads.
Kid-friendly: Two portion sizes for all their dishes make ordering
for different ages easy. Mac 'n cheese, buttered noodles and
spaghetti and meatballs are especially popular.
Visit www.noodles.com for nutrition information and
local locations.
Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh is a great spot for California-style Mexican food. Fresh
ingredients and made-to-order meals ensure that every dish tastes
homemade. Their pork carnitas tacos are especially moist. Choose
from hot or mild salsa and pick black or pinto beans, along with
traditional Spanish rice. Freshly fried tortilla chips and the
salsa bar have something to offer to every spice level. (Try the
mango salsa for something sweet and spicy.)
Kid-friendly: Quesadillas are a real child-pleaser. Served with
rice and applesauce on the side, you can add chicken for added
protein.
Visit www.bajafresh.com for nutrition information and
one of six suburban locations.
Cosi
Cosi uses an open-flame hearth oven to create their popular pizzas
and sandwich melts. Couches and overstuffed chairs make for a very
comfortable environment in which to enjoy breakfast, lunch or
dinner. From the healthy Signature Salad to the decadent Double
Trouble Brownie Sundae, it's easy to fill up on Cosi options.
Kid-friendly: The $4.99 Kids Menu offers meals from PB&J to
pizzas. Add the yummy desserts and you have a great, affordable
kids' dinner.
Visit www.getcosi.com for nutrition information and
local locations.
Panera Bread
Although a wildly popular lunch spot, families forget that Panera's
soups, sandwiches and salads make a healthy, tasty dinner. With at
least five daily soup options, kids and adults can find something
to warm their stomachs. Add one of their BBQ Chopped Chicken salads
for a complete meal. Best of all, after everyone has eaten their
wholesome dinners, you can visit the bakery for freshly baked
desserts.
Kid-friendly: Besides the soups, PB&J and grilled cheese
sandwiches keep kids happy. Kids' sandwiches are served on white
whole grain bread and come with a squeezable yogurt pouch.
Visit www.panerabread.com for nutrition information
and one of dozens of local locations.
Alena Murguia
