I really enjoy cooking and usually bring leftovers to work for lunch, so fast food isn’t really on my radar most days. Last week it was road trip time, however, as we headed from New Hampshire to New Jersey to visit family. On the turnpike, home cooking wasn’t an option, so off we headed to the food court at the nearest service plaza when our gas tank and our stomachs both hit empty at the same time.

Driving south we chose to eat at Fresh City, a New England chain with a dozen Massachusetts locations plus one each in Connecticut and New Hampshire.  “Naturally raised meat, poultry and seafood… hand-picked produce, cut fresh daily… organic ingredients, wherever possible.” It’s refreshing to see the improvements in fast food options these days.

I had the Pacific Coast (roasted vegetables, herb goat cheese, field greens and tomato on whole grain bread) and my husband had the Falafel Salad Wrap (falafel, hummus, cucumber, romaine, tomato, red onion and Greek dressing, on a whole grain wrap.) This is the kind of food we would eat at home – tasty and good for us.

Stopped at McDonald’s on the way back north. Now that I know the Chicken Premium bun contains half a serving of whole grain, it’s my logical choice at McDonald’s. Even though it was mid-afternoon, the tray-liner was promoting McDonald’s oatmeal, available all day. Gotta say it was very cool staring at the Whole Grain Stamp in the corner of the tray liner as I ate my lunch.
 

Back when McDonald’s first started putting whole grains in their premium bun, they just did it because it was the right thing. (I mean, white bread isn’t very premium, is it?) No fanfare, just in case healthy sends ‘em running for the exits. Now, though, years later, people understand that food can be good for you and good-tasting, and whole grain has become a big plus. That message hit home as I ran for my commuter bus through Boston’s South Station last week, and saw the big starbust above, touting the whole wheat tortillas at Southwest Grill. Spring is here, and whole grains are busting out all over. (Cindy)