We live in a world where the only places to eat on the go and in a hurry are fast food and junk food! Be quick to say "No" to the above. I understand you may have a picky eater who may also only like the pleasures of fast food taste but you as a parent need to read this list of good eats that don't have to be dull and boring. Because believe it or not, some places may 'seem' that they are serving healthy and delicious meals, however, how truly healthy are they? The one you think that have less fat and calories than the # 1 and # 5 on the McDonalds menu, may actually have less nutritional value than what you think. Here is a list of our favorite family restaurants I compiled of healthy/good eats you can enjoy with your kiddos on the go or even as a sit down meal.
1. Olive Garden - This is one of our most favorite restaurants to visit that not only has a delicious nutritious salad but a kids selection that has fruit and vegetable options as well. They usually share a spaghetti with grapes on the kids meal and have the unlimited salad with us adults. And they will always have coloring activities so the kiddos don't get bored while waiting. Oh and they also have a "Pronto Lunch" just in case you're in a hurry and need to be out in 30 minutes.
2. Chickfila - This is another family favorite. You can never lose with an option like this one. Not so much fast food when you sit and let your kiddos play all morning or afternoon in their little play area. Their kids meals aren't too bad either. My children love salad, so sometimes they'll opt for an adult salad with chicken on top. Don't forget that with a kids meal, should they not open their kids toy, they are able to trade it in for an ice-cream cone.
3. Cracker Barrel- One of the restaurants that has been a part of the family for years. My dad introduced me to it when I was just a little kiddo. It is fun inside and out as they have an old country store when you first walk in and the food is more of a home cooked style which makes it an enjoyable experience. This kids love it. They have coloring activities and games at the table along with several checkers boards around the restaurant to get a game in while you wait for your order.
4. IHop -When you want breakfast for lunch or breakfast for dinner with a side of coffee, go to iHop! Our family loves it here. It's most convenient when you're not sure what your tummy wants. They have every meal, all day that you can choose from. Their menu is pretty extensive. We love it here because of their famous harvest grain pancakes and spinach omelets that are to die for! They even have different coloring and writing activities for the kiddos while you're waiting for your pancakes!
5. Luby's - Another family favorite... Again, my dad loved it here and he sucked us all into loving it as well. Because of him, cafeteria food is one of our main choices; we are able to choose a number of items due to the extensive selection it has to offer. It's very kid friendly as they are able to order jello/fruit or salad as part of their order and receive a balloon at the end of each meal. Don't forget, kids eat free on Wednesdays and all through summer their meal is only $2.99! On Saturday mornings (only at participating restaurants), they have an all you can eat breakfast buffet.
6. La Madeline - If you have a french taste, try this place out. They are famous for their fresh-baked baguettes, still warm from the brick oven. Our order is usually a spinach quiche, Caesar salad with fresh fruit. They also have an extensive selection however, some may not be so healthy as they have pasta dishes heavy in carbs but you can opt for fresh soup and salad that is flavored for greatness.
7. Chili's - It's summer time and that means... Kids eat free! (with an entrée purchase at participating locations) They are great for entertaining kids. Just recently they upgraded to not only new coloring/drawing pages but they have added a table iPad you or your kiddo can play (.99cents) while waiting on food or just as a distraction to keep them quiet during dinner. The food is just as good too. The kids choices can be veggies and even a salad. If you want to splurge a little at the end of the meal just because you and your kiddos deserve it, go for it! Their Molten Chocolate Brownie with ice-cream is to die for!
8. Bohemeo's- This café offers more of a laid back environment. We like to come here during the evenings where we can sit outside and enjoy the breeze on the patio. Our favorite orders are their fresh Fish Tacos on Wheat tortillas served with avocados and their own special sauce with an avocado smoothie for our refresher. They also offer locally fresh brewed coffee, cafes and latte's to serve along with healthy and reasonable prices; salads, hummus, veggies, homemade pizza and fresh sandwich's.
9. Jamba Juice - If you're looking for a healthy breakfast, quick lunch or a delicious snack... Try Jamba Juice fruit smoothies, all-natural baked goods, steel-cut oatmeal, sandwiches and other healthy choices throughout the day. Just for kids, they developed in conjunction with the expert dieticians these perfectly sized meals feature smoothies made with whole fruit and fruit and veggie juices, and tasty food items full of whole grains and protein. A juice a day, keeps the body in play.
10. Whole Foods - Ready for a transcendent experience? Or just want to make some healthier meals? Vist Whole Foods as they are not only a grocery store, they're a restaurant too! They have a full salad bar and a buffet bar with freshly made soups and lunch/dinner items made throughout the day. Certain Whole Foods have smoothie bars as well that you can customize just for you. What I enjoy best are the kids healthy cooking classes they have to offer via schedule.
All in all, these are our family favorite top 10 healthy good eats we enjoy when we are on the road. The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. So visit one of these places and keep this in mind.
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