Sometimes it can seem impossible to run from practice to performance and doctor’s appointment to a special event without driving through somewhere for burgers and fries.
And hey, let’s be honest, sometimes that’s exactly what is on the menu for the night! However, when we can optimize our health and still have the convenience, why not partake for ourselves and the kiddos?
Several local options exist in our area that is just a drive-through or quick run-in away from a fast, healthy meal for all.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ
Tropical Smoothie Café boasts a colorful, healthy vibe with premium health smoothies at your disposal. They provide all options to include added protein or even vegan recipes. Along with smoothies, their menu consists of quesadillas, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. You can also pick either fruit or a bag of chips for your side. Another added perk is their rewards system when you download their app. Not only can you order ahead of time so you can just walk in and grab your order, but you also rack up points for free money applied towards your future totals. Several locations sprinkled throughout Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, Maumee, and more. It is easy to find one to stop into.
CORELIFE EATERY
CoreLife Eatery has locations in both Maumee and Toledo. They provide locally sourced foods that are boasted to be made from scratch. Choose from bowls packed with lots of greens, add grains, or kick it up a notch and try a protein-packed power plate. One of the best parts is their very own Kid’s Power Menu. Select a nutrient-dense option for your littles while still having the ease of no worries around cooking or cleaning a dish. CoreLife Eatery has done a great job of providing the Toledo area family-friendly healthy options.
CHICK-FIL-A
Chick-fil-A is a well-known go-to for families to grab a quick, delicious meal. Aside from the bonus play area for the kids to blow off steam, they offer a menu that has many options. Both parents and children have the ability to go for grilled items, salads, yogurt, and more. Chick-fil-A offers the convenience of not just a drive-through but is known for its efficiency and stellar customer service. There are several locations all throughout Toledo and surrounding areas which is another level of convenience when put into a situation requiring a quick meal for the family.
CLEAN JUICE
If you’re the kind of family that is very particular about sticking to your organic lifestyle or even just looking for a quick, highly clean meal for the family, then Clean Juice at Levis Commons in Perrysburg is the perfect spot for you. Clean Juice is a certified organic health food store serving a variety of foods that are good and good for you. Acai bowls are a health packed quick meal that are sometimes hard to find but readily available at Clean Juice. If you just need something super quick before or after practice, grab a protein smoothie made from scratch or something quick like avocado toast. The menu provides a ton of different options with everything having one thing in common: it’s all organic ingredients. There is even an entire juice cleanse program that they offer for anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Clean Juice is another great place that offers rewards points through their app, so don’t miss out on the bonus points and free rewards!
THE FRESH MARKET
Hitting up the market might seem less than ideal when you need to rush home and get the kiddos fed. The Fresh Market has created a family and time-friendly solution for you while offering quality food and less hassle. Check out their easy meal options that can make dinner happen in mere minutes while providing high-quality food and low effort! They have their Market Meal Kits which have fresh ingredients. They are already pre-prepped and are able to be whipped up in 20 minutes or less. Or if you’re looking to avoid cooking altogether, just hit up one of their customizable Bistro Meals from the deli. They have oven-ready seafood dishes and every single week they have four serving Dinner Deals. There’s no shortage of options to make sure your family is fed well even if you don’t have the time to prepare everything yourself! Check out The Fresh Market the next time you’re short on time or just looking for a fast dinner full of freshness.
KROGER
Kroger may not seem like something that we can turn to for quick convenience. It really sounds more like a laborious trip to the grocery store. However, that’s not the case! Each Kroger location varies on what they offer in terms of ready to serve and ready to eat options. They have an option for all members of the family that does not just include fast food. Kroger offers meals that can be ordered or even pre-made salads, sandwiches, and wraps readily available for consumption. Grab a piece of fruit or a package of veggie and dip to easily add some extra nutrients instead of a side of fries. Find your favorite items that are quick and easy when in a pinch and make the most of your meal without the overwhelm.
These are just a couple of options for when you are out and need a quick meal that the whole family can enjoy!
Search for the places that have reward points to rack up for your family to save along the way, have a set plan for those busy nights, and try new things to keep the whole family happy.
