Fast food is all I eat once my busy semester begins. Only my version of fast food doesn’t include McDonald’s, Wendy’s or Taco Bell. It’s food I make in my kitchen.
Either on Saturday or Sunday of every week I roast a 4-lb chicken, braise a 2-lb pork shoulder and bake a couple pounds of squash and eggplant. With every inch in the oven occupied, I rely on the stovetop where I stir-fry a pound of tofu, steam green beans sauté kale and simmer a pot of lentil soup. Even when everything is done, I usually linger in the kitchen and slow roast some cherry tomatoes just because the oven is still hot.
Once the week starts, I don’t have time to cook. I need fast food. Food that I can grab out of my fridge, nuke for a minute or two and eat while grading a stack of GSW papers.
By cooking ahead I’m guaranteeing my family eats healthy, gluten-free meals that cost much less than take-out. I know exactly what ingredients were used and where they came from. There’s no need to ask the burrito crew member to remove his or her gloves and put on a new pair so there isn’t any gluten cross contamination.
Quite frankly the best food-gluten-free, allergen-free, vegetarian or what have you- doesn’t come in a box; it comes in the form of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins, all of which are part of my family’s everyday diet. In fact, I suspect that most families have dietary restrictions (due to health conditions or personal values) that they need to follow, and unprocessed fresh foods assure they get the nutrients they need without the things they don’t need.
Let’s face it. Homemade food tastes better, and it has no additives or processed junk in it.
As obesity rates continue to rise, and the risk of salmonella poisoning becomes more frequent, I want to ensure the health of my family. The best way to do that is to cook our food. Plus, in the long run, it costs a lot less-medically, environmentally and financially-than pulling into the closest drive-thru.
For those concerned about their skill levels in the kitchen, I suggest starting with one-pot meals, such as soup, chili or a batch of spaghetti. Even leftovers that last a day or two can be beneficial. For meals on-the-go, pack a sandwich and a few carrot sticks. The more respect we give our food, the more it will benefit us. When I eat my homemade fast food I feel productive, alert and ready for my next task. There’s no burger coma or upset stomach to slow me down. Honestly, good fast food makes you feel good. Before long, you’ll be driving past those drive-thrus.
