Slow Thoughts About Fast Food

My relationship with fast-food then and now

my feet follow the smoke signal value meals galore — fried, crispy carbs

My love affair with fast food began much like anyone else’s in America: As a child opening a Happy Meal box from McDonald’s and playing with the prize toy after eating small fries and nuggets. I loved McDonalds so much I had a dream one time that I had boxes and boxes of nuggets floating by me and all the sweet and sour sauce a girl could ever ask for(this was way before the 20 piece box).

There was an endless supply of sauce in my dream — I wonder if that is why they are stingy with the sauce now. Either way, my childhood joys were almost nearly connected to food, but specifically fast food. Slow, lazy days, of eating crispy shoestring fries with family on weekends.

It didn’t stop there.

There was a time when dad didn’t have his little black car. I remember that car: something exploded from the hood one day, and the flames licked up in the Summer sky, making the atmosphere hotter.

Dad bought us bikes the Christmas before, so he and I had our bikes, my little sister sometimes didn’t have hers. During those hot days without a car, we went to nearby fast food places like Burger King or Ta co Bell. The Whopper Jrs. were so good, fresh and hot with the right amount of mayo on them. Dad would pay for them, then we’d place the bags in our hands as we grip the handlebars and pedaled home. Sometimes we’d have spare grocery bags to hang on the side of the bike and would place the Burge King Bags in those.

I never minded the ride most times because we’d make it back home with hot burgers. Sometimes, if we went to someone’s cookout, we’d ride back under the evening moon. Tired, but glad we can navigate dark, silent streets behind dad’s bike, I cherished them Summer days.

Today, fast food has become a frenemy.

First, I am thankful that my father, mom, and other family members cooked their own food 80–85% of the time so fast food was a treat for us and not a staple. However, as an adult, I love those days when I can “pick up something quick” and eat it while watching a good show.

I live near a few Asian restaurants now and a couple of fast-food places all within walking distance and to some, this may sound excellent. It is certainly convenient, but not friendly. Many times, I have been served, too cold, too greasy, or too angry food from the establishment.

Then there are times I am served with a smile, get discounts and the food is piping hot and fresh, but since the Pandemic, customer service has gone way down and freshness has too. I am thankful for the real ONES who did not let the world slow them down into a boiling anger causing them to toss gentle customer service aside.

There’s another reason why I am just learning fast-food is my frenemy —

With my recent diabetes diagnosis, it causes me to check what I eat often. Not just from fast food places but even what I check out at the grocery stores.

I learned something really quick though. Everything can be done with a balance. I know I am writing about fast food, but it does not mean I eat it often. When I do go out to eat, I have to be a little smarter. No one cooks ALL the time so yes, me and my hubby occasionally eat out, but we’re making smarter choices.

I order water with my orders now or if I order a sweetened drink, I will not drink all of it.

I am learning that having a salad or broccoli as a side is an awesome idea to pair with the fried meal I may have. After reading some of Kaki Okumura’s book, Wa, I see that even she confirms this. We don’t have to order fries with every carb ridden meal. We can opt for other healthier sides.

Overall, I love a good home cooked meal because it presents an artful challenge sometimes. It’s much like a haiku. It may seem new and daunting at first, but when you get all the wonderful flavors together you can sit back and enjoy your work.

Until next time, thank you for reading, sharing, tipping, and enjoying!