Observations in the Food Court

There can't be too many better places to witness the terrible eating habits of Americans than the mall food court. I forgot to pack a lunch today, so I decided to see if I could score a relatively healthy meal--while avoiding the $8 salad--in the food court at the Cambridgeside Galleria.

As I looked around at the choices, I couldn't help but remark at the selection of people and their eateries of choice. At the salad bar place and the sushi joint--a person or two, no more. But standing in front of Sarku Japan and Burger King...a massive line. Will Americans ever end their love affair with grease and MSG?

I commend the Galleria for offering some healthy choices--in addition to salad and sushi, there's also an Au Bon Pain, a D'Angelo's, and a shrimp place, which sells it fried but also in salads and wraps. And yet, despite these healthy choices, most of the people were crowded around the usual junk food purveyors.

I did in fact succeed in scoring a healthy, reasonably priced meal, and in a rather unlikely place. I ended up at Taco Bell, with a very yummy Chicken Fiesta Burrito from their "Fresco" menu--a selection of lower-calorie versions of their usual menu items, made with low-fat cheese, no sour cream, and more veggies.

I must say, well done, Taco Bell. My burrito, which the helpful signage at the counter informed me was only 330 calories, was fresh and filling, and only $3.09. Beats the heck out of Au Bon Pain's Baja Turkey Sandwich, which is not only almost $7, but despite sounding healthy actually has 650 calories!

Though I don't have all love for Taco Bell--they do offer lower-calorie options, but they also pioneered the concept of "Fourth Meal--The Meal Between Dinner and Breakfast"...truly, something that could only come from America.