So yes, we are still eating super healthy, doing the “whole food” thing. And we have cut WAY back on eating fast food. It is seriously a rarity. But…..big but……(not to be confused with big butt)….sometimes it is a necessity. Well not like a literal necessity, but like a church got out a little late and it is ridiculously close to bedtime and by the time we get home and I cook something it is going to be late and besides I desperately need to go to the store…..kind of necessity. Or when we travel. I mean, you might be the kind of mom who packs healthy, nutritious lunches for the road, but I am the kind of mom who is lucky that I remembered to pack diapers.
So when we do fast food, I am kind of picky about where we do fast food. Honestly, my first choice is Panera because they have great organic options for the kids. But sometimes you just need a drive thru and sadly Panera doesn’t have that option (p.s. Panera- get that option and I am forever yours). So when we need a drive thru, we seek out a Wendy’s. Their nuggets actually resemble chicken inside and I have always been a fan of their chili. But now I have a new favorite menu item.
I was contacted by The Motherhood to join some other fabulous Michigan bloggers for a lunch to try out Wendy’s new “pick two” combo options. with You start with half sizes of one of their four salads and can add some great healthy choices for only $4.99. It was a great chance to hang out with some old and new friends and get a free lunch in the process.
(pic courtesy of Rock and Drool)
I tried the Apple Pecan Salad. Y’all (can I say y’all?), it tasted like a non- fast food restaurant salad. Apple chunks, blue cheese (I big puffy heart blue cheese), dried cranberries, chicken, and roasted pecans. Seriously, doesn’t that sound too fancy for fast food? I could not get over how good it was. Then for my dear readers, I went back the next day and tried the Baja Salad. Anything for my readers. It is kind of like a taco salad with guacamole, chili, salsa, some Frito-like things and a red jalapeno dressing. It wasn’t as good as the other salad (I’m kind of a guacamole snob), but it was still yummy.
I must admit, I was a little disappointed in their “healthy” side options. I chose bottled water as my side, but that wasn’t exactly filling. The other choices are a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, chili, a baked potato, a grilled or spicy homestyle Chicken Go Wraps, a small Frosty, or any other small-size beverage. I like their chili (but it didn’t sound good with my salad) and the baked potato is cooked in an oven, not a microwave so that is a pleasing option as well. But nothing else from those choices seemed all that healthy to me. I am not sure what a better fast food option would be, but I would love a few more healthy options.
That being said, as far as fast food goes, it is not a bad option. I loved the taste and the price. I loved the convenience. And for the rare times we eat fast food, I don’t have to beat myself up too badly over what I am eating.
Would you like to try the “Pick Two” option at Wendy’s. I have a $7 gift card to give away so you can try it. If you want to win, leave a comment letting me know which salad you would chose to try (the Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad, the Baja Salad, the BLT Cobb Salad, or the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad). For extra entries (Leave a SEPARATE comment for each):
- Participate in Things I Love Thursday and leave an extra comment letting me know you did so
- Become a subscriber to The Diaper Diaries or let me know if you already do so
Winner will be chosen at random on Wed. Oct, 27th. Good luck!!
Now, time for you to tell me what you love. Write up a post about anything you love, throw a link in there linking back to this blog/post, link up via Mr. Linky below, then spend your days and nights visiting the other participants. Here are all the detailed Things I Love Thursday rules. Link away!!!
Disclosure: I was given four $7 Wendy’s gift cards to pay for my meal and the meals of my two friends and one to giveaway. I was also compensated for my time to attend the blogger meet-up at Wendy’s and to write this review.
I subscribe! DUH!
I linked, because I <3 you!
Twitter: LivingOrganized
says:
Definitely, the Apple Pecan Chicken salad…and I’d probably get something unhealthy along with it!
Sounds delish!
Andrea @ Simple Organized Living´s last [type] ..Kitchen Clutter & Empty Cabinets
Twitter: LivingOrganized
says:
Like always…I’m linked up!
Andrea @ Simple Organized Living´s last [type] ..Kitchen Clutter & Empty Cabinets
Twitter: LivingOrganized
says:
I subscribe…and I’m tweeting this just because
Andrea @ Simple Organized Living´s last [type] ..Kitchen Clutter & Empty Cabinets
Twitter: marriedlife
says:
That apple pecan sounds pretty good to me! Just don’t ever get a Frosty there… they are listed as the WORST fast food item ever. There’s something like 43 different chemicals in them. Ew! My hubby loves them so I would probably give him the gift card with the caveat that he could only get one a week. I don’t want him to die on me anytime soon!
Twitter: marriedlife
says:
I’m a subscriber
Krista´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday- Guys Night
Twitter: marriedlife
says:
I am writing my TILT post now, but I never let it go live until the day of so I will come back and link it in the morning!
You really need to check it out when I do too!
Krista´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday- Guys Night
I came over from my google reader just to tell you that MY panera has a drive through. Woooot for us.
It is lovely, by the way.
We have also cut out fast food, but have done Wendy’s a couple of times, for the exact reason you mentioned. I tried the apple walnut salad as well and LOVED it. I order a very similar salad at O’Charlie’s restaurant and pay almost double for it. Wendy’s was almost as good! I feel like they are one of the healthiest options when you ‘have’ to eat out. The new pick two thing sounds like a good plan. I love a good baked potato and salad combo!
Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I am moving there!!!
Devin
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 11:46 pm
We’ll be glad to have you!! LOL
Devin´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday- Roof Work
Hi!
This is my first time participating in the “Things I love thursday” activity. I think it’s gonna be fun. Have a good week!
Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Thanks so much for participating!!
I always liked Wendy’s for fast food b/c at least they have the baked potato. I used to be addicted to their Frosties, until I started wondering what was in there since it has no dairy. I’m glad fast food places are branching out. Salads are kind of the original fast food, aren’t they (unless you have the cook the chicken first, of course)?
Betsy (Eco-novice)´s last [type] ..Green Cleaning – Bathroom
Twitter: newmom09
says:
I linked up!
Twitter: newmom09
says:
I think I’d try to the Spicy Chicken Ceasar salad.
Twitter: newmom09
says:
I subscribe!
The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad sounds good!
I am a subscriber!
Twitter: Sadiewindham
says:
We are leaving for a family trip today {18 glorious hours spent in the car} and while we limit our fast food, I just KNOW that fast food will be consumed. Wendy’s is usually our family’s first or second pick because your options do seem healthier in the health-fast-food sorta way.
Sarah´s last [type] ..Potty Training Your 1 Year Old
How fun! I haven’t tried that salad, I usually just get the chili and a side salad when we go which hasn’t been FOREVER. Thanks!!!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy´s last [type] ..Sweet- Sticky & Spicy Chicken
I submitted to Things I Love Thursday!! Thanks!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy´s last [type] ..Sweet- Sticky & Spicy Chicken
I would get the apple pecan chicken salad.
I also subscribe to you
I want to try their salads!
Long time subscriber
.
Candace´s last [type] ..The Beast Has Left the Living Room
I’d like to try Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad
I’m a subscriber
I love the Baja salad–but it doesn’t need that dressing. I think the dressing makes it not so good.
subscriber
Twitter: rardnek
says:
I’d be tempted to with the Baja (I love me a taco salad). But the apple pecan sounds pretty good too!
Kendra aka The Meanest Momma´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday- Our Neighborhood
Twitter: rardnek
says:
i subscribe
Kendra aka The Meanest Momma´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday- Our Neighborhood
Twitter: rardnek
says:
and I also linked above.
Twitter: longwait4bella
says:
Are they premade salads? If they are not, I would pick the Apple Pecan salad minus the chicken. I like those types of salads.
LaVonne´s last [type] ..Shopscotch Cash Back Site
Twitter: longwait4bella
says:
I participated in TILT this week.
Thanks for hosting.
LaVonne´s last [type] ..Shopscotch Cash Back Site
Twitter: longwait4bella
says:
I subscribe via email to your RSS feed. Thanks!
LaVonne´s last [type] ..Shopscotch Cash Back Site
Great giveaway! If I won, I’d choose the Apple Pecan chicken salad! Yum!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
I subscribe via email!
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
Ooh, I’d go Cobb all the way. I love a good Cobb salad!
JessieLeigh´s last [type] ..Three Bible Verses to Reflect On In Times of Struggle
Twitter: thenanapoppins
says:
I linked up and posted the things I love. This is my first thursday so I went with the very few things I have used to start my day today. My grandson is coming over for “school with Nana”.. so I need to log off and get his day started.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I love the idea of this hop.
ps. wish there was a wendy’s near me!!
Nana (Patty) Poppins´s last [type] ..Things I love Thursday
Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Thanks for participating!!
you used it
it was great meeting you! hope to see you again!
Hi! Nice blog here! New follower! Hope you stop by too!
Burciko´s last [type] ..NO RULES SATURDAY 2
Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
I want to try the baja salad.
Thanks!
Email subscriber
Thanks!
I”d get the Baja Salad.
I would love to try the Apple pecan salad…with a frosty as my side!
I would like to try Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
I’m an email subscriber.
I’d love to try the BLT Cobb Salad
I subscribe via email