Life in the fast lane doesn't have to mean life in the "fast food" lane. The term "fast food" has been created by the likes of McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's and Taco Bell. Yet, it is Mother Nature who invented the original fast foods.

The best thing any of us can do is to stock our own "fast food" pantry to compete with the commercial organizations. Tonight, picture this: You open the refrigerator and take out a few apples and oranges, some baby carrots and snow peas; you grab a selection of low-fat cheeses, a container of humus and the milk. Finally, you pull out a loaf of whole wheat bread or pita. You serve them attractively on the table for your own fast food buffet. Family members can grab slices of fruit, dip vegetables and pita, and drink skim milk. If it is chilly, you warm up some canned soup or turn the milk into hot chocolate (remember even hot chocolate is a good source of magnesium and is low in fat when using skim milk). While this may not seem like a traditional dinner, it is "fast food" the healthy way.