As we grow older, time seems to disappear around us. We’re either constantly working or studying and going to class. Meals can suddenly become monotonous and boring due to our lack of time to prepare and cook meals.
Once in a while, there are those lucky moments when we get a break: we head out to our favorite restaurant to treat ourselves to a meal that consists of more than just ramen and energy bars.
There’s one thing, though: going out just isn’t the same as it was when we were children without a care in the world. I guess things change, but let us reminisce about the good old days when we ate anything and everything.
1. Kid’s meals were the bomb.
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These were meals made especially for us and our tastes, which definitely lacked variety. They were miniature and toned-down versions of our parents’ dishes. One of the best things about kid’s meals was that they usually included a side, a drink, and even DESSERT. At least our moms would be happy that we would eat our dinner before our dessert.
2. We colored to pass time.
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When we walk through the door and were seated, we were instantly handed a paper menu and a set of crayons. To do what? To make a beautiful masterpiece of scribbles.
Some restaurants even had paper covering the table for easier cleaning, but for us it was just another canvas for our art. Not only could we color, but there were crosswords, connect the dots games, and puzzles to help us pass the time until our food came.
3. The menu was consistent.
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There are four staples to a kids diet: pizza, mac and cheese, hamburgers, and chicken tenders. No doubt, all the restaurants you went to had at least one of them. Too bad you couldn’t order all four.
4. We got toys.
Photo courtesy of @kim_eunnnnndi on Instagram
Eating out for us was not just going to restaurants—eating out was going to McDonald’s, Burger King, and any of our favorite fast food chains. Those kids meals were extra special because they came with toys. Do you remember when McDonald’s gave out mini Beanie Babies? We do, and we still have all of them sitting in our closet.
5. Our bodies recovered from all the junk we ate.
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Our metabolisms kept up with us, and we were active little kids, so this meant we could eat almost anything we wanted and not have to worry about being sluggish the next day. How we wish we could have this trait now.
6. Food came in fun shapes and sizes.
Photo courtesy of @jessniko on Instagram
Cookies weren’t the only things that came in different shapes. Chicken nuggets were not nuggets, they were dinosaurs, and pancakes and french fries always came with a smile. Sometimes even a hot dog was cut in the shape of an octopus.
7. We never had to pay for ANYTHING.
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Probably the best thing about eating out was that you didn’t have to pay for any of it. It’s as if it was always on the house. Thanks, Mom and Dad.