While I tend to avoid fast food, I’m not always successful.  I do a have a soft spot for the beans and rice at Popeye’s, and the occasional Taco Bell 7-layer burrito does end up in my hand.  But a recent find in the healthier “near fast-food” category has been the Pita Pit (921 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA or 4784 Borgen Blvd, Gig Harbor, WA or elsewhere).  Yes, it is a chain, but a Canadian chain, so that somehow makes it OK.  It is basically a subway type operation, but with a Pita for bread, a middle-eastern menu lean, and a lot of great veggies.  At most fast-food delis like subway, the meats and breads are a bit suspect –  usually rather over-processed, and taste that way.  Pita Pit largely avoids that.   I typically get their falafel sandwich, with has OK falafel, but the fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, spinach, feta and some quite good tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic) make the sandwich a joy.  My 14 year old goes for a custom job, with chicken, hummus (surprisingly good) and a bunch of veggies.  The Pita Pit will absolutely appeal to your teenage epicure.  Yes, Pita Pit’s meats seem a bit processed – but less than their competitors.  It is still a chain, after all.  But you have some good veggie options, and can pile on the fresh veggies in an absolutely delicious way.  There is a gluten free pita option, it being the 21 century and all.  Typically, we’ll stop there on our way to a day hike somewhere - the sandwiches hold up great to a few hours in the bag – and as we sit next to a raging river, they make a great meal.  They’ll do a catering tray as well, for a bit of a change of pace at you next lunch work session.  Anyway, next time you’re heading to the foothills trail for a bike ride and picnic along the Carbon River, you might consider a stop at pita pit on your way out of town.  Mid-exercise, your body with appreciate the protein and the veggies, and what few carbs are there will fuel your further adventures.