Healthy Eating along the NJ Pike

In driving up and down the lower 100 miles of the New Jersey Turnpike this week between Delaware and Staten Island, I discovered several ways to eat healthier than the typical fast food restaurants positioned at turnpike rest stops.

Midway, to the west: Take turnpike exit 4 and drive over to Philadelphia, where one of the world's greatest farmers markets, the indoor, covered and huge Reading Terminal Market, is a destination in itself. It's well worth the break from the grinding drive. When I lived in Philly, I would spend entire days there, browsing through the stalls, sampling, eating. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Midway, to the east: Take turnpike exit 5 and drive a couple of miles to Mt. Holly, where Christopher's Deli and Catering sits informally in a small strip mall, at 516 High Street (609.265.4000); Mon-Fri, 9-8, and Sat 9-3. On a cool rainy day, we chose from the hot smorgasbord -- Tuesday's special was fresh roasted turkey and dressing -- as well as the cold buffet and sandwich lanes. For a copy of Burlington County's smoke-free dining guide, call 609.261.0001.

On the pike -- Eat at Starbucks (besides non-rockgut coffee and tea, there are juices, sandwiches, salads and yogurt).

For other suggestions, ask a toll booth operator -- they know their communities.