The 30 Worst Fast-Food Restaurant Choices
Denny's
Though you might know them for their "Grand Slam" breakfasts or their "Rock Star Menu," Denny's has gotten some bad press recently when the chain was sued for "putting customers at risk with its unsafe sodium levels." With the help of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the New Jersey man behind the suit demanded the chain reduce its sodium and fat content across all menu items. Denny's claimed it couldn't meet the demands completely, citing costs and taste compromises, and instead introduced a line of healthier menu options. The chain now claims to use frying oil that adds zero grams of trans fat per serving.
Still, that doesn't mean it's entirely safe to go back into the Grand Slam waters. Brace your arteries and waistlines for these shockers.
Calorie Bombs Cheesy Three Pack Appetizer1,940 calories, 125g fat, 23g saturated fat, 100g cholesterol, 3,840mg sodium
"But they're so cute!" Not everything that comes in "mini" size is adorable. You'd be better off ordering the Fit Fare Boca burger (410 calories), or even their Classic Burger (770 calories) than this three-pack of mini cheeseburgers served with onion rings -- a frightening overdose of calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
Granola (4 ounces) with Milk (8 ounces)690 calories, 12g fat, 2g saturated fat, 20mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium
A bowl of cereal that adds up to nearly half a day's calories? And this is supposed to be a breakfast "side"? Take heed: "People don't realize there's a ton of fat and sugar in granola, and restaurants serve oversized portions," says New York-based nutritionist Richter, who tells her clients to avoid granola altogether, not just at Denny's. "Opt for oatmeal instead -- or Cheerios."
Heartland Scramble1,150 calorie, 66g fat, 20g saturated fat, 530mg cholesterol, 2,800 sodium
There are only two eggs in this breakfast entree, yet the bacon, fried potatoes, and cheddar cheese send this one into the danger zone, especially when you factor in the sodium content.
Healthier Alternatives Baja Chicken Salad280 calories, 13g fat, 3g saturated fat, 75mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium
It may be only half of a salad, but with the double protein combo of grilled chicken and bacon plus folate-rich avocado, this can fill you up. Consider the pico de gallo topping as your dressing and spare yourself the doubling (or tripling) in calories a ranch or blue cheese would provide. And remember to skip the bread!
Seasonal Fresh Fruit Appetizer70 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium
Yes, you can find fresh fruit at Denny's -- and you'll be a walking caveat to all those with stomachaches from wolfing down a French Toast Slam.
Egg-White Omelet280 calories, 16g fat, 6g saturated fat, 20mg cholesterol, 720mg sodium
(omelet only; not counting the toast or sides)
This one will give you bragging rights -- a big, fat omelet with only 20 mg of cholesterol, less than a tenth of the average woman's daily cholesterol consumption. For eggs! At Denny's! (Compare that to 530 mg for the Heartland Scramble.) You're also getting a big helping of veggies (green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes) and enough protein to last you until lunch.
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Inseatd of olive garden, what about Sweet Tomatoes. Is it healthy or not. I found some info online, a good site was www.sweet-tomatoescoupons.com, but if olive garden is unhealthy, what about Sweet Tomatoes?
5/19/2011 11:30:05 AM Report AbuseMEDIA NEEDS TO HELP SPREAD WORD THAT THESE PLACES TO EAT NEED TO HELP TAKE OUT FATS AN SODIUM FROM THERE MEALS THEY SERVE
8/10/2010 06:52:02 AM Report Abusewhat about the Ninety-Nine? there crispy fish tacos are about 1200 calories, I believe. I usually go for the red pepper hummus appetizer at an estimated 500 calories!
8/9/2010 02:31:19 PM Report Abusecould you include not your average joe's next time please?
8/9/2010 11:32:50 AM Report AbuseEating out is WAY over rated!! Keep your money people!
7/23/2010 01:48:15 PM Report Abuse