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Extreme Eating Awards Slam Worst Menu Items
July 20, 2011
2 Min Read
WASHINGTONApplebees, Dennys, The Cheesecake Factory and Cold Stone Creamery are among the eight dishonorees" of the 2011 Xtreme Eating Awards conferred by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Menu items making the list included burgers topped with pork belly and fried eggs, meatballs stuffed with provolone, and grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with deep-fried mozzarella sticks.
If Americans are feeling a little more full when lumbering out of The Cheesecake Factory, Applebees, Dennys, and other chains, its not in their heads," said CSPI nutrition director Bonnie Liebman. Its as if the restaurants were targeting the remaining one out of three Americans who are still normal weight in order to boost their risk of obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and cancer."
Dietary guidelines suggest the people consume about 2,000 calories a day, and no more than 20 grams of saturated fat and 1,500 milligrams of sodium. As part of health care reform, calorie counts will soon be required on restaurant menus.
Following is a sampling of the foodservice establishments and menu items that were called out by CSPI:
Dennys Fried Cheese Melt. With four fried mozzarella sticks and melted American cheese grilled between two slices of sourdough bread, the cheesy collision, with its side of French fries and marinara sauce, has 1,260 calories and 21 grams of saturated fat and 3,010 mg of sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Farmhouse Cheeseburger. Topped with grilled smoked pork belly cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo and a fried egg, the burger boasts 1,530 calories and 36 grams of saturated fat topped with 3,210 milligrams of sodium. French fries add 460 calories and 1,460 mg of sodium.
Cold Stone Creamery PB&C Shake. The 24-ounce Gotta Have It" size shake of peanut butter, chocolate ice cream, and milk has 2,010 calories and 68 grams of saturated fat.
Applebees Provolone-Stuffed Meatballs With Fettuccine. With a piece of garlic bread, the 4 cups of pasta, two sauces and cheese-injected meatballs deliver 1,520 calories, 43 grams of saturated fat and 3,700 mg of sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake. Weighing in at three-quarters of a pound, this dessert packs 1,540 calories and 59 grams of saturated fat.
Click here for a full list of award dishonorees".
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