When dining out at your favorite restaurant, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of trying new flavors and indulging in comfort foods. However, many people don’t realize that the seemingly harmless side dishes they order can actually be loaded with calories, fat, and sodium. In fact, some of these restaurant sides are so unhealthy that you’re practically kidding yourself by ordering them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the worst offenders and what you can choose instead.
1. Chili’s Roasted Street Corn
Chili’s Roasted Street Corn may sound like a tasty and somewhat healthy option, but don’t be fooled. This side dish packs a whopping 390 calories, 28 grams of fat, and 270 milligrams of sodium per serving. That’s almost as much fat as you’d find in a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese! The high calorie and fat content comes from the generous amounts of butter and cheese used in the dish.
If you’re craving a corn-based side, opt for a simple ear of corn on the cob instead. You can even ask for it without butter to save on calories and fat. Alternatively, choose a fiber-rich option like steamed broccoli or a side salad with dressing on the side. These choices will still satisfy your hunger without derailing your health goals.
It’s important to remember that restaurants often use more butter, oil, and cheese than you would at home to make their dishes taste delicious. However, this flavor boost comes at the cost of your health. By being mindful of the sides you choose and opting for lighter options, you can still enjoy your meal without the guilt.
2. Outback Steakhouse’s Over The Top Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are usually considered a healthy vegetable, but not when they’re smothered in cheese and bacon like Outback Steakhouse’s Over The Top Brussels Sprouts. This side dish contains a staggering 1,010 calories, 89 grams of fat, and 1,250 milligrams of sodium. That’s more calories than you’d find in two Big Macs!
The problem with this dish is that the Brussels sprouts are essentially a vehicle for the toppings. The cheese and bacon add tons of fat, calories, and sodium, negating any health benefits from the vegetables. If you’re really craving Brussels sprouts, ask for them to be steamed or roasted with minimal added ingredients.
When dining out, it’s crucial to be aware of how your food is prepared. Even seemingly healthy options like vegetables can be turned into calorie bombs when they’re doused in high-fat toppings. By requesting your veggies to be cooked with less oil or butter, you can still enjoy your favorite sides without sacrificing your health.
3. Ruby Tuesday’s Loaded French Fries
French fries are a classic side dish, but Ruby Tuesday’s Loaded French Fries take things to the extreme. These fries are topped with cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing, resulting in a side dish that contains 750 calories, 46 grams of fat, and a whopping 2,740 milligrams of sodium. That’s more sodium than the American Heart Association recommends consuming in an entire day!
The issue with loaded fries is that they’re essentially a meal in themselves. The toppings add a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium to an already unhealthy base of deep-fried potatoes. If you’re really craving fries, opt for a small serving of plain ones instead. You can still enjoy the crispy, salty goodness without the added guilt.
Remember, just because a side dish is offered doesn’t mean you have to order it. Many restaurants have healthier options like steamed vegetables, fruit cups, or side salads that can satisfy your hunger without sabotaging your health goals. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or to customize your order to fit your needs.
4. Texas Roadhouse Loaded Baked Potato with Texas Red Chili
Baked potatoes are a staple side dish at many restaurants, but Texas Roadhouse takes things to the next level with their Loaded Baked Potato with Texas Red Chili. This massive potato is topped with cheese, sour cream, butter, and a hearty serving of chili, resulting in a side dish that contains 765 calories, 15.5 grams of fat, and 2,760 milligrams of sodium. That’s more calories than a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger and more sodium than three large orders of McDonald’s French Fries!
The problem with loaded baked potatoes is that they’re often the size of a meal in themselves. The toppings add a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium to an already starchy base. If you’re really craving a baked potato, opt for a plain one with a small amount of butter or sour cream on the side. You can still enjoy the fluffy, comforting goodness without overdoing it.
When dining out, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes. Many restaurants serve sides that are much larger than what you’d eat at home. By splitting a side dish with a friend or taking half of it home for later, you can still enjoy your favorite foods without consuming too many calories in one sitting. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.
5. TGIFridays Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but TGIFridays takes it to the extreme with their Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This side dish contains 530 calories, 28 grams of fat, and 1,530 milligrams of sodium per serving. That’s more calories than a McDonald’s Big Mac and more sodium than six small orders of McDonald’s French Fries!
The issue with restaurant mac and cheese is that it’s often made with heavy cream, butter, and full-fat cheese. While these ingredients make the dish taste delicious, they also add a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium. If you’re really craving mac and cheese, consider making a healthier version at home using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole grain pasta.
When dining out, don’t be afraid to ask your server about healthier alternatives to your favorite comfort foods. Many restaurants now offer lighter versions of classic dishes that are just as tasty but with fewer calories and less fat. By making small changes to your order, you can still enjoy your meal without feeling deprived.
6. Denny’s Buttermilk Biscuit
Biscuits are a beloved Southern staple, but Denny’s Buttermilk Biscuit is a prime example of how this simple side dish can be loaded with calories and fat. One biscuit contains 450 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 1,040 milligrams of sodium. That’s more calories than a McDonald’s McDouble and more sodium than a Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad.
The problem with restaurant biscuits is that they’re often made with lots of butter and heavy cream to make them extra fluffy and delicious. While this makes them taste amazing, it also adds a significant amount of calories and fat. If you’re really craving a biscuit, consider sharing one with a friend or opting for a healthier side like fruit or yogurt.
7. Applebee’s Waffle Fries Basket
Applebee’s Waffle Fries Basket may seem like a fun and shareable side dish, but don’t be fooled by its playful appearance. This basket of fries contains a whopping 770 calories, 39 grams of fat, and 2,150 milligrams of sodium. That’s more calories than a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese and more sodium than five small orders of McDonald’s French Fries!
The issue with basket-style sides like this is that they encourage overeating. It’s easy to mindlessly munch on fries while chatting with friends, not realizing how many calories and how much fat you’re consuming. If you’re really craving fries, opt for a small serving of plain ones instead. You can still enjoy the crispy, salty goodness without going overboard.
When dining out, it’s important to be mindful of how the food environment can influence your eating habits. Many restaurants use tactics like large portion sizes, enticing aromas, and visually appealing presentations to encourage you to eat more than you normally would. By being aware of these cues and making conscious choices about what and how much to eat, you can still enjoy your meal without feeling stuffed or guilty afterwards.
In conclusion, while restaurant side dishes can be incredibly tempting, it’s important to be aware of how they can impact your health. Many popular sides like loaded fries, mac and cheese, and biscuits are loaded with calories, fat, and sodium that can quickly add up. By making small changes to your order like opting for plain vegetables, sharing dishes with friends, or making healthier versions at home, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors without sacrificing your well-being. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to dining out. You don’t have to deprive yourself completely, but being mindful of what you’re eating can make a big difference in the long run. So, the next time you’re tempted to order that giant basket of waffle fries, ask yourself – is it really worth the calorie bomb? Your taste buds may say yes, but your waistline (and your doctor) will thank you for thinking twice.
