On a diet? Then it’s best you avoid this restaurant, according to health experts.
A new report from the watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest recently named The Cheesecake Factory as the top unhealthiest eatery in the United States.
The eatery, which is widely known for its extensive 200 item menu, offers low calorie entrees (known as “SkinnyLicious” entrees) in addition to pizza, seafood, and pasta. However, three of its entrees rank as the highest calorie-heavy dishes among all eateries in the United States.
This is simply outrageous, according to the watchdog group.
“When we were screening candidates for the first Xtreme Eating awards in 2007, we were shocked to see 1,500-calorie entrées,” said the group in a written statement. “This year, nearly all of our ‘winners’ hit (or just missed) the 2,000-calorie mark. And a few doozies topped 3,000 calories. You could take half home and still overeat.”
Why the Cheesecake Factory Could Make You Fat
Since starting its Xtreme Eating awards in 2007, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has identified numerous restaurant entrees which easily topple 1,500 calories per serving. However, they note that this amount seems to be increasing–with three of the Cheesecake Factory’s entrees topping this list.
The entrees include its Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic, Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake, and Bruléed French Toast, all which boast anywhere from 1,500 to 2,800 calories.
A spokesperson for the Cheesecake Factory emphasizes that low-calorie choices are available at the restaurant as well, however.
“[The Cheesecake Factory] has always been about choices,” says Alethea Rowe, a spokesperson for The Cheesecake Factory. “Many of our guests come in and want to celebrate and not be concerned with calories. Others want to share their dish–and we love it when guests share–that’s a great sign that our portions are generous–and a large percentage of our guests take home leftovers for lunch the next day.”
Still, the amount of calories some of their dishes carry worry the watchdog organization, who note that more than one-third of Americans are currently morbidly obese. While eating an occasional high-calorie meal at a restaurant won’t make someone obese, continuing to offer these dishes isn’t doing any favors for curtailing this epidemic, say health experts.
What You Should Do
If you’re trying to watch your weight, it’s best to avoid restaurants period. If it’s unavoidable, however, be careful with what you order–pasta entrees, desserts, and breakfast foods such as french toast carry a lot of calories. To keep your calorie count low, opt for entrees that contain more vegetables than unrefined carbs, such as a salad or a lean cut of chicken.
Readers: How do you avoid eating too many calories when eating in a restaurant?
Sources:
Cheesecake Factory Dinged as Unhealthiest U.S. Eatery, According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest – CBSNews.com
Xtreme Eating Awards Says Cheesecake Factory is the Unhealthiest Eatery in America – CSPINet.org
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