Appetizer alert: Orders that serve up 1,000+ calories before the main course
Here are a few restaurant appetizers with less than appetizing nutritional stats, plus some better-for-you choices from Hungry Girl!
Outback Steakhouse: Alice Springs Chicken Quesadilla
2,140 calories & 132 grams of fat!
By now, most people know to stay clear of the Bloomin' Onion, a.k.a. the tower of fried terror. But did you know that's NOT the worst appetizer on the menu? This quesadilla is! Even if you share it with three pals, it will cost you 535 calories and 33g of fat. Ouch! Instead of swallowing this monstrosity before dinner is even served, opt for the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie -- the entire plate has just 315 calories.
Craving a quesadilla without excess fat and calories? Click here for HG's Cheesy-Good Chicken Quesadilla recipe!
Chili's: Texas Cheese Fries
1,940 calories & 133 grams of fat!
We don't care that this starter is supposed to be split with others. Any pre-dinner item that has nearly 2,000 calories is just WRONG! Even a so-called "half order" clocks in with 1,450 calories and 104g of fat. In fact, none of the appetizers at Chili's have less than 700 calories. We suggest you skip the appetizers altogether and go for a cup of Chicken & Green Chile soup -- with 100 calories and 4g fat, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Want a swap for those fries that won't give you a heart attack? Try our Ranch-tastic Butternut Fries with Bacon!
The Cheesecake Factory: Guacamole Made-To-Order
1,608 calories & 21 grams of saturated fat!
Think you're making a smart choice by going for guacamole as opposed to something fried? Think again! Sure, avocado has good fat, but this version has a whopping 1,608 calories. Even the Fried Macaroni and Cheese there doesn't have as many calories! A MUCH better idea is to order the edamame, for 323 calories. Or get the Chicken Pot Stickers for a reasonable 377 calories. Crisis averted!
Pssst... Over here! This guacamole recipe will make your day!
P.F. Chang's: Sichuan Chicken Flatbread (with Sauce and Asian Slaw)
1,260 calories & 89 grams of fat!
How bad can a chicken flatbread be? Poultry is good for you, and SKINNY bread can't be all that dangerous, right? Think again! One-fourth of this appetizer will cost you more than 20g of fat! Instead, order the steamed shrimp dumplings, which have 45 calories each and no fat. And the dipping sauce (if you use the entire small bowl) has only 15 calories. Perfect!
Looking for a low-cal Chinese appetizer? CLICK HERE!
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