WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- Entrees like the Cheesecake Factory's chicken and biscuits with 2,500 calories are helping Americans become fatter, a U.S. food advocacy group says.
Officials of the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington announced their Xtreme Eating Awards Tuesday to draw attention that some of America's chain restaurants provide entrees with more calories than an adult should eat for the entire day.
Jayne Hurley, CSPI's senior nutritionist, says most people should limit themselves to about 2,000 calories, 20 grams of saturated fat, and 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
However, that is impossible if a person orders Chili's Big Mouth Bites -- four mini-bacon-cheeseburgers served on a plate with fries, onion strings and jalapeno ranch dipping sauce. Chili's Big Mouth Bites can be an appetizer or an entree, but the numbers for the entree are: 2,350 calories, 38 grams of saturated fat and 3,940 milligrams of sodium.
Applebee's Quesadilla Burger provides 1,820 calories, 46 grams of saturated fat, and 4,410 mg of sodium.
Red Lobster Ultimate Fondue, shrimp and crab meat in a creamy lobster cheese sauce has 1,490 calories, 40 grams of saturated fat and 3,580 mg of sodium, the CSPI says.
The Menu Education and Labeling Act, introduced into Congress would require restaurant chains to post calories on menu boards and list calories, saturated fat, trans fat, carbohydrates and sodium on printed menus, Hurley says.
