Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 2 - September/October 2015 | Page 43

What to Order at Applebee's There are days where I like to find the little hole-in-the-wall local place. It gives you the opportunity to try local favorites and menus, however when you are watching what you are eating these places lack one thing…. consistency. Chain restaurants fill that exact need, and when traveling alone I really do not need a long drawn out dining experience. I need quick, easy, and most importantly something that is predictable. Applebee’s was top pick for lunch today. It is a great place to eat clean and leave full. Their Grilled Dijon Chicken & Portobellos on the Under 550 Calories menu is my top pick. However, with 470 calories, 16 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbs and 55 grams of protein, it calls for some modifications… especially since I am in the middle of carb cycling to prep for a local fitness competition and today is a “low” day. As the waitress comes to take the order, I always smile knowing I’m about to give them an essays worth of directions for my meal. So far, every employee at Applebee’s that I have encountered has been fantastic AND my order has been right! That is pretty impressive in and of itself. I continue with telling her my selection, and it goes something like this… “I’d like the Grilled Dijon Chicken & Portobellos, please, with a few modifications (smile). Very plainly grilled chicken breast with no butter or oil (they usually just use Pam anyway because of their partnership with Weight Watchers, but I always like to confirm!), without the Dijon sauce or white cheddar sauce, keep all of the veggies. Then for the side, no potatoes and double of the plain steamed broccoli.” Now the nutritional facts look more like 200 calories, 32 grams of protein, 17 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat! After about a 10-15 minute wait, the meal is served and is perfect every time (thus far!). It is very exciting to have Applebee’s as an option not only to dine in, but their Carside to Go is fantastic to call ahead and just stop by for a great meal instead of driving through McDonald’s! I’m in love! Sara Sutherland is a Hitch Fit Transformation Trainer at the Overland Park location. Contact her for training at [email protected] Check out her trainer profile here: http://hitchfitgym.com/trainers/overland-park-fitness-training-sara-sutherland/