Had easy time eating out, and then along came Applebee's

relyt · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 07:51 PM

So when I eat out I usually do okay. It is great how some restaurants such as Olive Garden have their whole menu online with the nutritional information. This has just made me love Olive Garden even more. But Applebee's is a different story.
They offer no carb information online and the almighty Calorie King book it only has some foods that the author estimates. When I go there I can never seem to have normal BG readings a couple of hours after the meal. I always end up high. Everything seems to have hiden sugars or fats. Personally I feel that the information should be available online because it seems rude to not have it. For me Applebee's is the only good(tasting) restaurant within 10 min. of my home.
Does anyone else have as much trouble with Applebee's as I do?

Keezheekoni · #2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 08:04 PM

I don't, only because I live in WA state and we have a new law that forces restaurants with more than 10 locations within the state to give out the nutritional information.

The next time I'm there, I'll take pics of the nutritional info for you.

gettingby · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 11:38 AM

I don't go to Applebee's but I never seem to have any problems eating at Chili's.

foxl · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 11:40 AM

Applebee's Nutrition Facts, Calories, Fat, Protein, and Diet Information - Food Search Results - The Daily Plate Calorie Counter

Did you mean more than is listed here?

inkvisitor · #5 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 11:46 AM

Weird that they don't just provide it across the board..

We provide Weight Watchers Points® values on all of our Weight Watchers® items. We do not provide nutritional information on other Applebee's® items, except where required by law.

Cute. That burger on the opening page of applebees.com looks pretty good (as in, they're thinking you don't want to know what kind of **** is in this thing!).

We have Applebees around here, but they seem to be pretty far out (farther out than my inner-city zone of comfort

). Looks like a run-of-the-mill chain restaurant, though..

relyt · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxl

Applebee's Nutrition Facts, Calories, Fat, Protein, and Diet Information - Food Search Results - The Daily Plate Calorie Counter

Did you mean more than is listed here?

I have seen this website before, but my problem is that food items are posted by regular people and some food items are in there more than once.

Mindstorm · #7 (**permalink**) 05-30-2009, 11:42 PM

I have this problem at many fast food places.

To be honest I've stopped relying on nutritional resources for when I eat out because I often times get portion sizes that vary so much that the numbers on their website are less accurate than what I guess when I carb count myself! I try to base it on how much food there is, past experience with food like what I have eaten, and how the food tasted when I ate it (if it's richer or has an unusually sweet sauce I mentally decide to adjust my carb count a bit higher).

This sort of voodoo carb counting has served me well in the past, though you miss sometimes. The only food I've gotten where the nutrition facts are pretty consistent is fast food places. Restaurants (even corporate chains) vary for me every time.

foxl · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindstorm

I have this problem at many fast food places.

To be honest I've stopped relying on nutritional resources for when I eat out because I often times get portion sizes that vary so much that the numbers on their website are less accurate than what I guess when I carb count myself! I try to base it on how much food there is, past experience with food like what I have eaten, and how the food tasted when I ate it (if it's richer or has an unusually sweet sauce I mentally decide to adjust my carb count a bit higher).

This sort of voodoo carb counting has served me well in the past, though you miss sometimes. The only food I've gotten where the nutrition facts are pretty consistent is fast food places. Restaurants (even corporate chains) vary for me every time.

Interesting observations! Filing away for later arguments to cook at home!

Jan B · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 08:46 AM

It was at Applebees that a waiter was very rude because I asked that several of the ingredients on my spinach salad be omitted. First, he rolled his eyes when I asked about carb content, then it just got worse from there.

foxl · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan B

It was at Applebees that a waiter was very rude because I asked that several of the ingredients on my spinach salad be omitted. First, he rolled his eyes when I asked about carb content, then it just got worse from there.

They must have a GREAT training program.

Mindstorm · #11 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

First, he rolled his eyes when I asked about carb content, then it just got worse from there.

Certainly, at that time it's appropriate to talk to a manager.

I've had times where they'll bring me a regular drink, or sweet tea instead of unsweet, and then I get a look when I ask for the other way. If I get a look or even get the slightest feeling that they're being indignant about it, I'll just politely inform them that I'm a diabetic and that the regular drink could kill me (I use a varying level of rhetoric depending on the person's attitude when this pops up, as I see it fit to set this person straight for future people they might be serving who are diabetics). I'm not being snobby or taking an attitude with them about it, I just don't want to get sick and dehydrated when eating dinner!

Don't be afraid to put somebody who's being a smart-alec in their place when your health is on the line. You're paying them for the service and it's entirely reasonable to ask for some basic special preparation in light of the 'beetus. As for them not knowing the nutritional info, you'll have a hard time finding this (I've found that almost nowhere has this info readily available so I just count it myself), but if they continue to give you a hard time after that they are clearly in the wrong.

Penny · #12 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 09:24 AM

Must be a regional thing...our Applebees go out of their way to accommodate. If I need something left out or substituted, they don't hesitate and always seem to treat me good. When I eat there, I try to stick with low carb things...I have a steak and steamed veggies, or shrimp. As long as I leave the potatoes and rice alone, my numbers do OK. I love their spinach dip with chips...I try to make sure someone shares with me, and go easy on the chips.

ramshead · #13 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 10:50 AM

My last A1c checkup was Dec. 08, it was 4.6 no meds. I am hoping it will be between 4.6-5.0 this time. I am trying to control it with diet and exercise. Not always easy. Diabetic since '05.

retired60 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 12:23 PM

I have trouble with both Appleby's and Chili's. Last time I eat a Hamburger( which was delicious) at Applebys it put my sugar into orbit, which don't normally happen with me.
Terry

Mindstorm · #15 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 05:24 PM

I think a lot of the problems we have revolve around the "hidden calories" you'll find in a lot of corporate/chain restaurants meals. Some of those meals have a full day's worth of calories on a single plate! Tons of fat and carbs hidden in places you wouldn't think possible.

I don't let this stop me from eating out, but I certainly keep it in mind as I'm eating out.