Applebee's Under 550 Menu

What ? Has Applebee's moved away from their affiliation with Weight Watchers? As it turns out, no. They have just added an under 550 calorie menu. Who woulda thunk it. I can't explain it, but I have a bias against Weight Watchers. I know it works for some people, but my biggest problem with diets is someone else setting the limitations and with the old point system and the new point system...who has time for it? Not me. Counting calories is enough to keep my head spinning.

The selection is actually really nice (although out 6 offered dishes 4 of them included shrimp and I am allergic) It would have been really nice to see a low calorie pasta dish w/o seafood on this menu.


For lunch, I had the Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was served with Broccoli (the menu states "Seasonal Vegetables) and Roasted Red Potatoes. It was very filling and delicious. I went with friends and two of us got the chicken and the other got a Juicy Cheeseburger and Fries. I did not feel at all like I was missing out. The entire meal came in at 450 calories. I would definitely eat this again, however, I would make some changes. Unless you really LOVE dijon, I personally think the dish would have been better without it. It wasn't bad with it, but it was kind of just lumped on top of the chicken and I ate most of my chicken without it and felt like when I did eat the dijon, I was doing so out of duty.

I enjoyed the Asiago Peppercorn steak! It was fantastic! I could go on and on about it. I RARELY eat beef anymore, but if I am going to make an exception on a low key evening out with family and friends....Where's the Beef? Applebee's...that's where. Served again with Broccoli and Roasted red Potatoes. This meal couldn't have gone wrong. Again it was filling and delicious and 390 calories with the sides.

Thank you Applebee's for offering a really great meal at a calorie level I don't have to feel ashamed of. While I still believe that it is best to eat at home because I know without a doubt what I am putting in my mouth. This was a refreshing opportunity that was fun with none of the guilt.

Applebee's full menu nutritional guide can be found here.