Dining out can be a delightful experience, especially at popular chains like LongHorn Steakhouse, known for its robust and flavorful offerings. However, some menu items pack a caloric punch that can overshadow their tastiness. Here are seven of the unhealthiest choices at LongHorn Steakhouse, dissected for your awareness.
1. The Outlaw Ribeye
The Outlaw Ribeye is a carnivore’s dream, featuring a 20-ounce cut of USDA Choice ribeye, but it can be a nightmare for your health. This steak is incredibly marbled with fat, translating to a whopping 1,510 calories and 107 grams of fat, including 45 grams of saturated fat. The high-fat content can contribute to cholesterol buildup and heart disease if consumed frequently. While it’s undeniably delicious with its rich, smoky flavor, it’s wise to save this indulgence for special occasions rather than a regular meal choice.
2. Baby Back Ribs
Baby Back Ribs are another favorite among LongHorn patrons, offering tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. However, a full rack clocks in at around 1,430 calories and 99 grams of fat, including 37 grams of saturated fat. The sugary barbecue sauce adds to the calorie count, and the ribs’ high sodium content, exceeding 3,700 milligrams, poses a risk for hypertension. This meal also lacks fiber and essential nutrients, making it an unbalanced option when considering overall health.
3. LongHorn® Chili Cheese Fries
This appetizer is a feast for the eyes but a disaster for the waistline. LongHorn® Chili Cheese Fries are loaded with crispy fries, meaty chili, and melted cheese, amassing around 1,470 calories and 98 grams of fat. Saturated fat content is significant at 35 grams, and the dish is sodium-laden with over 3,000 milligrams. This appetizer alone can meet or exceed the recommended daily intake for calories and fat, making it a risky choice for anyone mindful of their diet.
4. Loaded Potato Soup
Soup might sound like a lighter option, but the Loaded Potato Soup at LongHorn Steakhouse is anything but light. A single bowl contains approximately 400 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 15 grams of saturated fat. The creamy base is enriched with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, which ramps up the calorie and fat content. Additionally, with about 1,000 milligrams of sodium, this soup can contribute significantly to your daily sodium limit, making it less suitable for those monitoring their blood pressure.
5. Steakhouse Bacon Cheeseburger
Burgers are a staple of American dining, and the Steakhouse Bacon Cheeseburger is a testament to indulgence. This burger packs around 1,420 calories and 89 grams of fat, with saturated fat reaching 38 grams. Topped with bacon, cheese, and a buttery bun, it’s a calorie bomb. The sodium content, close to 2,800 milligrams, only adds to the health concerns. While it’s undeniably flavorful, the nutritional drawbacks make it one of the least healthy options on the menu.
6. Cowboy Pork Chops
The Cowboy Pork Chops dish features two thick-cut, bone-in pork chops, grilled to perfection. This entrée comes in at around 1,310 calories and 82 grams of fat, with 29 grams of saturated fat. The sodium content is also high, nearing 2,500 milligrams. Despite being protein-rich, the high-fat content and excessive sodium make it a less desirable choice for those trying to maintain a balanced diet. Opting for a single chop or sharing the meal might be a healthier compromise.
7. Chocolate Stampede
No list of unhealthy menu items would be complete without dessert, and LongHorn’s Chocolate Stampede fits the bill. This decadent dessert features six types of chocolate in cake, mousse, and ganache forms, served with vanilla bean ice cream. It’s a calorie colossus, containing around 2,180 calories and 132 grams of fat, with 59 grams of saturated fat. The sugar content is astronomical, making it a treat best shared among several people to avoid the excessive caloric intake.
Conclusion
While LongHorn Steakhouse offers a variety of delicious dishes, some menu items are best enjoyed sparingly due to their high calorie, fat, and sodium content. Being mindful of these nutritional pitfalls can help you make healthier choices when dining out. Remember, moderation is key, and even the unhealthiest menu items can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.