Calories Count  On the Road This Summer!

Summer means road trips, vacations, and an on-the-go schedule. You may be visiting chain restaurants and fast food spots that are readily accessible more often.

The number of calories in your food choices may surprise you. According to law, any store with more than 20 outlets must list the calorie counts for consumers. We have rounded up some items to help you compare and consider your meal options. Notice that fried foods along with foods that are garnished with cheese, bacon, and sauces can greatly increase the calorie count.

While 2,000 calories a day is generally good nutrition advice, this can vary according to individual needs. In some cases, a big meal at a chain restaurant can total a full day’s worth of calories.

All the calorie counts listed below and more can be found on each of the restaurant web sites and are also posted with menu items at the eateries for your convenience. You can also find nutritional information that includes Saturated Fat, Carbohydrates and Sugars and more.

Panera:  Scrambled Egg & Cheese on Brioche, 410 cal.; Summer Fruit Cup, 60 cal.; Cinnamon Crunch Scone 550 cal.; Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich, 630 cal.; Steak and White Cheddar Panini, 940 cal.; Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, 260 cal.; New England Clam Chowder, 570 cal.

Wendy’s: Garden Side Salad, 250 cal., Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad, 720 cal.; Plain Potato (baked) 270 cal.; French Fries (medium), 420 cal.; Southwest Taco Salad, 700 cal.; Classic Double with Cheese, 700 cal.

McDonalds: Sausage McMuffin with Egg, 470 cal.; Big Breakfast, 750 cal.; Cheeseburger, 300 cal.; Big Mac, 540 cal.; Sweet Barbeque Bacon Burger, 770 cal.; Medium Fries 340 cal. 

Pizza Hut: 1 slice (1/8) Large Original Pan Cheese Slice, 380 cal.; 1 slice (1/8) Large Original Pan Pepperoni Lover’s, 460 cal.; Cheese Breadstick (each) 170 cal.

Taco Bell: Crunchy Taco, 170 cal.; Breakfast Quesadilla with Bacon, 510 cal.; Grand Scrambler Burrito with Sausage, 640 cal.; Bean Burrito, 380 cal.; Quesarito Steak, 630 cal.; Crunchwrap Supreme, 530 cal. 

KFC: Original Recipe Chicken Breast, 390 cal.; Extra Crispy Chicken Breast, 530 cal.; Georgia Gold Extra Crispy Chicken Breast, 710 cal.; Colonels Crispy Sandwich 460 cal.; Chicken Pot Pie, 720 cal.

Applebees: House Salad with Chili Lime Viniagrette, 240 cal.; Green Goddess Wedge Salad, 540 cal.; Mozzarella Sticks, 900 cal.; Neighborhood Nachos, 2030 cal.; Chicken Tenders Platter, 1460 cal.

Olive Garden: Minestrone Soup 110 cal.; Calamari with Marinara, 915 cal.; Loaded Pasta Chips, 1520 cal.; Spinach Artichoke Dip, 780 cal.; Salmon Piccata, 570 cal.; Grilled Chicken Parmesan, 760 cal.; Fettuccine Alfredo, 1010 cal.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Medium Size Traditional Wings with Blazin’ Sauce, 1140 cal.; Boston Lager Burger, 1,340 cal.; Crispy Jumbo Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce, 550 cal.; Monster Pulled Pork Cuban, 1950 cal.; Potato Wedges, 750 cal.; Tomato and Cucumber Salad, 160 cal.

While you enjoy food on the road, staying informed and making good choices can greatly influence your health and wellness.

Photo Credit: Bigstock