Denny’s seems to be a natural choice for a family breakfast. With eggs, pancakes, omelettes, slams and even sweet and simple oatmeal on the Healthy Dining menu, they’ve got you covered for that all-important first meal of the day. Fortunately for us, they also have a ton of choices for lunch and dinner… if you’re not in the mood for a breakfast dish.
On a busy weeknight when my husband is driving from one side of town and the kids and I are driving from the other and no one is in the mood to cook or clean, Denny’s is an easy choice. I know that because they continue to participate in the Healthy Dining Program, our dietitians have worked hard to identify the best dishes for my family and I have one less thing to think about at the end of the day. The big plus, especially at the end of the day when the kids are tired and hungry and we may all be a little cranky, is how fast our meal is always served!
Here are some of our family favorites beyond breakfast:
Fit Fare® Sweet & Tangy BBQ Chicken (630 calories, 13 g fat)
If you still want the mix of sweet and savory but need something a little more solid than the salad, try these two grilled seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a Sweet & Tangy BBQ sauce and served with fiesta corn and broccoli. Plenty of food and flavor on this plate!
Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad (370 calories, 12 g fat, 610 mg sodium)
This is what I go for at the end of a hectic and stressful day when I need something to help counteract the craving for a triple hot fudge sundae or something else that would destroy my diet. The savory grilled chicken breast gives me a little something salty while the apple slices and dried cranberries provide the sweet. The glazed pecans have the satisfying crunch and it’s served with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing that ties it all together. One warning, kids do enjoy sneaking the fruit off this salad.
Veggie Burger with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Fit Fare® Fresh Veggies (540 calories, 13 g fat)
I don’t know about you but sometimes only a burger will do. This Amy’s Veggie Burger is just the thing, made from fresh organic grains and vegetables with protein-rich soy for the feel of a burger without the added fat and calories. This Veggie Burger is topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese for a little kick, fresh spinach for some iron-rich greens, tomato and grilled mushrooms for added flavor and served on a soft whole wheat bun. It comes with a side of balsamic vinaigrette dressing and Fit Fare® fresh veggies on the side.
Kid’s Spaghetti with Apple Juice (Fruit and Vegetable)
Kids’ choice at our house is almost always spaghetti making this choice a no-brainer for us at Denny’s. It’s spaghetti with marinara sauce served with garlic bread, steamed broccoli and apple juice. The only downside to this Vitamin C-rich dish is that it can get messy. Extra napkins or baby wipes are a must!
What are your favorite Healthy Dining choices at Denny’s? What are your tips for dining out there or at any restaurant with kids?