The best and worst Carrabba menu items

A registered dietician chooses the meals you should and should not eat the next time you find yourself at dinner at this Italian grill.


Serving the Italian rate with Western Flare, the Italian grid of Carrabba is a popular family dinner or a place of the night in the country. Pasta with a grumbled meat chart andSeafood, there are many tasty dishes to try thisrestaurant chain. But as it goes with most restaurants, it can be difficult to monitor the amount of butter, salt, creams and other greases that make these meals on the carrabba menu so delicious.

We talked withLindsey Pin, Mrs., RDN, CLT, to help decipher the dishes in the Carrabba menu to find the healthiest and the least healthy options at your disposal.

Small plates / appetizers

Best: grilled asparagus with Prosciutto

carrabbas asparagus wrapped in prosciutto appetizer
Ellisha H./YELP

250 calories, 16 g of grease (9 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 1,090 mg sodium, 6 g of carbohydrates (2 g of fiber, 3 g of sugar), 22 g protein

Grilledasparagus wrapped in Prosciutto is a small plate, similar to that on one side, which offers an attractive way to infuse some vegetables andProtein in your meal.

"Most of us do not focus on vegetables during the restoration, but it's a very tasty way to get in some vegetables, but with Prosciutto's extra proteins," says Pine.

It is also ideal for anyone limiting carbohydrates in their diet.

Worst: Calamari with Marinara sauce and Ricardo

carrabbas calamari marinara on white plate
Michael A./yelp

1,200 calories, 89 g of fat (28 g saturated grease, 6 g of trans grease), 3,390 mg of sodium, 72 g of carbohydrates (8 g of fiber, 14 g of sugar), 30 g protein

Typically,appetizers are shared among all at the table. But even though, the semi-detached Calamari with two decadent sauces can really exceed your daily nutritional goals in one meal, and it is before the main course comes out.

"Unless you share this aperitif with a group of friends, it is better to jump for it," says Pine. "Not only has it 1,200 calories, but also six grams of trans fat. We wantAvoid trans fat At all costs because it can lift LDL cholesterol (bad), a lower HDL (good) cholesterol and increases your risk of cardiac disease. To see a dish with six grams of trans fat, is obscene. It also contains the same amount of sodium as about 300 potato chips! "

Even split with friends, this aperitif responsible for cross-grease is to avoid, especially if you want to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Pizzas, soups and salads

Best: Minestrone soup cup

carrabbas minestrone soup cup
Greyson N./yelp

120 calories, 4.5 g of fat (2.5 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 680 mg of sodium, 16 g of carbohydrates (5 g of fiber, 0 g sugar), 5 g protein

The soup is a great option like one side, a starter or an entire meal. Pine recommends the cut ofMinestrone soup For a healthier and lighter option to start your meal.

"It is low in calories, does not contain sugar and has 5 grams of fiber to help you fill in order to eat less of your entry," she said. From there, you can take the house of stays for another meal. Win-win.

If you prefer asalad like your entryHowever, the Johnny Rocco is a delicious packaged option of protein, although it is always occasional choice due to its high number of sodium, at 1,800 milligrams.

"In addition to sodium, the numbers on this entrance salad look pretty well," said Pine. "Five hundred and forty calories are a respectable amount for an entrance, as well as the 28 grams of protein from seafood, in addition to a good health doseOMEGA-3 fatty acids. At 11 grams of carbohydrates, it can even satisfy the low carbohydrate crowd. "

Worst: Chicken Bryan Pizza

carrabbas chicken bryan pizza pie
Catherine S./elp

890 calories, 37 g of grease (21 g saturated grease, 0.5 g of trans grease), 1 640 mg of sodium, 87 g of carbohydrates (5 g of fiber, sugar 3 g), 45 g protein protein

It's not secret that pizza would not usually be a healthy option on a menu, you could probably guess that the famous Pizza Bryan chicken in Carrabba is one of the least nutritious options available in the pizzas, soups. and sections of salads.

"Pizza is not exactly a health foodBut if you opt for a pie, Chicken Bryan Pizza is probably not the best choice, "says Pine". It is the only pizza containing trans fat and has a quantity of saturated fat the average person who eats 2,000 calories a day would target all day. "

But do not trust any salad as a good option for you, either. Some salads, such as Italian entrance salad with chicken, are actually one of the worst meals of your health, even if it looks like a healthy choice.

"Eleven grams of sugar in a salad seems a bit high for me, as well as the 870 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat. There [are] more calories in this salad than in theParmesan chicken, "Says Pine.

Pasta

Best: whole grain spaghettis with sauce Pomodoro

carrabbas whole grain spaghetti with pomodoro sauce on red plate
CLYDE E./YELP

630 calories, 11 g of grease (2 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 2 010 mg of sodium, 112 g of carbohydrates (23 g of fiber, 17 g of sugar), 23 g protein

Pasta is not always a bad option! Sometimes large amounts of fat and excessive calories actually hide in the sauce. That's why options such as all grain spaghetti with a pomodoro sauce are a little healthier, although you always want to be aware of sodium levels.

"At 630 calories, this flat grain pasta is still rich in sodium, but has the lowest number of calories and saturated grease than any other pasta dish on the menu," says Pine. "In addition, it contains 23 grams of fibers. The portions are great, so it is better to ask for a taste box."

RELATED: The easy way to make comfortable foods healthier.

Worst: Georgio pasta with whole grain pasta

carrabbas penne georgio in red bowl
Courtesy of carrabba

1510 calories, 81 g of fat (42 g saturated grease, 1 g of trans grease), 3,610 mg of sodium, 118 g of carbohydrates (24 g fiber, 16 g sugar), 76 g protein

Whole grain pasta sound healthy and this can be, but this misleading dish is filled with unhealthy grease, sodium and calories.

"It's not because this pasta dish has whole grain pasta, it does not mean it's good for you," says Pine. "There is the equivalent amount of saturated grease in six tablespoons of butter and the same amount of salt as eating about 15 tone of dill neck!"

Chicken and more

Best: Tuscan grilled chicken

carrabbas tuscan grilled chicken with a side of mashed potatoes
Jeana L./yelp

290 calories, 7 g of grease (2 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 790 mg of sodium, 1 g of carbohydrates (0 g of fiber, 0 g sugar), 52 g protein

The grilled chicken is often grilled for its health benefits and fortunately, Carrabba's offers a delicious Grilled Tuscany chicken with carbohydrates and calories and will have small plates, sides or salads.

Pine stated that those involved in sodium consumption could try to request that meat without salt adding chicken.

Worst: Parmesan chicken

carabbas chicken parmesan on white plate
Italian Grill / Carrabba Facebook

690 calories, 34 g of grease (15 g saturated grease, 0.5 g of trans grease), 1,950 mg of sodium, 26 g of carbohydrates (7 g of fiber, 12 g sugar), 69 g protein

Chicken is generally considered a lean protein that is good for health, but when it is stifled in sodium loaded sauce and fatty cheese oodulas, melted, health benefits quickly come out of the window.

Pine noted that Parmesan chicken does not have the greatest number of calories in this menu category, but calories do not always determine nutritional value. She explained that this dish has the highest amounts of saturated and trans fat, as well as sodium, which almost exceeds the upper end of the recommended daily limitations.

Seafood

Best: Mahi simply grilled

cooked mahi mahi
Refuge

210 calories, 6 g of grease (1 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 1780 mg of sodium, 3 g of carbohydrates (1 g of fiber, 1 g of sugar), 37 g of protein

For a lean option that is low in calories and fats, theMahi still offers a lot of flavor, thanks to its grilled outside.

"Only 210 calories, this entrance gives you a little Wiggle room for other meal objects," said Pine. "My only complaint is the large amount of sodium at 1,780 milligrams. Try to ask the kitchen to use less salt than usual during fish salting."

Worst: Parmesan shrimp

carrabbas shrimp parmesan
Graceful of the Italian grill of Carrabba

970 calories, 65 g of grease (18 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 2610 mg sodium, 37 g of carbohydrates (4 g of fiber, 8 g of sugar), 55 g protein

Like the Parmesan chicken is the most bad option in the chicken category, shrimp parmesana does not bode well for the seafood category. Pine explained that the calories of this dish alone are about half of this That the average person should consume all day and the amount of sodium is similar to pouring a teaspoon full of salt on your meal.

Steaks & chops

Best: Grilled Sprinkle of 6 oz Tuscan

carrabbas tuscan grilled sirloin
T.c./yelp

320 calories, 19 g of grease (8 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 400 mg of sodium, 1 g of carbohydrates (0 g of fiber, 0 g sugar), 34 g protein

Grilled meat is a tasty way to meet your 6 ounce Tuscany's grilled tuscany grilled swarm is the ideal size lower in calories and sodium as most other things in this category and throughout the menu .

"The portions of protein in restaurants are usually too big. I will opt for this 6-ounce high-calorie surlinate," said Pine. "The Surligel is also a lighter option, with less fat than the ribeye. Since the entries come with a soup or salad, this steak would allow one of them without breaking the caloric bank. Or, for Additional fees, you can substitute grilled asparagus for soup or salad. I really love that there is only 400 milligrams of sodium in this option, which is pretty good for a restaurant dish. I would order the Simply grilled version, prepared with the vast grill of M. C, olive oil and herbs. "

Although there is the possibility of adding a garnish, Pine suggests jumping to avoid excess calories, grease and sodium.

Worst: Tuscan grilled pork chops with scam templates

grilled pork chop on cutting board with tomatoes, garlic and peppercorn
Refuge

1030 calories, 59 g of fat (21 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 2430 mg of sodium, 9 g of carbohydrates (1 g of fiber, 2 g of sugar), 108 g protein

It is obvious that the control of two pork chops, a fatty meat cut, with a rich and creamy filling will be charged with grease and sodium. If you decide to indulge, it is better to share the dish with someone.

"This part of monstrous proteins of two chops with the extra trim will allow you to return 1,030 calories, 21 grams of saturated fat and 2,430 milligrams of sodium", warns. "And it's without the soup or salad that comes with the dish. It's more sodium than what is recommended in a whole day and equivalent to having about seven gone cornchillon."

Sides

Best: steamed asparagus

steamed asparagus on white plate
Refuge

Calories, 0 g of fat (0 g saturated grease, 0 g of trans grease), 0 mg of sodium, 4 g of carbohydrates (2 g of fiber, 2 g of sugar), 2 g protein

If you are looking for a delicious accompaniment dish and filled with nutritional benefits, steamed asparagus is your best bet.

"Steam cooked asparagus are the perfect choice for ahealthy support dish, "Said Pine." It is filled with vitamins like C, a, k and folate, and it's super low calories. It's the perfect choice to accompany your protein. "

Worse: Fettuccine Alfredo

carrabbas fettucine alfredo on a white plate
Rachel B./yelp

690 calories, 49 g of grease (33 g saturated grease, 1 g of trans grease), 860 mg of sodium, 39 g of carbohydrates (2 g of fiber, 3 g of sugar), 18 g protein

Fettuccine Alfredo is known for its creamy, roar, high calorie and greasy sauce. This dish of accompaniment is no exception, which is alarming, especially because it is supposed to be just that one accompanying a full meal.

"This dish looks more like an entrance in nearly 700 calories and 33 grams of saturated grease of cream and cheese," says Pine. Compared to someone to eat 2,000 calories a day,it is recommended Consume a maximum of 20 grams of saturated fat. This excess saturated grease can spell problems for your heart and arteries.

Desserts

Best: traditional cannoli

carrabbas traditional cannoli with two forks on white plate
Precious L./elp

470 calories, 186 g of fat (22 g saturated grease, 1 g of trans grease), 85 mg of sodium, 40 g of carbohydrates (2 g of fiber, 24 g sugar), 7 g protein

You do not have to completely avoid the cannoli if you want a treat after dinner. Just make sure to book it for occasional consumption and a cake option.

"At 470 calories and 24 grams of sugar, cannoli is by far the least offensive choice on thedessert list, "Says Pine.

Following a meal of lean protein, like the math or grilled chicken Tuscan simply grilled, with a side salad or steamed asparagus, cannoli can play an important role in a nourishing meal in Carraba. She can feed your soul!

Worst: Cannoli cake

carrabbas cannoli cake
Hillenbrand H./elp

1,440 calories, 154 g of grease (40 g saturated grease, 1.5 g of trans grease), 780 mg sodium, 181 g of carbohydrates (5 g of fiber, 128 g of sugar), 19 g protein

As we have already mentioned, you will want to save the cannoli cake for a very special celebration, and make sure to fragment the slice so few people eat it. Even a person with the most intense sweet tooth will be shocked by the amount of sugar in a slice of this cake.

"I hope you share this cake with many people because it is located at 1,440 calories and 128 grams of sugar - it's like turning off 32 teaspoons of sugar to yourself!" Pine says. "To put this in perspective, men and women should limit sugars added to about 9 and 6 teaspoons a day, respectively."


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