Applebee's, Where Parents AND Kids LiveWell

 I have been a fan of Applebee's for a long time, partly because they have good food and partly because they are the only nonfast food place in our town. (Other places take 25 or so minutes to get to.)  I have long been in love with Applebee's pastas and other calorie filled but delicious dishes.  But since starting Weight Watchers I have learned that I also love their healthier dishes as well.  This past weekend we visited and I tried their new Weight Watchers meal (12points) Creamy Parmesan Chicken.  Although I must admit I didn't eat the spinach and pulled out the large chunks of mushroom (like the taste, hate the texture), this was a delicious and filling meal!

But what makes me even happier is that they are also working on healthier options for kids.  They have added a Grilled Chicken Sandwich to their kids menu and paired with their steamed broccoli (which they've had for awhile) your kids can eat healthier too.  As you can see my son went with fries, but he actually typically chooses the broccoli or applesauce.  He didn't finish his sandwich so I tried a little of it and it was very good.  The chicken was juicy and tender.

Applebee’s® Joins Kids LiveWell^SM

World’s Largest Casual Dining Chain Provides Healthful Menu Options for the Whole Family 

 Applebee's is expanding its more healthful menu choices to its kids menu so the whole family can dine out and enjoy better-for-you options. The world’s largest casual dining chain today announced it joined Kids LiveWell, a program that helps parents and kids make more healthful menu selections when eating out.

Applebee’s Kids LiveWell-endorsed entrée is a grilled chicken sandwich with steamed broccoli and 1 percent milk or apple juice. Kids also can enjoy orange juice and a side of applesauce. In addition, Applebee’s offers kids a nutritious mac-and-cheese option.

Kids LiveWell items must meet qualifying nutritional standards from leading health organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The program was started by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining.

“Applebee’s serves nearly 1 million guests a day – including many families with children – at our nearly 1,900 neighborhood locations across the country,” said Jessica James, Applebee’s executive chef. “Our new grilled chicken sandwich for kids lets the entire family eat out while keeping their calories and portions in check. We’re leading the casual dining industry with lower calorie menu options and removing the guilt from dining out.”

Since 2004, Applebee’s has been the only restaurant chain to offer Weight Watchers-endorsed entrées. In addition, Applebee’s has offered its Under 550 Calories menu for the past three years.                                                                                                                            

 I promise he wasn't as miserable as he looks, he is just too cool to appreciate his mom snapping photos of him eating out in public!

Have you tried any of Applebee's Weight Watchers endorsed entrees, Under 550 Calorie selections or the new Kids LiveWell endorsed entree? Which is YOUR favorite?

I received a complimentary Applebee's eGift Card to help cover the cost of our delicious and healthier meal. All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.