eat this not than cheesecake factory mac and cheese

Eat This, Not That: The Cheesecake Factory's Mac and Cheese is a Culinary Offender

The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive menu options, has once again taken home some dubious awards from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). For the past 11 years, the restaurant chain has been featured in CSPI's annual Xtreme Eating Awards, and this year is no different. According to Moyer, who made the announcement on behalf of the organization, 'Americans are eating out more than ever before.'

One of the notable awards given to The Cheesecake Factory was for its Mac and Cheese dish, which is a culinary offender in many ways. The menu description alone should raise some red flags: 'Chopped chicken breast coated with breadcrumbs, covered with marinara sauce and lots of melted cheese, topped with angel hair pasta in an Alfredo cream sauce.' It's a rich and indulgent dish that packs a whopping 2,730 calories, almost four days' worth of saturated fat (73 grams), and 4,630 milligrams of sodium.

To put this into perspective, CSPI notes that eating one serving of this Mac and Cheese is equivalent to consuming seven McDonald's Sausage McMuffins. That's a staggering amount of calories, fat, and sodium in just one meal. It's no wonder The Cheesecake Factory has been named the 'Worst Way to Start the Day' for its Breakfast Burrito, which is also filled with an abundance of calories, fat, and sodium.

The Cheesecake Factory's Xtreme Eating Awards also included a second dubious award for its Chicken Parmesan pie, which CSPI dubbed the 'Worst Adapted Pizza.' The dish may be adapted to fit the restaurant's menu, but it's clear that it has not been adapted for health-conscious diners. With such high calorie and sodium counts, it's no wonder that many of us are struggling with our weight and overall health.

As a society, we need to take a closer look at the food we're eating and make changes to improve our diets. The Cheesecake Factory may be celebrating its 40th anniversary, but it's clear that some of its menu options are in dire need of an update. Until then, eat this, not that – or better yet, opt for healthier alternatives that won't leave you feeling guilty or weighed down.

Eat this not than cheesecake factory mac and cheese