Worst Restaurant Meals

The Count: Approximately1,182 calories, 78 grams of fat, 3,372 milligrams of sodium

A stromboli is basically a pizza that’s rolled up and baked. So the crust, cheese, and meat are concentrated in every tasty but calorie-heavy slice. If you eat the whole thing, you’ll need to ride 25 miles on a bicycle to work it off. Bruschetta -- grilled bread rubbed with garlic with various toppings -- is the healthier option here.

The Count: Approximately 1,578 calories, 88 grams of fat, 2,327 milligrams of sodium

This dish, supposedly named after a famous general from China’s Hunan province, looks innocent at first glance: fried chicken and broccoli covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. But the calories in the chicken and the sweet sauce add up quickly. For a healthier main course at half the calories, try kung pao chicken instead.

The Count: (one large) Approximately742 calories, 34 grams of fat, 736 milligrams of sodium

This flour tortilla packed with ground beef, refried beans, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic is folded and then fried. When you add the oil, you’re already halfway to your recommended daily fat before you even choose a side. Try a burrito bowl with black or pinto beans as a healthier alternative.

The count: (2 cups) Approximately707 calories, 43 grams of fat, 4,144 milligrams of sodium

This has plenty of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. But the cream, yogurt, and tomato sauce tip the scales here before you even add rice and naan. Plus, this puts you well over your daily limit of saturated fat and sodium. Order the tandoori chicken instead.

The count: Approximately838 calories, 45 grams of fat, 1,301 milligrams of sodium

This takeout staple seems healthy. But the oil, butter, noodles, eggs, and peanuts push this dish to those hefty fat and sodium totals. Try chicken satay with peanut sauce for a more diet-friendly option.

The count: Approximately405 calories, 24 grams of fat, 538 milligrams of sodium

Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. But adding sour cream, cheese, and bacon makes this side almost a meal in itself. A baked sweet potato gives you the same vitamin boost at a fraction of the calories, even with a sprinkling of brown sugar.

Portion sizes have been getting larger and larger, which means more of everything, including calories, fats, and sodium. But Mom was wrong: You don’t have to clean your plate. Instead, save half of your entrée to take home. You’ll take in fewer calories and get two meals for the price of one.

A small salad or cup of soup is better for you than a greasy, cheesy appetizer. But keep a watch out for hidden calories, particularly in some salad dressings. And beware of added sodium in some soups.

Just because it comes with fries or chips, don’t hesitate to check the menu (or ask your server) for healthier substitutions. Many restaurants now list calorie counts for every item, so take your entire meal into consideration, not just the main course.

You can still satisfy that sweet tooth without loading on extra calories. Most restaurants may offer a fresh fruit option. Pick a sherbet over ice cream. Sponge cake is also a great choice. Also be aware that fruit smoothies may contain a lot of sugar.