EAT FIT/NOT FAT RUBY TUESDAY

Ruby Tuesday restaurants have been around for forty years. After opening their first restaurant outside the University of Tennessee campus in 1972, they have now grown to approximately 900 restaurants around the United States. Their focus is fresh food, served in a casual dining atmosphere. The menu is nicely varied from soups and salads to burgers and pasta dishes. Today, we are going to take a closer look at the handcrafted burger selections.

Many people who are focused on health dodge burgers because they are often an abyss of calories, fat, and salt. Generally, I would agree. However, which ones are better for you? There seems to be a lot of variety. Are they all equally indulgent?

Be Aware The Smokehouse Burger

The Smokehouse Burger definitely falls into an “overindulgent” category. While the size of burger is not provided on the menu, the burger does come with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise and a side of French fries. With the burger alone, you will consume:

1,155 calories

71g fat

77g carbohydrates

4g fiber

52g protein

1662mg sodium

A serving of Ruby Tuesday’s French fries is:

396 calories

18g fat

55g carbohydrate

5g fiber

5g protein

909mg sodium

Wow! This totals to be more than what many should have in one day. There are better choices.

Better Triple Prime Burger

A better choice would be the Ruby Tuesday’s Triple Prime burger. While still high in calories and fat, the sodium content drops significantly. This burger tallies:

876 calories

56g fat

54g carbohydrate

4g fiber

40g protein

767mg sodium

Remember it is still served with hips and thighs… I mean French fries.

Best Avocado Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Under the “Fresh Handcrafted Burger” section, Ruby Tuesday offers an Avocado Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This is probably the best item in this section of the menu. While avocado isn’t low calorie, it is high in vitamin C and monounsaturated fats (which are a more healthful kind of fat), as well as B vitamins. This sandwich will cost you:

831 calories

39g fat

56g carbohydrate

5g fiber

65g protein

1088mg sodium

It is also served with fries, but keep in mind, most restaurants are happy to substitute fries with a salad for a small fee. Another alternative is to save half for your lunch tomorrow!