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What Is the Healthiest Thing to Eat at Denny's?

3 min read

According to nutritionists, finding a balanced meal at a diner can be challenging, but with the right menu knowledge, Denny's offers surprisingly healthy and satisfying options. Making informed choices can lead to a significant reduction in calories, sodium, and saturated fat.

Quick Summary

This article details the most nutritious items and best customizable options available at Denny's, including the Fit Slam, vegetable omelets, and salmon dishes, alongside general ordering tips.

Key Points

  • Top Choice: Fit Slam: The Fit Slam is widely regarded as the healthiest and most balanced breakfast option at Denny's, featuring egg whites, turkey bacon, and fruit.

  • Customize Your Meal: Use the Build Your Own menu to create a healthier order by selecting egg whites, lean proteins, and vegetable sides.

  • Choose Grilled over Fried: Opt for grilled chicken or steak over fried items to significantly reduce fat and calories.

  • Load Up on Veggies: Enhance your meal's nutritional value and fiber content by adding steamed broccoli or sautéed vegetables as sides.

  • Be Smart with Dressings: Request dressings on the side and use them sparingly to control the amount of fat and sodium in your salads.

  • Hydrate Wisely: Choose water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee over sugary beverages to save empty calories.

In This Article

Your Guide to Healthy Eating at Denny's

While Denny's is famous for indulgent diner classics, its menu offers several choices that align with a health-conscious lifestyle. The key to success is knowing what to look for and how to customize your order to maximize nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are strategies to help you navigate the menu and build a well-balanced meal.

The Healthiest Options on the Menu

The Fit Slam: Often cited as the top choice for a healthy breakfast, the Fit Slam is a well-balanced meal designed with lighter fare in mind. {Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/} This option is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other slams on the menu and provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fiber.

The Loaded Veggie Omelette: For those who prefer an omelette, the Loaded Veggie Omelette is an excellent choice. To make it even healthier, ask for it with egg whites only and hold the cheese. It is packed with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash, and provides a hearty dose of protein.

The Wild Alaska Salmon: When visiting Denny's for a dinner, the Wild Alaska Salmon is a protein-packed and heart-healthy selection. {Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

Healthy Ordering Strategies and Customizations

Customization is a key advantage at Denny's. The Build Your Own Grand Slam is one way to choose healthier components. {Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

Comparison of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Options

Feature Healthy Choice: Fit Slam Unhealthy Choice: Lumberjack Slam
Calories ~450 calories ~1000 calories
Fat ~12g fat, 2.5g saturated fat ~45g fat, 14g saturated fat
Sodium ~860mg sodium ~3410mg sodium
Components Egg whites, turkey bacon, fruit, English muffin Pancakes, sausage, bacon, ham, hash browns, eggs, toast
Key Benefit High protein, lower in fat and sodium Large portion, high in fat, carbs, and sodium

Mindful Choices for Every Meal

Breakfast: Beyond the Fit Slam, a 'Build Your Own Grand Slam' with egg whites, turkey bacon, and fruit is a good choice. 9-Grain Pancakes are also a better alternative to buttermilk.

Lunch: Options like the Super Bird (modified) or a custom veggie burger without a bun or cheese are good. The House Salad can be healthy depending on dressing and toppings.

Dinner: Wild Alaska Salmon or Sirloin Steak with steamed broccoli are solid choices. A custom veggie burger is also smart.

Making healthy choices involves selecting lean protein, vegetables, and fiber while minimizing saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. The Fit Slam, customized veggie omelets, Wild Alaska Salmon, and custom veggie burgers are key healthy options. {Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

For more detailed nutritional information, consult the official Denny's nutrition guide on their website.

Conclusion

Making healthy choices at Denny's means focusing on meals rich in lean protein, vegetables, and fiber while minimizing saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. The Fit Slam and customized veggie omelets are standout breakfast options, while the Wild Alaska Salmon and a custom veggie burger serve as excellent choices for later meals. With simple modifications like swapping fried for grilled items and opting for fresh fruit and steamed vegetables, you can create a satisfying and well-balanced meal that fits a healthy lifestyle.

{Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

General Tips for Healthier Dining

{Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy a meal at Denny's without derailing your nutritional goals.

Official Denny's Nutrition Information

Key Takeaways

{Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

FAQs

{Link: MyFitnessPal Blog https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-healthiest-ways-to-order-at-dennys/}

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest breakfast option is the Fit Slam. It comes with scrambled egg whites, spinach, tomatoes, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit, making it lower in fat, calories, and sodium compared to other slam breakfasts.

A veggie omelette can be a great healthy choice. To optimize it, order it with egg whites and ask for no cheese. It is packed with nutritious vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

For dinner, the Wild Alaska Salmon is an excellent low-calorie, high-protein option. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed zucchini and squash.

To make a healthy Build Your Own Grand Slam, choose items like egg whites, turkey bacon, and a side of fresh fruit. Avoid pancakes, sausages, and hash browns to keep calories and fat low.

Salads can be healthy, but it depends on the toppings and dressing. The House Salad is a good base, but always ask for dressing on the side and limit high-fat additions like cheese and croutons.

You should generally avoid high-fat and high-sodium items like the Lumberjack Slam, Grand Slamwich, fried entrees, and loaded soups. Opt for grilled items over fried ones.

Yes, you can. Consider the Super Bird sandwich but skip the bacon and mayo, or opt for a half portion with a side salad instead of fries. You can also swap the beef patty for a veggie patty on a burger.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.