With the slow return to normalcy and the weather warming up, we’ll soon all be back to family dinners out, and lunches in the sun. While some of us will be adventurous and explore new, local, and independent, restaurants, many will be excited the enter the doors of the big chain restaurants they know and love.
But how well do we know these chain restaurants and their menus?
In England, a new government rule will make all restaurants, cafes, and takeaways with more than 250 staff members print calorie counts on their menus. The move comes as part of an effort to tackle obesity in the nation by helping people make more informed, healthier decision.
Read more: What is a calorie deficit and how can it help you lose weight?
While we’re yet to see similar policies in Wales, a growing number of restaurants have already begun displaying calorie counts. Upon closer inspection, there are a number of popular chain restaurants serving food that's higher in calories than you might expect.
Generally, the recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men, according to the NHS. Some chain restaurant meals surpass this in one order.
Here's a selection that you can find around the restaurant offerings in Cardiff Bay:
Las Iguanas
Las Iguanas is known for its distinct mix of Latin American flavours and spices. But if you were to order a whole Blazing Bird with Vivo: Flaming hot habanero sauce.
You would also be ordering a massive 2336 calories.
Pretty much an entire daily recommended intake!
Zizzi
Italian is often a go to for many. A classic some may say. Arguably, an even more classic
meal…Lasagne.
However, a Zizzi’s lasagne comes with a whopping 1477 calories.
Half of the recommended intake of an Adult Male.
Las Iguanas…Again.
Las Iguanas is a repeat offender on this list. With it having not one but two shockingly highcalorie counts on its menu.
The Steak Fajita Stack comes with soft tortillas and an array of toppings including guacamole and tomato salsa.
While it appears generally innocuous, this delicious Mexican main also comes with 1322 calories.
Côte Brasserie
Côte Brasserie is known for bringing a Parisian simplicity to our high streets and shopping centres.
Many expect vegetarian and vegan alternatives to be healthier than their meaty equivalents and often that is the case.
But a Vegan Côte Burger will set you back 1297 calories. Only 159 calories less than the Beef Burger; this burger is complete with Moving Mountains™ burger patty, vegan cheese, truffle mayonnaise, caramelised red onion, brioche bun and frites.
Wetherspoons
Popping over to your local Wetherspoons beer garden is often a tried and tested answer to a bit of sunlight.
And, if you fancied some food with your sunning, a simple burger might do the trick.
At Wetherspoons, a Classic 6oz beef burger will also be accompanied by 1171 calories.
Five Guys
Some may call the menu of Five Guys is short and sweet. They stick to the basics and let you make your meal exactly what you want it to be.
It wasn’t one of their burgers that we found shockingly high in calories but an aspect of a meal many don’t think of when counting calories. The drinks.
A Five Guys Banoffee Pie Milkshake comes with a whole 947.
Honest Burger
The Honest truth about Honest Burger’s new Chilli burger.
Filled with beef, bacon and chilli cheese and topped with hot sauce, shoestring fries, red onion, lettuce, and pickled red jalapenos.
The amazing sounding new addition is also filled with 863 calories.
