Top 10 Guilty Restaurant Pleasures

Smart Indulgence #1: Smothered waffle

A modestly sized Belgian Waffle, with its porous, sponge-like density, is actually less dangerous than it seems. The real harm lies in two nefarious accoutrements: butter and pancake syrup. Together, they burrow down into the waffles' hollowed pockets and turn each one into a little thimble of waistline destruction. The solution is simple: Find a better topping. IHOP tops this Belgian with a big scoop of sweet, caramelized apples and whipped cream—and the side slab of bacon, with its protein and fat, serves to slow the rapid digestion of fast-moving carbohydrates.

Eat This!

IHOP Belgian Waffle w/ Cinnamon Apple Compote, Whipped Topping, and Bacon Strips (2)

580 calories
23.5 g fat (12 g saturated)
955 mg sodium

Not That!

Perkins’ Belgian Waffle w/ Blueberry Topping, Whipped Topping, and Bacon Strips (2)

835 calories
24 g fat (14 g saturated)
1,150 mg sodium