CSPI releases its Xtreme Eating Awards

This week, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has released its Xtreme Eating Awards. The awards highlight the unhealthiest meals full of calories, high in sodium served at restaurant food chains in the nation.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit health advocacy group based in Washington, is shocked by the unhealthy meals served in restaurants in the nation.

Red Lobster's 'Create Your Own Combination' has 2,710 calories and has 6,530 milligrams sodium. You will get these calories if you choose the Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Walt's Favorite Shrimp, and Shrimp Linguine Alfredo with sides, including the Caesar salad, French fries, and one Cheddar Bay Biscuit.

If the Lobsterita is added to the meal then the meal's calorie meter will touch 3,600. It has topped the list by becoming the highest calorie meal on CSPI's 'dishonorees' list. CSPI registered dietitian Paige Einstein said, "This nutritional shipwreck from Red Lobster exemplifies the kind of gargantuan restaurant meal that promotes obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases".

Einstein said the meal is quite famous as America's chain restaurants serve around 2,000 calorie lunches, 2,000 calorie dinners and 2,000 calorie desserts. It seems that abnormal is the new normal.

Red Lobster has objected to the findings. It has argued that the CSPI's list mischaracterizes the nature of that particular menu item. It said the organization does not reveal that guests can choose lighter options in the dish like wood-grilled salmon and garlic-grilled shrimp.

A Red Lobster spokesperson said that in the combination, the guests choose two to three preparations from a list of nine. They choose to create a dish that matches individual's taste and diet preferences. The spokesperson said there are more than 500 possible combinations that guests can create as part of the dish.