CLOSED: Went Hungry, Left Happy.... IHOP (+ 25$ GC Giveaway)

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

When anyone would mention IHOP in the past, the first image that would formulate in my mind would be that of a stack of delicious pancakes!

(Did you know that IHOP actually stands for "International House Of Pancakes")



Sure, in 1958, that's how it all began....with pancakes. But since then that simple pancake shop has grown to become a popular breakfast, lunch and dinner haunt for many.
(And yes you CAN order pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!)


The Buzz:

In synch with the growing health awareness in the restaurant industry, IHOP's menu has now integrated over 30 SIMPLE & FIT lower calorie menu options at under 600 calories an item.

Moms, you will be thrilled to know that the Just for Kids section of the menu (for guests ages 12 and under) is under the SIMPLE & FIT banner.
So you can order fresh fruit for your kids, instead of french fries.



To boost health awareness, IHOP has partnered with the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid to feature the well-known logo (www.mypyramid.gov) along with nutrition tips on Just for Kids placemats, to encourage young guests to learn more about eating well, being active and living healthy.



The IHOP menu also offers a number of tips on how to enjoy lower calorie versions of IHOP classics.

Take this menu excerpt, for example-
SIMPLE & FIT Whole Wheat French Toast Combo: Two slices of whole wheat French toast topped with fresh slices of banana. Served with scrambled egg substitute and two strips of turkey bacon. 490 calories.

SIMPLE & FIT tips found throughout the menu include holding the butter or whipped topping, using sugar-free syrup, requesting an egg substitute, substituting turkey bacon, using a sugar substitute in coffee and teas, asking for 2 percent milk in coffee instead of creamer, holding the cheese or requesting less, asking for reduced-fat salad dressing, holding the croutons on salads, requesting dressings and sauces on the side, choosing steamed broccoli, holding the bread on dinner entrees, asking for a bun-less burger and choosing diet soft drinks.

That sure is a big step to staying healthy....but does the food taste good?

Read on!....


E.B. Mommy's Report:

I ordered the SIMPLE & FIT Simply Chicken Sandwich and was a little concerned it would be too dry for my liking.


A tender, grilled chicken breast on a toasted Romano-Parmesan bun with lettuce and fresh tomato served with a side of fresh fruit. 470 calories.

One bite into my sandwich and I smiled....my tummy smiled....it was delicious. The chicken was juicy and seasoned just right.



My bowl of fruit followed and the selection of naturally sweet fruit was perfect.
Oh yes my meal was wholesome ....a "healthy" winner!

Hubby picked one of IHOP's new additions, the Philly Cheese Steak Stacker.


Grilled Ribeye steak and onions topped with melted American cheese on a grilled roll.

For a meat lover this solid, stacked, rich sandwich is the one! It doesn't come with any "healthy" frills but Hubby gave it his "delicious" stamp of approval.

And my little pancake lover just had to have something pancake based even though we were having lunch. She picked the Cheese Omelette but requested a serving of fries instead of the fruit.


Made with a splash of buttermilk and wheat pancake batter for extra fluffiness and filled with cheese. Served with fresh fruit. 520 Calories

We agreed as we're not big on "fast food" at home, so french fries and other "greasy goods" are generally an exception when we do go out for that occasional meal.



This was our first "non breakfast" meal at IHOP and considering the outcome of the meal was three satisfied tummies, I know this is now on top of our list for restaurant picks.

Great food and definitely worth the price paid.
(All three meals fell within our 25$ budget)

Oh yes....we went in hungry and left happy!


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a 25 US$ IHOP Gift Card


Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Tell me what you would order off the IHOP menu, if you win this Gift Card.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Like IHOP on Facebook

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy #Win a 25$ IHOP Gift Card at EBMR's Simple and Fit, Healthy Giveaway http://bit.ly/dTSjpz (2/26) #restaurant #pancakes #food


3. Seven additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow me on Networked Blogs

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on Feb 26, 2011 at 10 pm Central time.

** EBMR Disclaimer: IHOP sent me a gift card for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**