ApplebeesThey say that there's no such thing as a free lunch. However if you're a veteran, today there is.

Applebee's is giving free meals to all U.S. active duty service members and veterans today. They're even tallying how many meals have been served across the states on their website. Last year, more than 1,000,000 meals were served to our national heroes.

Am I jealous? For sure. My boyfriend gets back from his second tour in Afghanistan next week, and it looks like we'll be celebrating Veterans Day a tad bit late.

Still -- I couldn't help looking into what we'll be missing today. Check out what Applebee's is serving up, and the calorie totals, after the jump:

Here are today's freebies:

  • 7 oz House Sirloin Steak
  • Oriental Chicken Salad
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Bacon Cheeseburger
  • Double Crunch shrimp
  • Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken

Each veteran is entitled to one option. Drinks, additional items, and gratuity aren't included.

Whether they served in battle during Vietnam or Operation Enduring Freedom, many of these menu items won't help them with the battle of the bulge.

The worst offenders: The Chicken Tenders Platter (1,300 calories, 77 grams of fat, and 49 grams of protein) and Double Crunch Shrimp at 1,280 calories, 70 grams of fat (I may have just had a minor heart attack re-writing these statistics), and 34 grams of protein.

The lightest option on the menu? My first guess was the Oriental Chicken Salad, and yup -- I was wrong. Stick with the 7 oz. House Sirloin, ranking in at only 240 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 37 grams of protein. Eater beware: Be cautious on what side you're selecting. Keep it light with a bowl of Chicken Tortilla soup (180 calories, 8 grams of fat) or Fried Red Potatoes (150 calories, 5 grams fat).

Will you be eating at Applebees this Veterans Day?


Image from NNECAPA/Flickr