An adult meal at a typical full-service restaurant chain contains about 1,495 kcal, 28 g saturated fat, and 3,512 mg sodium, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. The researchers found that the nutritional value of an adult meal made up of an entree, side dish, and one-half appetizer was 1,495 kcal, with 28 g saturated fat, 3,512 mg sodium, and 11 g fiber. Inclusion of a beverage and one-half dessert increased the content to 2,020 kcal.
Just to put that in perspective, the recommended daily allowance of calories for most of us is around 2,000 calories per day, with a maximum sodium level of 2,200 mg/day, and no more than 20 g of saturated fat. So in just one typical restaurant meal, without dessert, you can exceed all values for an entire day.