IHop Gingerbread Pancakes

OK, I know IHOP is notorious for having way high caloric foods (hence why they don't list their calories. Hoping the new law changes that soon.) I know they have the "For me" section that does list calories with healthier options, but sometimes you just want to splurge! Ha Ha.

My guy and I have been talking about going one morning since we haven't been there in a few years. I've been seeing the commercials for their new limited Holiday pancakes and the Gingerbread ones look so damn yummy! It's a few gingerbread pancakes topped with whipped cream and little red and green Christmas sprinkles. (so pretty! ha ha.) I really think I may take a break and indulge in these, but I'm a little nervous about it. (Guess it's natural when you've had the life style change for so long and try to make better choices.)

I was wondering if anyone may have a guess as to how many calories these would have? Judging from what I've seen at other items they have that have leaked on the Internet I'm guessing that this meal will be at least 1,000 calories...wow...but eh, we can't be so strict on ourselves all the time and it's not like I get to eat like that everyday. (If I did, I probably wouldn't be so tempted. Heh.)

Anyone ever had these as well? Are they worth the splurge?

Thanks in advance. :)

If you ask for the pancakes without butter or whipped cream, I'd say they wouldn't be too bad... maybe 150 cals each?

edit: nevermind... i just saw a picture! Let's say maybe 250-350 per pancake without whipped cream & butter... they look pretty big.

Well, the pancakes themselves probably aren't all that bad calorie wise. Most places 2 pancakes is 300 calories or under and they're the big ones. It's the toppings that do the most damage. If it were me, I'd get the pancakes, but ask for the whipped topping on the side or not get it at all and get sugar free syrup instead.

Since you haven't been there in so long, go ahead and treat yourself! You deserve it after working so hard!!! :-)

i think a lot of us get caught up into thinking that there are "good" and "bad" foods, and thinking that we can never eat the so-called "bad" foods and only the "good" foods. but in reality, our body doesn't categorize foods as good and bad, it just takes and uses what we give it, and our bodies are a lot more capable than we think. one meal that's a bit higher in sugars or doesn't include all of your fruits and veggies won't really hurt it.

the bigger issue is portioning. like, it's fine to eat pancakes, would you really need to eat the WHOLE stack though? when you order the "IHOP for me" pancakes (which btw i think are delicious) you get 3 pancakes, when you order off of the regular menu, you get 5. so...that's a big difference in itself.

i think eating about 2 would be appropriate, and i like Megan's idea of asking for the whipped cream on the side. :)

I think you should get them if this is not trigger food that will send your whole diet into a tailspin.  If I had the pancakes I would only want more pancakes and everything else sweet!  Just something to keep in mind. 

Just FYI, now I am intrigued and really want to try these pancakes! LOL!

Original Post by meganwilliams2:

Just FYI, now I am intrigued and really want to try these pancakes! LOL!

LOL, me too Megan!

They look so darn good - and for some reason, this fall I've been craving so much ginger! I never used to like it at all.

Anyways, like barecub said, as long as they don't send your diet into tailspin you'll be fine. Personally, if I were having these pancakes as a special treat, I'd order them as-is with whipped cream and all. Then I would go in with the intention of eating X percent of the dish (say 50-75%) with the toppings, and savouring those pancakes with all the butter and syrupy goodness. It would be satisfying and have less cals then the full order. The only thing is whether you can stop at X% of the plate. Once I set my mind to eating so much of a dish I can usually stick to it, but I know for some people that's a problem.