Pancake Day: Free IHOP Short Stack Could Result in Obesity Health Risk

It might be National Pancakes Day, but it's important to take a look at what too many short stacks might mean for your health.

There's certainly nothing like getting a good dose of free food, and for us breakfast lovers, Feb. 5 mark's IHOP restaurant's eighth year across the country to be offering free stacks of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. according to restaurant websites.

Before we start breaking down the calorie content, it is good to know that the pancake chain is hoping to raise a whopping $3 million in donations for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities, which will receive 100 percent of the proceeds. And, in 2012, IHOP reported that they raised the same amount for various charities, and over the past eight National Pancake Holidays, they have raised around $10 million.

But, while they may be raising money for a good cause, pancakes can also raise the risk for obesity. If you're like most of us and going to indulge in a free short stack after getting out of work, what will this mean for your diet, especially if you're eating so late?

The average number of calories in one short stack, a serving of three pancakes, is approximately 470 calories, with over 13 grams of sugar, 69 grams of carbs and 1590 mg of sodium. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not recommended that you have more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, approximately 40 grams of sugar and 202.5 to 292.5 grams of carbs per day with a calorie range of 1800 to 2500 depending on age and health. One short stack alone is over half the recommended daily sodium you need, a fourth of your recommended sugar intake, high in carbohydrates and also high in calories. 

 And, to top it off, this does not include any butter or syrup you will be adding to your pancakes. It is estimated that all the IHOP syrups, according to their website, are approximately 50 calories per table spoon, and the average person puts on a bit more than the recommended serving.

After everything, we're not saying to not go to IHOP. We're not even saying if you go, buy a salad or don't eat at all. All we're saying is watch out for those hidden calories and maybe go during your lunch break. This isn't a snack and these calories do add up even if the food is free.