IHOP has been celebrating Free National Pancake day since 2006. On February 28, 2012, select IHOP restaurant will be giving out one free short stack pancakes per guests who eat in their favorite IHOP that day.
What’s with the FREE Pancakes?
You don’t have to pay for your free short stack pancakes, but patrons are encouraged to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals © or other chosen local charities.
IHOP has raised over US$8 million dollar since its inception in 2006, and these funds has been placed in great charitable use for 6 years now.
Now on it’s 6th year, IHOP is aiming to raise US$2.7 million on National Free Pancake day for the year 2012.
Not a bad exchange for some free pancakes right?
Before you gather up your friends and family to go on a pancake day frenzy, consider the calories that you’ll get when you wolf down a seemingly innocent serving of one short stack pancake.
What are the Nutritional Facts for one serving of an IHOP short stack pancake?
Serving Size: 3 pancakes (1.7 oz / 48g)
Calories: 490
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 69g
Protein: 13g
The amount of protein you get is a very good number, however the carbohydrate and fat level is not quite in the healthy range.
If you still want to enjoy a serving of a FREE short stack even if you know that the nutritional numbers is not that healthy. Well, I don’t really blame you – so here are some helpful tips that you can follow so you can still enjoy these tasty pancakes from IHOP.
EAT IN WITH A FRIEND OR FAMILY.Consider sharing one free short stack pancake, but consider giving individual donations even if you shared the free pancake.
DON’T FINISH IT.If you go in alone in your favorite IHOP to enjoy a cup of coffee with the free pancakes, you don’t need to finish it all. You may seem like your wasting the pancakes, but isn’t it much better for the pancakes to go to the trash rather than go straight to your waistline?
MAKE UP FOR IT. If you decide to go in and splurge and finish one IHOP short stack on your own; try to eat it early in the day, and have healthy salads and sandwiches for your meals the rest of the day.
BURN IT OFF. Do a moderate 30 to 45 minute steady cardio workout like brisk walking, running, bicycling and even step aerobics to burn 300-500 calories! Which is just equivalent to one serving of free short stack pancake from IHOP.
