MCLEAN, VA - Americans have been making healthier choices when it comes to fast casual dining, choosing lower calorie entrees at Applebee??s, Denny??s, IHOP and Sizzler, USA Today reports.

For the first two months of 2011, the best-selling entrée at Applebee??s was a sub-550 calorie sirloin and shrimp entrée, the first time a low-calorie item ranked as the chain??s best seller for a single month.

"I??ve been in the restaurant business for 30 years, and I??ve never seen anything like this," said Mike Archer, president of Applebee??s. "We??re seeing a sea change in consumer behavior."

Applebee??s launched its sub-550-calorie menu last year; it accounts for up to eight percent of sales today.

"In the past, guests would come in with the best of intentions, then order a loaded burger," said Archer. "This is the first time I??ve seen intentions and actions align."

Denny??s executives have also found a shift in consumer consumption, and they??ll launch a Fit Fare Slam in June, which will be made with egg whites, spinach, grape tomatoes, turkey bacon, fruit cup and an English muffin.

IHOP, too, has reported healthier food choices by its patrons.

"I??ve been in the restaurant business for 25 years, and we couldn??t have given away healthier food in the early part of my career," said IHOP President Jean Birch. "Now, not only are people ordering them, but some are deciding not to go somewhere if they don??t have healthier items on the menu."

Read more about offering nutritious food offers at your stores in NACS Magazine.