Adding an apple gives a potassium boost, which helps to lessen sodium’s effects on blood pressure. Our picks: Classic salad with chicken and an appleĪt 320 milligrams for the whole salad, the classic salad with chicken is one of the lowest-sodium items on Panera’s entire menu. The turkey sandwich has slightly less saturated fat and sodium, and a bit more protein, but the entire meal has only 2 grams of sugar. It might sound strange recommending the roasted turkey and avocado BLT over the roasted turkey and caramelized kale panini after all, “superfood” kale is typically considered healthier than sodium-laden bacon. Our picks: Roasted turkey and avocado BLT on sourdough (half) and Caesar salad (half) Note: if you can afford a few more calories, go for the low-fat vegetarian black bean soup, which will add even more protein and fiber to the meal, keeping you satiated long after you’ve had your last bites. The specific combination of non-creamy soup and salad, both high-volume foods, goes a long way toward keeping you full on fewer calories, according to research. The “You Pick Two” menu is a dieter’s delight, as it controls calories without you having to think. Sometimes we wonder if the “P” in Panera stands for portion control. Our picks: Seasonal salad with chicken (half) and low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable soup with pesto (1 cup) If you’re craving variety, you could get a half portion of the salad with a cup of the low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable soup, without pesto, or black bean soup as part of the “You Pick Two” menu, but it would drive sodium levels up for the meal. It can be challenging to find nutrient-rich vegan options that please the palate, but this salad offers a tasty combo of kale, romaine, kalamata olives and heart-healthy almonds – all tossed with Greek dressing.Ĭhipotle's menu, as curated by a nutritionist Our picks: Modern Greek salad with quinoa but without feta The only downside of the lentil bowl: It will give you half of your sodium quota for the day. Note: The seasonal lentil quinoa bowl offers a hearty combination of protein-rich ingredients, including a nutrient-rich egg (if you haven’t heard, eggs – including the yolk – get the green light these days). Add the seasonal salad to boost the protein and double the fiber content of the meal. This flatbread satisfies with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and basil pesto sauce, and it has only 460 milligrams of sodium. If cheese is your protein go-to on a vegetarian diet, then Panera’s tomato mozzarella flatbread should be at the top of your list. Our pick: Tomato mozzarella flatbread and classic salad And while the kids’ mac & cheese with white cheddar is delish, save it for the weekend splurge, as it contributes a generous amount of cholesterol-raising saturated fat. The sandwiches are higher in saturated fat, and all include nutritionally inferior white bread. Other good options for kids include the low-fat vegetarian black bean soup and the low-fat all-natural chicken noodle soup. Pair it with a salad to encourage some brave green bites, and don’t forget about the squeezable yogurt, a fun treat that adds a calcium boost to the meal.ĭunkin' Donuts' menu, as curated by a nutritionist One of the healthiest options on Panera’s kids menu is the kids’ all-natural turkey chili, which contains 8 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein, available in cooler seasons. Our picks: Kids’ all-natural turkey chili with kids’ classic salad and squeezable yogurt We break it down by good choices for kids, athletes, drivers, vegetarians and vegans, as well as low-calorie, low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free and low-carb options. Here are the best Panera Bread options if you’re focused on healthy choices within the limits of the menu (which can change, even seasonally, and sometimes titles of dishes). Whether you wish to select portion-controlled items from their “You Pick Two” menu or you appreciate the chain’s commitment to clean ingredients (all meals will be free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors and flavors by the end of 2016, the company claims), you really can’t go too far astray at this health-conscious eatery.īut one cautionary note about beverages: Unless you’re burning lots of energy and can afford some extra carbs (perhaps training for a half-marathon), it’s best to pair your meals with water, tea or other unsweetened drinks, as many beverages at fast food chains contain well over a day’s worth of added sugars. In fact, when it comes to healthy meals to grab on the go, we think that Panera trumps all other fast food fare. From a nutritional standpoint, there’s much to love about Panera Bread’s offerings.
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