When it comes to fast food options, Panda Express has become a popular choice for many people over the years. With its wide range of Chinese-inspired dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, with the growing focus on health and wellness, many people are now wondering what the healthiest options are when ordering from Panda Express.
In this article, we will explore the different options available at Panda Express and highlight the ones that are the healthiest choices. From entrees to sides, we will break down the nutritional information of each dish so that you can make an informed decision the next time you visit Panda Express.
The top 5 healthiest options on Panda’s menu
Looking for healthy options at Panda Express might seem like a challenge, especially if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake or overall health. However, there are definitely healthier options available on their menu that won’t completely sabotage your diet.
The top five healthiest options on Panda’s menu include: mixed vegetables, broccoli beef, mushroom chicken, grilled teriyaki chicken, and string bean chicken breast. These dishes are made with less oil and sodium than some of the other options, and they’re generally lower in calories as well. For example, the mixed vegetables only have 80 calories per serving, while the broccoli beef has 150 and the grilled teriyaki chicken has 300. By choosing these options, you can still enjoy some of the flavors of Panda Express without sacrificing your health goals.
How to make your Panda meal healthier with simple swaps
Making simple swaps when ordering at Panda Express can significantly boost the healthfulness of your meal. Instead of opting for fried rice, choose the steamed brown rice or mixed vegetables as your base. These options are high in fiber and essential nutrients, providing a lighter and more nutritious alternative to fried rice. Additionally, asking for half a serving of rice or noodles and doubling up on vegetables can help balance out your meal.
When it comes to entrees, choosing the grilled teriyaki chicken or the broccoli beef can be a healthier option compared to the deep-fried orange chicken. Avoid the deep-fried options and sauces high in sugar, as they tend to be heavy and calorie-dense. Try pairing your entree with the Super Greens side dish, a mix of kale, broccoli, and cabbage that provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Remember, making small swaps can make a big difference in the healthfulness of your meal at Panda Express.
Avoiding hidden calories and unhealthy ingredients at Panda
Panda Express offers a range of delectable dishes, but many of them come with a side of hidden calories and unhealthy ingredients. To stay on track with your health goals, it is essential to avoid such items. For starters, ditch the sugary drinks and opt for water or unsweetened tea. Skip the fried rice and noodles and opt for steamed vegetables or brown rice, which are excellent sources of fiber and essential nutrients.
Another key thing to keep in mind is the sauce. Panda Express’s sauces are tasty but loaded with calories, sodium, and sugar. To avoid excess calories and unhealthy ingredients, order sauces on the side and use them sparingly. Lastly, be mindful of portion sizes. Panda Express serves large portions, which can quickly lead to overeating. Instead, order a small dish or share your meal with a friend or family member. With these simple tips, you can enjoy a healthier meal at Panda Express and stay in line with your health goals.
Navigating Panda’s menu for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options
Navigating Panda’s menu for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options can be daunting for some, but it doesn’t have to be. Panda Express offers a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Their website has a helpful tool that allows users to filter their menu items by gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.
For gluten-free options, their brown steamed rice, mixed vegetables, and most of their entrees (with the exception of the Sweetfire Chicken Breast, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Shanghai Angus Steak) are safe to consume. For vegetarians, they offer a variety of entrees such as Eggplant Tofu, Broccoli Beef (without beef), and Vegetable Spring Rolls. Vegans can enjoy their Super Greens side, Chow Mein (without chicken), and their new Beyond the Original Orange Chicken made with plant-based meat. Panda Express may be a fast-food chain, but it offers options that cater to everyone’s needs.
Balancing your macronutrients with Panda’s menu
Maintaining a healthy diet is not just about counting calories; it is also important to balance macronutrients. Macronutrients, which are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are the main components of food that provide us with energy. It is essential to consume a balanced amount of macronutrients to maintain good health.
Panda Express is known for serving Chinese-American cuisine that is flavorful, but it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet while eating there. As a rule of thumb, it is best to choose dishes that contain a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. Some of the healthy options at Panda Express include steamed veggies, grilled teriyaki chicken, and grilled shrimp. It is also recommended to avoid deep-fried foods and opt for steamed, grilled, or sautéed dishes instead. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy a nutritious meal at Panda Express that will not derail your healthy lifestyle.
The nutritional benefits of common Panda ingredients and dishes
Panda Express has a wide variety of ingredients and dishes that offer nutritious benefits. For instance, their steamed vegetables, which include broccoli and string beans, are high in fiber, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and strong immune system. Moreover, their mushroom chicken dish is made up of lean protein and contains only 300 calories per serving, making it a great option for individuals who are looking to eat healthily and maintain their weight.
Other dishes such as Kung Pao shrimp and grilled teriyaki chicken offer a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Additionally, their brown rice and mixed veggies are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates that keep you full for longer and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Overall, Panda Express offers a range of options that can be combined in different ways to create a well-balanced, healthy meal.
Tips for enjoying Panda without sacrificing your health goals
Panda Express has been expanding its menu to cater to its health-conscious customers. However, the majority of the menu items are still high in calories, sodium, and fat. Regardless of the option you select, there are several tips to help you maintain your health goals while enjoying your favorite dish.
Firstly, watch your portion sizes. Don’t get too carried away with the serving spoon or the package sizes. Always remember that the recommended serving sizes are significantly smaller than what the restaurant serves. Also, avoid sugary drinks and go for water or unsweetened tea instead. Secondly, stick to their healthier options such as their steamed vegetables and grilled chicken dishes. You can easily make your meal even healthier by skipping the fried and battered options from their menu. Lastly, opt for brown rice instead of the white one, which is high in calories and carbs. These little adjustments can make a considerable difference in the amount of calories and other nutrients you consume at Panda Express.
Final Words
It’s clear that when it comes to dining at Panda Express, there are some options that are healthier than others. Choosing a bowl or plate with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, while avoiding fried and sugary foods, is the best way to achieve a balanced meal. Making simple substitutions, such as brown rice instead of white and steamed vegetables instead of fried, can make a big difference in the nutritional value of a dish.
It’s important to note that while some options may be healthier than others, eating at any fast food restaurant should be done in moderation as these foods are often high in sodium and calories. It’s also crucial to pay attention to portion sizes and not overindulge. By making informed choices and practicing moderation, it is possible to enjoy a tasty meal at Panda Express that won’t sabotage your health goals.
