Panera Menu Nutrition

If adding weight wasn't bad enough, restaurant meals are usually high in calories, poor in fibre and whole grains, and lack sufficient produce. That's true even at Panera, where the healthy halo of fresh ingredients can lead you to assume that everything on the menu is accepted. That isn't the case. (I'm staring at you, Chicken Tortellini Alfredo and Frontega Chicken Panini!)

Even, eating out is a convenience we all rely on, so to help you escape the nasties and keep it light, I combed through the Panera Menu Nutrition details for the best choices and searched for ways to enhance them. Here are some of Panera Bread's healthier options.

Avocado, Lettuce, and Egg White

This sandwich will be a filling and safe way to start the day. As compared to Panera's whole grain bagel, the flat bagel saves about 20 grams of carbohydrates. It also provides sprouted grains, which are simpler to eat than typical whole grain breads. Sprouted grains also increase the bioavailability of grains' nutrients. This meal will satisfy appetite and power busy days thanks to the avocado's good fat, 21 grams of protein (mostly from egg whites), and 7 grams of fibre (from the bagel and veggies).

Almonds, Quinoa, and Honey Steel Cut Oatmeal

Steel cut oats and quinoa are a winning mix in my book. I can't think about the drizzle of honey because it just adds about a teaspoon of sugar. Since the only thing lacking from this meal is fruit, I'd eat it with the Summer Fruit Cup for tea.

Blueberries, Granola, and Cinnamon Crunch Topping on Steel Cut Oatmeal

This breakfast is made much better by the steel cut oatmeal foundation. Oatmeal has been found to improve feelings of fullness and happiness as opposed to cold cereal, so if cereal is your morning jam, oatmeal is a decent option. However, I hate so much added sugar, so I'd miss the cinnamon crunch topping here. The granola that comes with it has one and a half teaspoons of additional sweetener. To save even more money, miss all toppings and swap them with pecans. This raises the consumption of fatty fats, which is a healthy choice.

Sandwich of Vegetables from the Mediterranean

This sandwich was selected because it is layered with a lot of vegetables. Have it on sourdough instead of the tomato-basil crust it's normally served on. This decreases sodium by 250 mg, which is still a lot at 980 mg, but it's a change in the right direction. By substituting avocado for feta, you can reduce the sodium level by another 250 mg. Avocado contributes vitamins and nutrients to your diet while also adding 4 grams of fibre.