Knowledge is power. Not only is that the message of a PSA spot encouraging kids to stay in school, but it is especially true when dining at “healthy” restaurants, such as Panera Bread.
Clearly bakeries are not the safest hangouts for the carb-phobic, but there are some healthy choices on Panera’s menu, coupled with several gut busters as well.
Healthy Pick: You Pick Two: 1/2 Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich & cup of Low Fat Garden Vegetable Soup
This is a great vegetarian option, in addition to being relatively healthy choice. At 380 calories, 7 grams of fat, 65 grams of carbs, and 14 grams of protein, this meal is satisfying but isn’t going to break your daily calorie bank. Still, it is the lesser of two evils, due to being high in carbohydrates, having 2 grams of saturated fat and a whopping 1,930 mg of sodium. And that’s the HEALTHY pick!
Makes Me Sick: Chicken Bacon Dijon Panini
I have FIVE words for you: Worse. Than. A. Big. Mac. This combination of chicken, Swiss cheese, bacon AND bacon mustard is a calorie and fat bomb slapped on grilled and buttered white bread. Coming in at 850 calories, this sandwich has a disconcerting 35 grams of fat, 13 of which are saturated. That’s what you get for putting bacon in condiments.
Before you go, do your research. Panera has a great new nutrition calculator on their website. Play around with it and create a healthy meal. But hold the bacon mayo.
