How to Make Healthier Choices at Panda Express – A Nutrition Guide

Do you often find yourself craving for some delicious Chinese food from Panda Express, but feel guilty because of the heavy calorie count? You’re not alone! With the growing trend of healthy living, it’s essential to make the right choices when it comes to food intake and nutrition. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up on your favorite foods just to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, we will guide you through how to make healthier choices at Panda Express. We will take a closer look at the nutritional value of the most popular menu items, give you tips on making healthy substitutions, and help you build a healthier meal plan.

Step 1 – Understanding the Nutritional Information

First things first, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value of some of the most popular Panda Express items. By understanding the nutrition value, you can make smarter choices when creating your meal. The nutritional information is readily available on Panda Express’s website; it’s an excellent resource to check before visiting the restaurant.

Orange Chicken (6 ounces)
Calories – 490
Fat – 22g
Sodium – 660mg
Carbohydrates – 51g
Protein- 22g

Kung Pao Chicken (5.4 ounces)
Calories – 320
Fat – 17g
Sodium – 900mg
Carbohydrates – 14g
Protein- 19g

Beijing Beef (6 ounces)
Calories – 680
Fat – 39g
Sodium – 1650mg
Carbohydrates – 54g
Protein- 24g

Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces)
Calories – 200
Fat – 9g
Sodium – 350mg
Carbohydrates – 24g
Protein- 5g

Steamed White Rice (1 scoop)
Calories – 380
Fat – 0g
Sodium – 0mg
Carbohydrates – 86g
Protein- 8g

Step 2 – Choose the Right Entrée

When it comes to ordering at Panda Express, make sure you choose the right entrée. Avoid fried options and opt for items that are baked, grilled, or steamed. Steamed vegetable options are a great way to make your meal a lot healthier. For instance, go for steamed mixed vegetables, steamed brown rice, or mushroom chicken.

Step 3- Go Light on the Sauces

Sauces might enhance the flavor of your food, but they are typically packed with calories and sodium. Instead, choose light and flavorful sauces like the teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or hot mustard. Use the sauce sparingly, so you don’t exceed your daily calorie limit.

Step 4 – Build a Balanced Meal Plan

Building a balanced meal plan is the key to making healthier choices at Panda Express. A lot of Panda Express meals offer a variety of protein, vegetables, and rice options that make it easy to create a balanced meal. For instance, you can choose a small serving of steamed brown rice, a vegetable dish like the mixed vegetables or broccoli beef, and a protein dish like mushroom chicken, teriyaki chicken, or grilled teriyaki chicken. This is a nutritious and delicious meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

Final Thoughts

Eating healthy at Panda Express is easy as long as you make the right choices. We hope this article has given you some insights on how to make healthier choices at Panda Express. By choosing the right entrée, going easy on the sauces, and building a balanced meal plan, you can enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising your health goals. Remember, it’s essential to consume food in moderation and maintain a balanced diet that suits your unique needs.