if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Though its not overly indulgentwith 160 calories, 7g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 25g carbohydrate, 2g protein, and 125mg sodiumits definitely a heavier choice than the fortune cookie. The red bell peppers add a boost of vitamin C, fiber, B vitamins, as well as an antioxidant called quercetin. Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm. Really, you can make healthy choices at any fast food restaurant. With just over 100 calories, the Sizzling Shrimp (shrimp mixed with baby broccoli in a sweet & sour sauce) is one of the healthier options at Panda Express. You arent doing yourself a favor by ordering a diet soda. Carbs are a quick energy source for your body, meaning you will not find the rice gives you the feeling of being full and satisfied for as long after eating. Aside from Orange Chicken, one of the more universally beloved entrees at Panda Express has got to be the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. Sarah Garone, NDTR, is a freelance health and wellness writer who runs a food blog. A plate with grilled chicken and a side of steamed rice is a high carb and protein and low-fat meal ideal for post-workout. (No wonder its sauce is so finger-licking sweet!) "Shrimp . The Tangy Shrimp will be your best low-cal bet at 140 calories and only 4.8 grams of fat, while the Crispy Shrimp is the highest calorie option at 260 calories and 13 grams of fat. 11. That is not all that bad, considering you are eating at a fast food establishment. To determine whether Chick-fil-A or Panda Express is healthier its important to compare them across different metrics of nutrition to see which one comes out on top. We all love a big scoop of fried rice, which has 520 calories per serving, but if you want to stay as health-conscious as possible, you will want to opt for the steamed option instead. The key is to focus on what and how much you eat, regardless of where. Ketogenic diet. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Winner: Panda Express day. . Sizzling Shrimp. If selected a grilled meat entree, both options will provide you with a sufficient amount of protein. It has 6 grams of sugar and 2 grams of saturated fat. The picture below depicts what the grilled chicken actually looks like. In this article, Ill give you the details on the most popular and healthiest menu items at each chain. One entree that is a grilled meat is the right serving size to provide adequate protein but not enough to cause any digestive discomfort that would impact a workout. To replenish these stores, a high carb meal after your training is necessary, preferably within 1 to 1.5 hours post-workout. Surprisingly, Panda Express features just two vegetable entreesthe super greens and the eggplant tofu. Again, this is helpful to make the process of consuming less calories, more comfortable and enjoyable. Try adding a side of white steamed rice for some added sustenance, unless you're following a low-carb diet, in which case you'll want to cut that portion in half or skip altogether. This side dish is high in almost every category, with 510 calories, 20g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 80g carbohydrate, 13g protein, and 860mg sodium. Because regularly drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can increase the risk of health conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, we would recommend steering clear of sweet drinks in favor of unsweetened iced tea. So here is what I get: Fried Rice: 570 cals. Panda Express doesnt provide information about the source of its chicken, beef, shrimp, or fish. Saturated fat and cholesterol are kept to a minimum at 2.5 grams and 50 milligrams, respectively. The Winner: Panda Express If you are looking for a healthier lunch or dinner, plan ahead by researching lower-sodium, lower-sugar itemsor consider the chains line of lower-calorie Wok Smart entrees. No one would argue that a bowl filled with fortune cookies is as nutrient-dense as a bowl filled with broccoli. We all know that gardening can be great exercise. 9/2/2022. Per the chain's website, it has been gradually reducing sodium and sugar content, its foods have no added MSG, and none of its menu items contains unhealthy trans fats, which contribute to heart disease. If you are a seafood fan, you will be happy to know that shrimp is packed with nutrients, and since this dish is not fried like its Honey Walnut counterpart, there is very little added fat. Avoid fried rice, chow mein noodles and meat that is fried. But when it comes to desserts, a fortune cookie is much more innocuous than most of the sweets typically found at fast food restaurants. 170 cal, 1.5g sat fat, 7g total fat, 720mg sodium, 13g carbs, 5g sugars, 2g fiber, 15g protein. In fact, Panda Express notes that the availability of the grilled chicken might vary depending on your location, so if you know you want it, be sure to visit at the start of the lunch or dinner rush. Chick-fil-A and Panda Express are very similar when it comes to customization because both restaurants give you the opportunity to mix and match side dishes with entrees, and what sauces are used. The entire meal is only 355 calories, 20.5g fat, 22g carbs, 22g protein, 4g fiber and 920mg of sodium. The cub portion of this meal comes with 140 calories, 7g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 10g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g sugar, 11g protein, and 440mg sodium. Lean white poultry meat is also lower in fat than some other meats, making it a great central component of any dish while still being quite versatile in how you dress it up. Just one Chicken Egg Roll has more calories than three potstickers, so you definitely get more bang for your buck health-wise by choosing the latter. That said, the menu at Panda Express includes a much wider variety of protein options compared with Chick-fil-A, including chicken, beef, steak, shrimp, and fish. However, Chick-fil-A still ranks highly in terms of being healthy as they have many high protein options and more variety in terms of salads and side dishes. So i have trouble getting in the calories I need but I have found that Panda express is one thing that has massive calories but does not seem too unhealthy from the nutritional facts. In addition to its many stand-alone locations, you may have spotted this chain on college campuses, in mall food courts, or at airports. The Black Pepper Chicken at Panda Express has marinated chicken, celery, and onions. If you have a hankering for Panda Express but you don't want to wreck your diet, I have some dietitian-approved picks from this fast-casual Chinese food favorite. Thechicken potstickersat Panda Express are our top appetizer choice, with 160 calories, 6g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 20g carbohydrate, 6g protein, and 250mg sodium. But the fiber still falls short of daily recommendations and the sodium levels are quite high. We want to keep fats lower around a workout so we feel as energized as possible during our workout. Healthy Benefits Rx. Thechocolate chunk cookieat Panda Express is for heartier appetites. With its menu centered around Asian cuisine, Panda Express became a food court staple after its first location opened in Glendale, California, in 1983. Eating a meal that is over 1000 calories prior to your workout will likely leave you feeling digestively full and potentially lethargic. Depending on your nutrition goals, you might discover that you can more easily meet your needs at one restaurant verus the other. The meal is 390 calories, 7g fat, 67g carbs, 14g protein, 2g fiber, and only 520mg of sodium. It clocks in at 210 calories with 12 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 560 milligrams of sodium. The String Bean Chicken Breast dish from Panda Express is lower in calories, carbs and sodium than the Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A. The chicken is then breaded by hand in the restaurant for Chick-fil-As Original Chicken menu items. This meal has 1,124 calories, 52g protein (19%), 76g carbohydrates (27%) and 68g fat (54%). . Plus, the String Bean Chicken Breast only has 4 grams of sugar. For vegetarians, there are the same options plus English muffins, biscuits, and yogurt parfaits. At Panda Express, grilled teriyaki or asian chicken are the leanest protein options resulting in the lowest fat meal most ideal for post-workout. Were a team of athletes, nutrition coaches, and registered dieticians who love to share our passion for working out and eating healthy. Here, you will find everything from lean meats with vegetables to fried, battered choices loaded with sugary sauce. Here are the top 5 healthiest meals to order at Panda Express. Which is Healthier: McDonalds or Subway? So next time you're going out for dinner to Panda Express, keep these points in mind. The potstickers also come in lower on all of those metrics when compared to the Vegetable Spring Rolls and Chicken Egg Rolls that are also available at Panda Express. Hi! An option to reduce the calorie and carb content for the Chick-fil-A sandwich is to order it without the bun. She works with athletes and active individuals looking to improve performance and develop healthy nutritional habits and behaviors. Ask for brown rice to get more fiber and protein in your meal. Check out the Panda Express Nutrition Guide. It is big on flavor, and fortunately it does not have to sacrifice its nutritional value to get there. It is also one of the lower-sugar items, at 7g per serving. On the other hand, depending on your dietary needs, you may be able to craft a meal that works for you. Since rice is high in carbs and our body uses carbs quickly as energy, you wont find yourself full for as long after you eat. Should you eat at Panda Express after a workout? To customize this meal for eating around a workout, I recommend ordering a full serving of steamed rice as your side. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. But if you are looking for an alternative meal idea, the String Bean Chicken Breast will cut back significantly on both the calories and the sodium. Next, you'll stir together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and honey for the sauce. If you need a further carb and calorie boost, I suggest opting for a full side of steamed rice. The hot & sour soup from Panda Express is a healthier option for most people because its lower in overall calories and carbs, and sodium. (Fried rice is a close second, with similar nutrition info.). Regardless, if you are craving Panda Express, you should know that there are many options to enjoy that are healthier than some of the other fast food establishments out there. Several are surprisingly low in calories and, of course, come with plenty of protein. The overall meal is 475 calories, 10.5g fat, 72g carbs, 22g protein, 7g fiber and 720mg of sodium. Order a small (10-inch) chicken taco pizza. If you are trying to stay on the lighter side, dont miss the string bean chicken breast at Panda Express. What to Eat at Panda Express: Healthy Menu Choices and Nutrition Facts. More. Sugary Drinks. This is helpful when bulking to ensure you are hungry enough to eat the high calories required. 18g fat 85g carbs 16g protein mandarin chicken 310 cals 16g fat 8g carbs 34g protein My top 3 healthy meal recommendations from Chick-fil-A are: A healthy breakfast option from Chick-fil-A is the Egg White Grill. 5. This meal has 1114 calories, 83g protein (30%), 101g carbohydrates (36%) and 42g fat (34%). - YouTube 0:00 / 11:51 THIS PANDA EXPRESS PROTEIN HACK IS A GAMECHANGER! EatThis.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family. The addition of a fruit cup makes an overall balanced meal. When looking at the numbers, you are adding only 90 calories to your meal by choosing this side. (732) 951-1002. By Sarah Garone, NDTR Chick-fil-A also has a very limited selection of options that are suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Chick-fil-A is the winner for the best quality meat. Its slightly smaller in size than the other entrees (5.1 oz), but you can add a size of vegetables or brown rice to make it more filling. and split the entre with a friend and order a side of the Super Greens to share. | Fast Food Bodybuilding On A Budget! Advertisement. ), but meals from Panda Express tend to be greasy and full of calories. Grilled teriyaki chicken is high in protein and contains a serving of fat. Courtesy of Panda Express. Protein is what our body will utilize to repair the damaged muscles. Plus, the brown rice has 4 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. Check out the power zone for your complex rack movements and strength training needs. 8. One side of Chow Mein at Panda Express had 510 calories and 20 grams of fat! You should be aiming for at least two servings of carbs, with a serving measuring approximately the size of a closed fist. When we replenish these stores after our workout, we are able to jump start the process of repairing our muscles. Eggplant Tofu from Panda Express Facebook This meal has 682 calories, 52g protein (30%), 69g carbohydrates (40%) and 22g fat (29%). The Black Pepper Angus Steak has 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein. Panda Express menu items have significantly less sodium on average than Chick-fil-As menu items. As one of the chain's Wok Smart entrees, it contains only 150 calories per serving. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its made of a blend of healthy veggies that includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. If you follow a specific diet or have serious food allergies or intolerances, however, youll likely need to be careful about dining at this chain. All in all, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken contains 275 calories per serving, with 470 milligrams of sodium. Related Article: 12 Best Low Sodium Panda Express Meals (What To Eat). This meal is high in protein from the chicken and is also a great source of micronutrients and fiber from the vegetables in the salad. Sides are a major part of the dining experience at Panda Express, and there is no shortage of options to choose from. Eat all 6 slices as your meal. You dont get as much control over what goes over your meal as you would at home, or even a chain like Subway, but there are definitely options to tailor your meal to your needs. Verywell Fit's content is for informational and educational purposes only. By opting for super greens, it is an easy way to cut down on the total calories without feeling hungry. Claim this business. They are the highest in sodium and lowest in protein, with 190 calories, 8g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 27g carbohydrate, 3g protein, and 520mg sodium. That said, if maximizing protein intake is your goal, then the chicken soup is a better choice. ), ask for steamed vegetables instead of white rice or fried rice. The vegetables for the salads and for toppings come from deliveries of fresh produce that arrive at the store multiple times a week. 1. Another healthy meal option from Chick-fil-A is the Grilled Market Salad with Toppings. Why it made the cut: This bowl combines protein, whole grains and vegetables for a balanced meal. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. } The honey walnut shrimp certainly has some pros (such as heart-healthy fats from walnuts and shrimp), but it is the heaviest seafood entre overall at Panda Express. } else { Opting for white rice also means losing out on a lot of the naturally occurring nutrients that you find in brown rice. Chick-fil-A has menu items that range in calories from 45 to 720 calories, whereas Panda Express has menu items that range from 45 to 520 calories. 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