Panera Bread's menu, as selected by a nutritionist

Whether or not you want to choose portion-controlled objects from their "You Decide Two" menu otherwise you recognize the chain's dedication to wash elements (all meals can be freed from synthetic preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavors by the tip of 2016, the corporate claims), you actually cannot go too far astray at this health-conscious eatery.

However one cautionary notice about drinks: Except you are burning numerous power and might afford some additional carbs (maybe coaching for a half-marathon), it is best to pair your meals with water, tea or different unsweetened drinks, as many drinks at quick meals chains comprise nicely over a day's price of added sugars.

Listed below are one of the best Panera Bread choices in case you're centered on wholesome decisions inside the limits of the menu (which may change, even seasonally, and generally titles of dishes). We break it down by good decisions for youths, athletes, drivers, vegetarians and vegans, in addition to low-calorie, low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free and low-carb choices.

Our picks: Youngsters' all-natural turkey chili with children' traditional salad and squeezable yogurt

One of many healthiest choices on Panera's children menu is the children' all-natural turkey chili, which accommodates eight grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein, accessible in cooler seasons.

Pair it with a salad to encourage some courageous inexperienced bites, and do not forget concerning the squeezable yogurt, a enjoyable deal with that provides a calcium enhance to the meal.

Different good choices for youths embody the low-fat vegetarian black bean soup and the low-fat all-natural hen noodle soup. The sandwiches are increased in saturated fats, and all embody nutritionally inferior white bread. And whereas the children' mac & cheese with white cheddar is delish, reserve it for the weekend splurge, because it contributes a beneficiant quantity of cholesterol-raising saturated fats.

For vegetarians

Our choose: Tomato mozzarella flatbread and traditional salad

If cheese is your protein go-to on a vegetarian weight loss program, then Panera's tomato mozzarella flatbread needs to be on the prime of your listing. This flatbread satisfies with contemporary mozzarella and tomatoes and basil pesto sauce, and it has solely 460 milligrams of sodium. Add the seasonal salad to spice up the protein and double the fiber content material of the meal.

Word: The seasonal lentil quinoa bowl presents a hearty mixture of protein-rich elements, together with a nutrient-rich egg (if you have not heard, eggs -- together with the yolk -- get the inexperienced mild today). The one draw back of the lentil bowl: It offers you half of your sodium quota for the day.

For vegans

Our picks: Fashionable Greek salad with quinoa however with out feta

It may be difficult to seek out nutrient-rich vegan choices that please the palate, however this salad presents a tasty combo of kale, romaine, kalamata olives and heart-healthy almonds -- all tossed with Greek dressing.

For those who're craving selection, you would get a half portion of the salad with a cup of the low-fat vegetarian backyard vegetable soup, with out pesto, or black bean soup as a part of the "You Decide Two" menu, however it might drive sodium ranges up for the meal.

For calorie-counters

Our picks: Seasonal salad with hen (half) and low-fat vegetarian backyard vegetable soup with pesto (1 cup)

Typically we surprise if the "P" in Panera stands for portion management. The "You Decide Two" menu is a dieter's delight, because it controls energy with out you having to suppose. The precise mixture of non-creamy soup and salad, each high-volume meals, goes a good distance towards retaining you full on fewer energy, in response to analysis. Word: in case you can afford just a few extra energy, go for the low-fat vegetarian black bean soup, which can add much more protein and fiber to the meal, retaining you satiated lengthy after you have had your final bites.

For the sugar-sensitive

Our picks: Roasted turkey and avocado BLT on sourdough (half) and Caesar salad (half)

It'd sound unusual recommending the roasted turkey and avocado BLT over the roasted turkey and caramelized kale panini; in any case, "superfood" kale is usually thought of more healthy than sodium-laden bacon. The turkey sandwich has barely much less saturated fats and sodium, and a bit extra protein, however the total meal has solely 2 grams of sugar. That is simply half a teaspoon's price.

For the salt-sensitive

Our picks: Traditional salad with hen and an apple

At 320 milligrams for the entire salad, the traditional salad with hen is among the lowest-sodium objects on Panera's total menu. Including an apple offers a potassium enhance, which helps to reduce sodium's results on blood strain.

Because it's uncommon to seek out tomato meals which can be decrease in sodium, the tomato mozzarella flatbread, which has 460 milligrams of sodium, can be price mentioning.

For the gluten-sensitive

Our picks: Fuji apple hen salad

With all of Panera's fresh-baked bread, it may well't assure that its menu objects haven't touched gluten. So whereas its gluten-conscious menu objects are made with out gluten-containing elements, when you've got celiac illness, heightened gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy, your finest wager could also be to keep away from the chain.

That being mentioned, Panera presents loads of choices in case you're merely seeking to keep away from or in the reduction of on gluten. On its listing of gluten-free fare is the tasty Fuji apple hen salad. With its crunchy apple chips, Gorgonzola cheese and pecans, it is considered one of our favorites on Panera's total menu.

For the athlete

Our picks: Steak and arugula sandwich (half) and a superfruit energy smoothie

With a wholesome mixture of performance-boosting vitamins together with iron, protein and carbs, we will not consider a greater pre- or post-workout meal mixture than this sandwich and smoothie. (In case your urge for food will not be glad with a half sandwich, go for the entire one.) The Greek yogurt within the smoothie supplies electrolytes which can be misplaced in sweat, together with calcium, potassium and magnesium, and boosts the protein content material of the meal, which is vital for muscle rebuilding post-workout.

For the street warrior

Our picks: Tuna salad sandwich on honey wheat with apple and baked crisps

This no-fuss tuna sandwich is satisfying and straightforward to eat on the street. Do not forget the apple and chips, particularly on lengthy journeys.

For the carb-conscious

Our choose: Romaine and kale Caesar salad with hen (half)

With solely 5 grams of carbs and 21 grams of protein, this energy salad is bound to fulfill the entire carb counters we all know. We particularly love the Parmesan crisps, that are a tasty substitute for carb-rich croutons. (The crisps additionally contribute a beneficiant dose of calcium to the salad). Simply preserve saturated fats in examine throughout the remainder of the day, because it runs on the upper facet.

For the breakfast lover

Our choose: Energy almond quinoa oatmeal

We all know breakfast menus could be tough to navigate at quick meals eating places; in any case, a number of the most nutrient-rich morning meals typically include a heaping dose of sodium or sugar. That is why we needed to point out the ability almond quinoa oatmeal. Not solely does it comprise a tasty mixture of toasted almonds, cinnamon and honey, the mix of protein and carbs that the bowl packs is bound to maintain you alert and energized all through your morning.