PSA: eating healthy isn't mutually exclusive with home-cooked meals. As a matter of fact, it's possible to eat out and still be healthy. You may be thinking, "Sure, but how?" and we were prepared for that. Because Panera Bread's popularity isn't declining any time soon, we tapped registered dietitians to find out their healthy, go-to Panera orders. You're definitely going to want to screenshot and bookmark this page so that you can have it handy the next time you're at Panera.
Check out these dietitian-approved picks ahead. Disclaimer: we are not responsible for sudden Panera Bread cravings. Continue reading at your own risk.
Roasted Turkey, Apple, and Cheddar Sandwich
"I love this option because of the lean protein of the turkey and also the fibre of the apple and lettuce, which help fill me up," Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN at The Nutrition Tea [2] said.
"I like the 'you pick two' option at Panera and go for half a sandwich and a small side soup or salad," Lorraine Chu [3], MS, RDN, said. Lorraine usually opts for half of the roasted turkey, apple, and cheddar sandwich or the Mediterranean veggie sandwich. For salads, Lorraine orders half of the strawberry poppyseed salad with chicken. If she gets soup, she prefers a broth-based soup.
Green Goddess Cobb Salad
"My favourite Panera item is the green goddess Cobb salad," Sydney Richards [4], RD, LDN, and Under Armour Performance Centre dietitian said. Sydney typically orders this salad without bacon and hard-boiled eggs. "I love it because it's high in protein and healthy fats, so it keeps me full and really sustains my energy for a few hours."
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
"At only 440 calories, you'll get loads of vegetables, protein, and whole grains without sacrificing calorie content," Kristen said. If you're not in the mood for a salad, this is a great alternative, according to Kristen.
Fuji Apple Salad With Chicken
Another go-to for Shana is the Fuji apple salad. She prefers apples in salads because they naturally sweeten the meal and add fibre to keep you full and satisfied.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
"This is one of my favourites, and at only 400 calories, you won't be disappointed," Kristen said. "This is another great choice when you want flavour and that fullness factor without having to order soup or a salad," she added.