Smart Summer Eats with Panda Express

Do you have any travel plans this summer? I know it can be pretty hard to choose the right meals when you are on the road. But I have partnered up with Panda Express to help you make good decisions while on the go - no matter if you’re traveling or having a staycation.

IMG_6111.JPG

One of my favorite things about Panda is their Wok Smart options - did you know there is a whole Wok Smart menu that offers healthier choices? Check out what I like from it:

Grain Free Protein Boost

 When I have a long flight or drive ahead, I like a light meal that will make me feel satiated for a long time. I don’t know about you but I can’t eat heavy meals before sitting on a plane for hours. The Super Greens are my favorite new menu item at Panda Express. With just 45 calories and zero grams of saturated fat, this yummy side dish with broccoli, kale, and cabbage makes every bowl a super bowl. To make it a nutritious meal I pair a side of super greens with the Shanghai Angus Steak. The bowl only has 310 calories and 19 grams of protein! This is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and full for a long trip.

Protein Power Boost

While traveling is a big part of summer, many of us are still working much of the time. When I am at home in Los Angeles, I try to get a quick workout done on most days. When I exercise, I try to eat more protein to help me replenish and build muscle. However, with a busy schedule, I don’t always have time to make something at home. On days like this, I like combining my favorite Super Greens from Panda, with half a serving of brown rice, and the Broccoli Beef. This combo has 382 calories, with 15 grams of protein and 5.5 grams fiber! I love this bowl because even though it is higher in calories, it still only has 1.5 grams of saturated fat and tons of fiber, which most people don’t get enough of.

Plant Based Power

 I recommend having some meatless meals every week. This is a great way to get variety and plenty of fiber into your diet. Eating more plants is not as hard as it seems. My favorite veggie Panda Express bowl consists of the Super Greens combined with the Eggplant Tofu . This combo has 6 grams of fiber and 10 grams of plant based protein! All this with only 385 calories. On busy days or when I feel like I need more substance, I like adding ½ serving of brown rice to this combo, which leaves me satiated for hours. This combination gets you almost half of your recommended veggie servings for the day plus some of the great benefits of eggplant, which include powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins plus fiber.

 Whether you are traveling or staying at home, all these combos are amazing on the go options for busy days. While delicious and easy, they provide you with many of your key nutrients and fewer calories, added fats and sodium. Panda Express makes it easy for you to find the right combination for your lifestyle—check out the nutrition information on pandaexpress.com.

IMG_6107.JPG