Are you expecting a baby and wondering what you can eat while dining out at Panera Bread? With so many delicious menu items to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s safe for pregnancy. The great news is that Panera offers plenty of nutritious and tasty options that can satisfy your cravings.
From salads and soups to sandwiches and breakfast items, there are several choices you can indulge in without worrying about harming your pregnancy. Panera sources high-quality ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors to ensure that you’re consuming fresh and wholesome meals. So, whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, there’s something for every mom-to-be at Panera.
When dining out at Panera, make sure to prioritize your health and your baby’s by choosing wisely. By opting for nutritious and balanced meals, you can nourish your body and your little one without sacrificing flavor or variety. So, bring your appetite and explore the world of delicious possibilities that Panera has to offer for pregnant women.
General guidelines for eating at Panera while pregnant
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to pay extra attention to your diet. Eating at Panera can provide a variety of tasty and nutritious options for expecting mothers. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Choose foods that are high in nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Make sure to wash your hands before eating to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Opt for cooked foods over raw foods, like salads, to avoid any potential risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Ask for modifications to menu items to fit your dietary needs or preferences, like requesting no cheese or dressing on a sandwich or salad.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure that your dietary needs are being met during your pregnancy.
Best Panera breakfast options for pregnant women
As a pregnant woman, it’s essential to pay attention to your nutrition, especially when it comes to breakfast. Fortunately, Panera Bread offers an extensive range of breakfast options that you can safely enjoy during your pregnancy. Here are some of the best Panera breakfast options for pregnant women:
- The Avocado, Egg White, & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this sandwich is an excellent option for pregnant women looking to start their day on a nutritious note.
- Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds, Quinoa, and Honey: This hearty bowl of oatmeal is a tasty and filling option for pregnant women. It’s also an excellent source of fiber and protein.
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich: This vegetarian sandwich is a great option for pregnant women who want to incorporate more veggies into their diet. It’s loaded with hummus, feta cheese, and lots of fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes.
If you’re not feeling any of the above options, don’t worry! Panera Bread also offers a Build Your Own option where you can customize your breakfast to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Simply choose your base (e.g., an egg, bagel, or bread) and add your toppings of choice.
It’s worth noting that some Panera Bread breakfast options contain more calories and sodium than others. Therefore, it’s essential to check the nutritional information before ordering. For instance, the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on Brioche Breakfast Sandwich has around 570 calories and 1240 mg of sodium, which is higher than some of the other options on the menu.
| Option | Calories | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado, Egg White, & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich | 400 | 650 |
| Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds, Quinoa, and Honey | 290 | 75 |
| Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich | 440 | 760 |
Overall, Panera Bread offers several healthy and tasty breakfast options for pregnant women. By paying attention to the nutritional information and customizing your order to suit your dietary needs, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast that’s both safe and nutritious for you and your baby.
Top Panera Salad Choices for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a time when women should be conscious of the food they eat. It is prudent to avoid foods that can harm the baby’s health and wellbeing. Eating healthy meals is essential during pregnancy, and salads are one of the best options to ensure the right nutrient intake. Panera Bread offers an array of tasty and healthy salads that are perfect for pregnant women.
- Strawberry Poppyseed Salad: This salad is an excellent choice for expectant mothers. The salad features fresh strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple. The fruit toppings in this salad are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are essential to support the development of the baby’s immune system. The salad also contains chicken for protein and a mild poppy-seed dressing.
- Modern Greek Salad: The Modern Greek Salad is another salad that pregnant women should consider. The salad features lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. The feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while the kalamata olives add healthy fats to the meal.
- Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar Salad is an excellent choice for expectant mothers. The salad features crunchy romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and a delicious Caesar dressing. It provides a good balance of proteins, fibers, and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious meal for pregnant women.
Why Panera Bread Salads are Good for Pregnant Women
Panera Bread’s salads are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients required by pregnant women. All salads are prepared fresh daily, with every ingredient sourced from trusted suppliers. The salads contain a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and proteins, ensuring that the pregnant woman gets a balanced diet.
What to Look Out For When Choosing Salads at Panera Bread
Pregnant women can enjoy their salads at Panera Bread as long as they know what to look out for when choosing the right salad. First, avoid salads that contain raw or undercooked meats and seafood. They may harbor bacteria that can be harmful to the baby’s health. Secondly, go for low-calorie dressings and avoid dressings that are high in sugar or fat. Lastly, avoid salads that contain unpasteurized cheese and raw eggs.
Conclusion
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| Strawberry Poppyseed Salad | Modern Greek Salad | Caesar Salad |
Expectant mothers do not have to compromise on taste or nutrition when enjoying salads at Panera Bread. The salads listed above are healthy and tasty, making them a perfect meal option for pregnant women.
Healthiest Panera soup options for pregnant women
For pregnant women, it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. At Panera, soups can be a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Here are the healthiest soup choices for pregnant women:
- Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup: This classic soup is low in calories and saturated fat while providing a good source of protein with tender chicken, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables.
- Greek Style Lemon Chicken Soup: With a flavorful broth made with lemon, rice, orzo pasta, and chicken, this soup is a good source of vitamin C and protein.
- Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup: Packed with fresh vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes, yellow squash, and green beans, this soup is low in calories and provides important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and potassium.
It’s important to note that some soups at Panera can be high in sodium, which should be limited during pregnancy. It’s recommended to choose soups with less than 600 mg of sodium per serving. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pair soups with a side salad or fruit to get a balanced meal.
Here is a table comparing the nutrition information of the healthiest Panera soup options for pregnant women:
| Soup | Calories | Fat | Sodium | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup | 100 | 1.5g | 740mg | 7g |
| Greek Style Lemon Chicken Soup | 140 | 4.5g | 680mg | 10g |
| Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup | 90 | 1g | 670mg | 3g |
Overall, choosing one of these three soups at Panera can be a healthy and satisfying option for pregnant women.
Safe Panera sandwich choices for pregnant women
During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of the food choices you make. Eating at Panera while pregnant can be a healthy and tasty option, as long as you choose the right sandwiches that are safe for you and your baby. Here are some safe Panera sandwich choices for pregnant women.
- Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT: A great option for a protein-packed sandwich is the Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT. It contains roasted turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, and mayo on sourdough bread. This sandwich is a good source of fiber, folate, and iron.
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich: For a vegetarian or vegan option, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is perfect. It features zesty sweet Peppadew™ piquant peppers, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro jalapeño hummus on tomato basil bread. It’s a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and protein.
- Roasted Turkey & Cranberry Flatbread: This sandwich is a seasonal option but is worth trying if available. It contains roasted turkey, cranberry mostarda, garlic & herb cream cheese, arugula, and whole grain cranberry flatbread. It’s a great source of lean protein, iron, and folate.
It’s important to note that not all sandwiches at Panera are safe for pregnant women. It’s best to avoid sandwiches that are made with deli meats, such as the Frontega Chicken, Steak & Arugula, and Italian Sandwich, as they may contain Listeria, which can harm your baby.
In addition to the safe sandwich choices, you can also customize your sandwich to make it healthier and more nutritious. Consider adding extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and onions, which are rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, and vitamin C.
| Sandwich Choice | Nutrition Information |
|---|---|
| Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT | Calories: 760, Fat: 39g, Protein: 47g, Fiber: 6g, Iron: 20% DV, Folate: 40% DV |
| Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich | Calories: 440, Fat: 16g, Protein: 12g, Fiber: 9g, Vitamin A: 70% DV, Vitamin C: 30% DV |
| Roasted Turkey & Cranberry Flatbread | Calories: 470, Fat: 17g, Protein: 23g, Fiber: 5g, Iron: 15% DV, Folate: 25% DV |
By choosing the right sandwich at Panera, you can enjoy a healthy and safe meal during pregnancy. Remember to always check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your diet during pregnancy.
Panera Bakery Items to Avoid During Pregnancy
While Panera Bread may seem like a healthy option for expectant mothers, some items on their menu can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. It is important to be cautious about what you eat during pregnancy, as your food choices can affect your health and the growth of the fetus. Here are some bakery items to avoid when eating at Panera while pregnant:
- Croissants – Croissants can be high in saturated fats, which can lead to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Scones – Scones are typically made with large amounts of sugar, which can cause gestational diabetes and increase the risk of preeclampsia.
- Cinnamon Rolls – Although delicious, cinnamon rolls are another item that is high in sugar and can lead to gestational diabetes.
It is important to note that not all bakery items at Panera are harmful to pregnant women. Here are some items that are generally safe to consume:
- Bagels – Bagels are a good source of carbohydrates and can be a healthy breakfast option when paired with cream cheese or avocado spread.
- Muffins – Opt for muffins that are made with whole grains and low in sugar, such as the Greek Yogurt Blueberry or Orange Chocolate muffins.
- Breads – Panera offers a variety of healthy bread options, including their Whole Grain, Ancient Grain & Arugula, and Sprouted Grain Bagels.
The Nutritional Content of Panera Bakery Items
If you are unsure of what bakery items to select, it is always best to consult the nutritional content. Panera Bread offers detailed information about the nutritional content of their menu items, including the amount of sugar, sodium, and fat. Use this information to make informed decisions about what you eat when eating at Panera while pregnant.
| Bakery Items | Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croissant | 310 | 21 | 3 | 420 |
| Plain Bagel | 290 | 1.5 | 5 | 520 |
| Scone | 420 | 23 | 26 | 480 |
| Whole Grain Bagel | 290 | 4 | 6 | 460 |
Being aware of what bakery items to avoid and how to access nutritional content can make a significant difference to the health of both the mother and the baby. Remember to always prioritize your health and the health of your baby during pregnancy.
Nutritious Panera Sides for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a significant time to watch what you eat and make sure you are getting all the necessary nutrients your body needs. Eating at Panera Bread can be a convenient and healthy option for busy pregnant women. Here are some nutritious sides that are safe and delicious to eat at Panera while pregnant.
- Seasonal Mixed Fruit: This side dish is a great option for expecting moms to get a good dose of various vitamins and minerals. It is a combination of different fruits that are fresh and in-season and provides fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup: Soup is always a good option when you’re pregnant. The Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup at Panera Bread is not only healthy but also comforting. This soup is a good source of protein and carbs and can help soothe any morning sickness symptoms you may experience.
- Baked Potato Soup: Another soup option that is safe to eat during pregnancy is the Baked Potato Soup. It contains baked potatoes, onion, bacon, and cheese for a creamy and hearty soup that is filling and satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for a snack, the following sides can be a good option:
- Apple: Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It is a low-calorie fruit that can help keep you full in between meals.
- Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries: Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium. The mixed berries add sweetness and provide additional nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Hummus: Hummus is a healthy dip that is made of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. It is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The side dish comes with vegetable slices like cucumbers and carrots that add additional nutrition.
Here is a table that shows the nutritional information for these Panera Bread side dishes:
| Side Dish | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Mixed Fruit | 60 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup | 100 | 9 | 2.5 | 11 |
| Baked Potato Soup | 240 | 8 | 13 | 25 |
| Apple | 80 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries | 220 | 19 | 6 | 27 |
| Hummus with Vegetables | 270 | 8 | 20 | 18 |
These side dishes are not only nutritious but also flavorful, making it easier for pregnant women to stick to their healthy eating plan while enjoying delicious food at Panera Bread.
Dairy-free Panera options for pregnant women with lactose intolerance
As a pregnant woman with lactose intolerance, it can be challenging to find dairy-free options at restaurants. However, Panera Bread offers several delicious and nutritious dairy-free options that you can enjoy without worrying about your lactose intolerance. Here are some of the best dairy-free Panera options for pregnant women:
- Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup – This hearty soup is made with butternut squash, pumpkin, apple juice, and a blend of spices. It’s perfect for a cold day and is entirely dairy-free.
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich – This tasty sandwich comes with roasted red peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, cilantro-jalapeno hummus, and is served on freshly baked Tomato Basil bread, which is also dairy-free.
- Anthro Power Salad – This salad is full of healthy ingredients like kale, romaine, quinoa, avocado, and almonds. It’s dressed in a lemon-tahini dressing that is dairy-free and delicious.
If you’re looking for something else, you can always customize your order to make it dairy-free. Just ask for your meal without cheese, cream, or any other dairy-containing ingredients. Panera staff is always happy to help you with this, and you won’t miss out on the flavor or nutrition.
If you’re unsure if a particular item is dairy-free, you can always check out the Panera Bread website or ask a staff member. They have a comprehensive guide to their menu that lists all allergens and nutritional information.
| Menu Item | Allergens |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup | Dairy-free |
| Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich | Dairy-free (when ordered without feta cheese) |
| Anthro Power Salad | Dairy-free (when ordered without feta cheese) |
Overall, Panera Bread is an excellent option for pregnant women with lactose intolerance who need to avoid dairy. Their menu is full of delicious and healthy options that are dairy-free or can be easily customized. So next time you’re craving a meal out, head to your nearest Panera Bread and enjoy!
Low-carb Panera choices for pregnant women with gestational diabetes
If you have gestational diabetes, making smart food choices is essential to maintaining better blood sugar control throughout your pregnancy. When dining out at Panera, you can still enjoy a delicious meal that’s both low-carb and diabetes-friendly. Here are nine low-carb Panera choices that are perfect for pregnant women with gestational diabetes:
- Classic Salad with Chicken: This healthy salad is loaded with protein and veggies, making it an ideal low-carb meal. Hold the bread and dressing, and opt for the low-fat balsamic vinaigrette instead.
- Mediterranean Salad with Chicken: Similar to the classic salad, this dish is also low in carbs and high in protein. Again, request the dressing on the side and leave out the bread.
- Caesar Salad with Chicken: This classic salad option is a great low-carb option. Ask for the dressing on the side and skip the croutons.
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken: This salad is high in healthy fats and protein and low in carbs. Request the dressing on the side and skip the bread.
- Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa: This salad contains quinoa for added protein and is packed with veggies. Ask for the dressing on the side and leave out the pita chips (or at least only eat a few).
- Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT: This sandwich is low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats. Request the bread to be served as an open-faced sandwich and hold the sauce and cheese.
- Green Passion Smoothie: This smoothie is low in carbs, high in fiber and rich in potassium. It’s the ideal healthy drink to accompany your low-carb meal.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap (hold the croutons): This wrap is full of protein and healthy fats. Ask for the dressing on the side, and make sure to leave out the croutons to keep it low-carb.
- Seasonal Greens Salad: This salad is an excellent low-carb option that yet tasty and satisfying. Opt for a healthy fat, such as nuts or avocado, and skip the bread.
Carb Content of Low-carb Options at Panera
Finally, here’s a table summarizing the carb content of Panera’s low-carb menu options for pregnant women with gestational diabetes:
| Menu Item | Carb Content (g) |
|---|---|
| Classic Salad with Chicken | 11 |
| Mediterranean Salad with Chicken | 11 |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | 15 |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken | 12 |
| Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa | 32 |
| Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT | 20 |
| Green Passion Smoothie | 12 |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap (hold the croutons) | 18 |
| Seasonal Greens Salad | 12 |
With these great low-carb options at Panera, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal while managing your gestational diabetes with confidence.
Vegetarian and vegan Panera options for pregnant women
As a pregnant woman, you need to make sure that you are getting the right nutrients for you and your growing baby. Vegetarian and vegan options at Panera can provide a variety of healthy options that will meet your dietary needs. Here are some vegetarian and vegan options that you can try:
- The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a great choice for a vegetarian option. It contains hummus, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro-jalapeno hummus on tomato basil bread. This sandwich is high in protein and fiber, and it also provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids from the hummus.
- For a vegan option, try the Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa. This salad contains romaine, kale, quinoa, grape tomatoes, feta, Kalamata olives, and Greek dressing. You can ask for no feta to make it a vegan option. This salad is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the olives and dressing.
- The Ten Vegetable Soup is another great vegetarian option that is packed with nutrients. It contains vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, carrots, celery, red bell peppers, cabbage, spinach, and garlic. This soup is high in vitamins and minerals and is a great option for a cold day.
If you are looking for some nutritional information, here are some statistics for the vegetarian and vegan options at Panera:
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (no sauce) | 470 | 16 | 7 |
| Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa (no feta) | 420 | 11 | 6 |
| Ten Vegetable Soup | 70 | 2 | 3 |
Overall, Panera offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options that are both healthy and delicious. As a pregnant woman, it’s important to make sure that you are getting the nutrients that you and your baby need. By choosing these options, you can feel good about the choices you are making and stay on track with your nutritional goals.
FAQs: What Can I Eat at Panera While Pregnant?
1. Is it safe to eat sandwiches at Panera while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat sandwiches at Panera while pregnant as long as they are made with fresh ingredients. Avoid sandwiches made with raw or undercooked meat or fish.
2. Can I eat soups at Panera while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat soups at Panera while pregnant. Choose soups that are made with cooked vegetables and meat instead of raw ingredients.
3. Are the salads at Panera safe for pregnant women?
Yes, salads at Panera are generally safe for pregnant women. However, avoid salads with raw or undercooked meat, seafood, or eggs and make sure to wash the vegetables before eating.
4. Can I eat pastries and bakery items at Panera while pregnant?
You can eat pastries and bakery items at Panera while pregnant, but make sure to check the ingredients and avoid anything that contains raw or undercooked eggs.
5. Is it okay to have coffee at Panera while pregnant?
Yes, you can have coffee at Panera while pregnant, but limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day.
6. What about the smoothies at Panera?
You can have the smoothies at Panera as long as they are made with pasteurized ingredients (no raw eggs or juices) and without added caffeine.
7. Are there any foods I should avoid at Panera while pregnant?
Avoid any foods made with raw or undercooked meat, seafood, or eggs, as well as any unpasteurized dairy products. Limit your intake of caffeine and sugary drinks.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading our guide on what to eat at Panera while pregnant. Remember to choose fresh and cooked ingredients, avoid risky foods, and limit caffeine and sugary drinks. Enjoy your meal and visit us again for more helpful tips!