Keto Diet And Panda Express: Is It Possible?

Panda Express is a fast-food Asian restaurant known for its super-sweet sauces, marinated chicken, rice, and lo mein. For those on a keto diet, it may seem like an impossible place to eat, but there are some low-carb options. One tablespoon of Panda Express' teriyaki sauce contains 5.2 grams of carbs, so it is not keto-friendly. However, there are some workarounds to still enjoy Panda Express while on a keto diet.

Teriyaki sauce is packed with sugar and carbs

Teriyaki sauce is notoriously packed with sugar and carbs, and Panda Express's version is no exception. With 5.2 grams of carbs per tablespoon, it's definitely on the higher side when it comes to carbohydrate content. This is primarily due to the sugar content, which gives the sauce its signature sweet and sticky texture.

While Panda Express's teriyaki sauce may be convenient and tasty, it's important to be mindful of the amount of sugar and carbs it contains, especially if you're following a low-carb or keto diet. The high sugar content can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to excess calorie intake, which can be detrimental to weight management and overall health.

In addition, the sauce likely contains other ingredients that add to the carb count, such as corn syrup and starch. These ingredients are often used as thickeners and sweeteners, enhancing the flavour and texture of the sauce. However, they can also increase the calorie density of the sauce, making it less suitable for those watching their weight.

For those who enjoy the flavour of teriyaki sauce but want to reduce their sugar and carb intake, there are alternative options available. Some people choose to make their own keto-friendly teriyaki sauce at home using low-carb sweeteners and thickeners. This allows them to control the ingredients and customise the sauce to their dietary needs.

Overall, while Panda Express's teriyaki sauce is convenient and tasty, it's important to be aware of its high sugar and carb content. For those following a keto diet or watching their carbohydrate intake, it's best to consume this sauce in moderation or opt for alternative low-carb options.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of the lowest-carb options at Panda Express

While teriyaki sauce is typically packed with sugar, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at Panda Express is surprisingly low in carbs. It's important to note that the carb count includes the teriyaki sauce, and the chicken alone may have a slightly lower carb count. The sauce itself contains 5.2 grams of carbs per tablespoon, so it's best to be mindful of the amount of sauce added to the dish.

When ordering Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at Panda Express, you can expect a generous serving of bite-sized chicken pieces that are easy to eat. The chicken is grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This dish is a popular choice for those on a keto diet as it offers a good balance of protein and fat while keeping the carb count relatively low.

To further reduce the carb count, you can opt for a smaller serving size or request the sauce on the side. This way, you can control the amount of sauce added to your dish. Additionally, pairing the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with a low-carb side, such as steamed vegetables or a keto-friendly salad, can help you stay within your macros.

Overall, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at Panda Express is a tasty and convenient option for those following a keto diet. While it may not be the absolute lowest-carb option available, it's a good choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal that fits their nutritional needs.

The Super Greens side is the only keto-friendly side dish

Panda Express is a fast-food Asian restaurant known for its super-sweet sauces, marinated chicken, rice, and lo mein. Eating keto at Panda Express might seem impossible, but it is doable. While the restaurant does not offer cauliflower rice, there is one keto-friendly side dish on the menu: the Super Greens. This side, made of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, will help you get your daily veggie serving while staying keto.

The Super Greens complement many of the keto-friendly main dishes at Panda Express. These include the String Bean Chicken Breast, Black Pepper Angus Steak, Black Pepper Chicken, and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is especially notable, as it is one of the lowest-carb entrees at Panda Express, with only 8 grams of net carbs. However, it is important to note that the teriyaki sauce contains 5.2 grams of carbs per tablespoon, so it might be wise to order the sauce on the side or opt for a different sauce.

When ordering keto at Panda Express, it is best to stick to one main dish and one side. The Bowl option gives you a main dish and a side, making it a good choice for staying keto. Additionally, most of the keto-friendly food can be found on the \"Wok Smart\" menu. While eating keto at Panda Express is possible, it may be challenging to find these options, as they are not as well-advertised as the high-sugar and high-carb choices.

The Black Pepper Angus Steak is another keto-friendly option

Panda Express is a fast-food Asian restaurant known for its sweet sauces, marinated chicken, rice, and lo mein. However, there are a few keto-friendly options on the menu. The Black Pepper Angus Steak is one such option.

The Black Pepper Angus Steak is a filling and satisfying choice, comprising wok-seared Angus steak with green beans, onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms in a savoury black pepper sauce. The portion size is generous, and the vegetables are crunchy and fresh. With 10 grams of total carbs and 9 grams of net carbs per serving, it is on the higher end of the carb spectrum for a keto meal. However, it is one of the higher-protein options, with 19 grams of protein and 180 calories per serving.

To stay within your daily keto macros, it is recommended to pay attention to serving sizes. A serving of the Black Pepper Angus Steak is 5.10 ounces, and you may choose to eat only half a serving to reduce your carb intake. You can also mix and match the steak with extra vegetables, such as green beans or string beans, to bulk up your meal while staying within your macros.

When ordering keto at Panda Express, it is important to avoid sugary sauces and entrees. The black pepper sauce in the Black Pepper Angus Steak contains 5 grams of net carbs per serving, so it is important to be mindful of this when planning your meal. Other keto-friendly sauce options at Panda Express include hot mustard sauce and soy sauce, both of which have 0 grams of net carbs.

In addition to the Black Pepper Angus Steak, other keto-friendly options at Panda Express include Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, String Bean Chicken Breast, Mushroom Chicken, and Firecracker Shrimp. For a side dish, the Super Greens (broccoli, kale, and cabbage) are a good keto option with 5 grams of net carbs.

While it is challenging to eat keto at Panda Express, it is not impossible. By choosing wisely, paying attention to serving sizes, and being mindful of hidden carbs in sauces, you can enjoy a tasty, keto-friendly meal.

Sauces at Panda Express are generally high in carbs and sugar

The high-carb content of these sauces is due to the sugar and corn syrup used in their preparation. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid sugary sauces or entrees when following a keto diet. One way to reduce sugar intake is to lightly pat off excess sauce with a napkin. Alternatively, you can make your own keto-friendly sauces at home.

Some low-carb sauce options at Panda Express include the hot mustard sauce, which has 0 grams of net carbs, and the black pepper sauce, which has 5 grams of net carbs. Soy sauce is another good option with 0 grams of net carbs. However, it is important to note that these sauce options are limited, and you may need to make adjustments to your meal choices to stay within your desired carb intake.

When ordering at Panda Express, it is advisable to get your sauce on the side to have greater control over your dish. This way, you can still enjoy the flavor of the sauce without consuming too many carbs or sugars. Additionally, opting for grilled or steamed meat and vegetable options can help reduce your carb intake.

Overall, while Panda Express may not be the most keto-friendly restaurant, it is possible to make informed choices to stay within your macros. Being mindful of serving sizes, choosing the right sauces, and selecting appropriate sides can help you stay on track with your keto diet while enjoying the flavors of Panda Express.

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