Interesting Fact #1
I ate lunch at Panera yesterday… and no, that’s not an interesting fact, but their new menu board is!
I stepped forward to take a closer look (and to explain to all the employees why a wacko was taking pictures of them).
Look- calories!
The manager explained to me that this was a new feature they rolled out about 2 weeks ago. I haven’t seen this many places and was very impressed! She also made sure that I noted that the calorie content includes everything in the dish. Example: a cup of tomato soup has 300 calories, but she explained that most of those calories are in the croutons that come with it.
I chose the 1/2 turkey sandwich (no mayo), 1/2 Greek salad and an apple (un-pictured), which brought my grand total for lunch to:
500 calories, 19 g fat, 63 g carbs, 22 g protein.
Although I don’t track calories on a daily basis, it doesn’t mean that I’m not fascinated with the amounts of calories in food. Since I need to eat about 2000 calories in a day, this lunch fit in well!
Interesting Fact #2
A delicious dinner is just a few easy steps away! Thank goodness because I didn’t feel like cooking last night (hey… it happens sometimes ;))
In a bowl… mix 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1.5 Tbsp Rosemary, 1 tsp Paprika and 1 tsp garlic. Mix up in a large bowl. Cut up 2.5 lbs of little red or little white potatoes and onions. Cut 3 chicken breasts into big chunks. (I halved this recipe) Mix all together in the bowl to cover and spread out on a pan. Sprinkle with S&P and stick in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Make a salad for the side:
And you have yourself a delicious dinner that makes the house smell SO good!
Interesting Fact #3
Hubbs’ estimated RMR : 1842-1938 (depending on formula used)
Hubbs’ ACTUAL RMR : 2080
Total number of calories Hubbs should eat in a day : 3261
Ridiculous, right?!
What interesting fact have you heard recently?
Tina says
I agree that calorie counts are interesting and useful info. I don’t track calories meticulously, but I’m still somewhat aware of them to help be sure I’m keeping balance.
Amy B @ Second City Randomness says
Woah… I just went to Panera yesterday for lunch, too! (I recommend their new steak chili!)
The ones I’ve visited around here have had the calorie count listed on the menu boards for a little while already- which I think is pretty awesome!
Although I rarely eat out for lunch, so when I do, I usually don’t pay super close attention to it anyway…
Carly says
That is really cool that Panera is adding calorie information to their menu. Ha, those are one of the things sometimes I want to know and sometimes I don’t. I wonder if it will actually get people to choose a healthier option. I don’t see too many peppermint mochas in my future. 🙂
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
I noticed that at Panera a while ago too – I think it’s a great idea and more restaurants should provide that right on the menu and not just online!
Haha I really want to know my RMR now!! I’m fascinated.
Hope you get a package in the mail today 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I am jealous of Hubbs! Do you know how much nut butter I could be eating if that was my RMR???
Also, I like that Panera is posting their nutrition facts! There website has always been super helpful for that, but I like that they are so much more public with it. [Not that I think we should obsess, but seriously, sometimes it is shocking to know what you are eating!]
Melissa says
I make something similar to your chicken and potato dish. I include a variety of root vegetables – potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, celeriac, turnips… whatever roots I have on hand (which is usually a lot at this time of year), with olive oil, rosemary, onion and garlic. I have never included chicken with the veggies, but I think I will try that next time. In my opinion, any combo of root veggies work well together for this dish. If you find yourself with a variety of roots, you may want to try it. 🙂
That’s nice that Panera is making that info readily available. I’m sure I’ve eaten restaurant dishes that contain WAY more calories than I realized. It’s nice to be able to make a more informed choice.
christina says
i love your delicious dinner! and i’m so glad that more restaurants are getting better about posting calorie information!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I love that Panera is doing that! While I don’t track calories anymore either, I always find it fascinating by how quickly they can add up …and how much more boys can eat than me 🙂
Brittney says
Pretty cool that Panera posted that! My FAVORITE thing at Panera is their Greek salad. LOVE IT!
John J. says
You always post interesting facts and enjoyable photos! In my recent blog on “the house that built you” (http://www.drstathas.com) I mentioned you were the inspiration for it and listed your two web sites. I’ve mentioned your metabolic testing business and people are really interested!
TheHealthyapron says
I knew this about panera and think it’s great!! I think that even if you’re not a calorie counter, most people should be conscious of their choices!
Ashley @ Cupcakes and Combat Boots says
Oh wow that dinner looks good and so easy! I will definitely have to add that one to my “to make” list! Thanks!
Jess Mathias says
Hey – it’s great about the calories being posted but get ready to see it everywhere – it’s not something that Panera did “just because”. As part of the Healthcare Reform Bill all restaurant chains are required to post calorie counts on both the menu and a drive thru if they have a drive thru in 2011. The includes even Vending Machines. Personally, i love it and i’m a big fan of it – a lot of people don’t know about “hidden” calories and think getting a salad at Applebee’s is very healthy when most of the time – salads have a ton of calories when they are prepared at the big chains. Ok I’m done – still loving the blog and all the info you give. Got one question for you – do you have a good Quinoa recipe that’s very tasty? I’ve tried it several time, i like it but think it’s wayyyy bland – so does Joe. Any suggestions would be great. 🙂
Nicole, RD says
I wish my BMR was that high!!!
I was just at Panera and I didn’t notice the calories. Now I want to go and see if my local store has the calories posted, too! Panera is one of those places that has some super healthy options and some SUPER unhealthy options. Glad they’re making the menu easier to decipher!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
I have seen this in Panera for actually a while now, and I love it! I so appreciate the information right in front of me when I am ordering.
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