The Healthy Side Of FIU’s New Panera Bread

Ariana Rodriguez/Staff Writer

A fresh new year and semester with a fresh set of resolutions. Some of our goals are to get A’s on everything (even attendance) in our classes, while others involve eating healthy and thinking healthy. 

Raphael Alegbeleye/PantherNOW

FIU’s new Panera Bread offers a few healthy options that might help me reach my fitness goals—gain more muscle and burn fat—and it could help you reach yours too. Ab- and brain-friendly bowls and salads are the healthiest options that are available at the restaurant thus far. The bowls have a quinoa and brown rice base, and they include other protein and veggies that can be added for free. 

Back then, before the new bowls were on the menu, I used to eat at Panera quite often. I was less health-conscious and at the peak of becoming pre-diabetic. I would order the broccoli and cheddar soup with a white-breaded sandwich, and looking at those food choices now, I see how unhealthy it was.

Panera is becoming more health-conscious thanks to the new menu additions, so it’s up to the students to choose their meals wisely there. 

Before you choose your entrée, remember that the sandwiches, soups and pastries are either high in sodium or sugar. And, when I asked the cashier for a smoothie, they said that all the puree and coffee blend have added sugar. Most of the drinks have added sugar too, save for black tea and water, which was a letdown. So, instead of making Panera your coffee stop at FIU like I thought, consider bringing your own drink. 

Panera Bread would be healthier if they offered more options without brain-killing sugar or heaps of sodium, but after looking at their menu, I now know what to get and what to not get when I’m there. It’s another step toward keeping my health goals—something you should strive to do this year as well.

Featured image by FIU Flickr.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Have questions or comments for our writers? Send an email to opinion@fiusm.com with your name and the name of the column in the subject line.