Chicken Lo Mein: Carb Count At P.F. Chang's

If you're watching your weight or maintaining a low-carb diet, it's important to know the nutritional value of your meal. A Chicken Lo Mein from P.F. Chang's contains 950 calories, with 55% of those calories coming from carbohydrates. That equates to 130 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 24 grams of fat. The dish also has 27 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 27 WW SmartPoints, and 24 WW PointsPlus.

PF Chang's Chicken Lo Mein contains 130g of carbohydrates

PF Chang's Chicken Lo Mein is a tasty dish, but it's important to be aware of its nutritional content. A serving of this meal contains 130 grams of carbohydrates, which is quite a high amount. To put this into perspective, the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates for an adult is typically around 225 to 325 grams, depending on various factors such as age, gender, and activity level.

This means that a single serving of PF Chang's Chicken Lo Mein provides a significant portion of your daily carbohydrate needs. Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients, along with protein and fat, and they provide the body with energy. However, not all carbohydrates are equal, and it's important to prioritise complex carbohydrates from whole food sources, such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, which provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

In the context of PF Chang's Chicken Lo Mein, the carbohydrates likely come from the noodles used in the dish. Noodles are usually made from refined wheat flour, which is a source of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are quickly broken down by the body, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar and energy levels, followed by a subsequent crash. This can negatively impact energy levels and mood, and frequent consumption of simple carbohydrates has been linked to various health issues, including weight gain and a higher risk of certain chronic diseases.

Therefore, while enjoying PF Chang's Chicken Lo Mein occasionally is not harmful, it's important to be mindful of the carbohydrate content and how it fits into your overall diet. Opting for dishes that contain more complex carbohydrates and pairing them with lean protein and plenty of vegetables can help to create a more balanced meal. Additionally, portion control is important, and you may consider sharing this dish or saving some for later to avoid consuming too many carbohydrates in one sitting.

This makes up 55% of its 950 calories

A serving of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein contains 950 calories, 24 grams of fat, and 130 grams of carbohydrates. This makes up 55% of its 950 calories. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body, and this dish provides a significant amount.

Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients, along with protein and fat. They are essential for providing the body with fuel, especially for physical activity. The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used as energy for muscles and organs. Any excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, which can be converted back into glucose when energy levels are low.

In the case of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein, the carbohydrates likely come from the noodles used in the dish. Noodles are typically made from wheat flour, which is high in carbohydrates. The specific type of noodle used in Lo Mein can vary, but it is usually either egg noodles or wheat noodles. Both of these options can contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates to the dish.

Additionally, other ingredients in the dish may also contribute to the carbohydrate content. For example, Lo Mein typically includes vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions, which contain smaller amounts of carbohydrates. The specific recipe and ingredient proportions used by P.F. Chang's will ultimately determine the exact carbohydrate content in their Chicken Lo Mein.

It's important to note that while carbohydrates are a vital source of energy, consuming excessive amounts can have negative health consequences. Excess carbohydrate intake can lead to weight gain, as any carbohydrates not used for energy will be stored as fat. Additionally, high-carbohydrate diets have been linked to blood sugar spikes and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet and ensure that carbohydrate intake is aligned with one's energy requirements.

It also contains 24g of fat

A serving of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein contains 24 grams of fat, contributing to its 950 calories per serving. This dish is high in fat, with over half of its calories derived from carbohydrates.

The fat content in this meal is worth noting, as it contributes significantly to the overall calorie count. With 24 grams of fat, this dish may not be suitable for those watching their fat intake or following a low-fat diet.

It is important to consider the type of fat present in the dish. While the specific type of fat is not specified, it is safe to assume that it contains a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats, which are commonly found in restaurant meals. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and are known to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body, which can contribute to heart disease over time.

On the other hand, unsaturated fats can have beneficial effects on health when consumed in moderation. They are typically liquid at room temperature and can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. However, consuming excessive amounts of any type of fat can lead to weight gain and potential health risks.

When consuming a dish like P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein, which contains 24 grams of fat, it is essential to consider your overall dietary intake and balance it with other meals and snacks throughout the day. This dish may be suitable as an occasional treat but should not be a regular part of a healthy, balanced diet due to its high-fat content.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this dish has 27 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 27 WW SmartPoints, and 24 WW PointsPlus, indicating that it may not align with diet plans focused on calorie restriction or portion control. Overall, while P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein may be a tasty option, its high-fat content makes it a less healthy choice.

There are 27 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points per serving

A serving of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein contains 130 grams of carbohydrates, which equates to 55% of the total calories in the dish. This is a substantial amount, as carbohydrates should generally make up only 45-65% of your daily caloric intake.

The dish also contains 950 calories and 24 grams of fat per serving. This calorie count is considered high for a single meal, as it equates to approximately half of the average daily recommended caloric intake for an adult.

When it comes to Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein ranks high at 27 points per serving. This is due to the dish's high calorie and carbohydrate content, which are factors considered in the Weight Watchers point system.

Weight Watchers is a popular weight-loss and wellness programme that assigns point values to foods based on their nutritional content. The Freestyle programme, in particular, encourages members to eat a wide variety of foods, including lean proteins and fruits and vegetables, while being mindful of portions and overall calorie intake.

Given the high Freestyle Point value of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein, it may not be the best option for those following the Weight Watchers programme, especially if one is aiming to stay within the recommended daily point budget. However, it's important to remember that treating yourself occasionally is an important part of a sustainable and enjoyable eating plan.

Plus 24 Weight Watchers PointsPlus

A serving of P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein contains 950 calories, 24 grams of fat, and 130 grams of carbohydrates. Most of the calories come from carbohydrates, accounting for 55% of the total calories.

When it comes to Weight Watchers points, this dish has 27 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points and 27 WW SmartPoints. Notably, it has 24 WW PointsPlus, which is a specific variation of the Weight Watchers program.

The WW PointsPlus program takes into account the overall calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and fat content of a food item. Each of these nutrients is assigned a specific PointsPlus value, which is then summed up to determine the final PointsPlus value for that food item. This comprehensive approach considers not just the calories but also the nutritional composition of the meal.

The PointsPlus value of 24 for P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein reflects the fact that it contains a significant number of calories, fat, and carbohydrates. This value can help individuals following the Weight Watchers program make informed choices about including this dish in their meal plan while staying within their daily PointsPlus budget.

It is worth noting that the PointsPlus program has evolved over time, and Weight Watchers has introduced newer plans such as Freestyle and the current SmartPoints system. These plans incorporate updated nutritional guidelines and may better align with an individual's specific weight management goals and dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions