Indulging in P.F. Chang’s Pad Thai Shrimp? Don’t Sweat the Calories!

P.F. Chang’s pad thai shrimp is a fan favorite for good reason – the tender noodles, sweet and savory sauce, fresh veggies and plump shrimp make for an irresistible combination. But with all that flavor, it’s easy to overindulge without realizing just how many calories you’re taking in.

As a lover of Asian cuisine, I used to order pad thai shrimp every time I went to P.F. Chang’s. It was my guilty pleasure. That was until I started paying attention to the nutrition facts. I was shocked to see that a single order clocks in at a whopping 1,180 calories!

I didn’t want to give up my favorite dish entirely, but I knew I needed to practice portion control. If you also find yourself helplessly drawn to P.F. Chang’s pad thai shrimp, read on to learn exactly what you’re getting calorie-wise in each serving, and how to enjoy this treat without sabotaging your healthy eating goals.

Breaking Down the Calorie Count in P.F. Chang’s Pad Thai Shrimp

According to the P.F. Chang’s nutrition information, one order of pad thai shrimp contains:

• 1,180 calories
• 31 grams of fat
• 181 grams of carbs
• 47 grams of protein

That’s nearly half of the recommended daily 2,000 calorie intake from just one meal! And the fat content alone exceeds the suggested limits.

To visualize the damage, here’s how the calories in one order of pad thai shrimp stack up against other popular dishes:

• P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps: 233 calories
• P.F. Chang’s Dynamite Shrimp: 229 calories
• P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken: 257 calories
• P.F. Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken: 252 calories

It’s clear that the noodles sauce and large serving size all contribute to the steep calorie count. And that’s not even factoring in extras like chicken or tofu.

According to CalorieKing, here is the calorie breakdown for pad thai shrimp:

• 43% of calories come from carbs – mostly from the noodles and sugar in the sauce. That accounts for over 500 calories alone.
• 29% of calories come from fat – the oil used for frying and cooking packs on the pounds.
• 28% of calories come from protein – from the shrimp as well as eggs.

Knowing exactly where those sneaky calories originate can help you make smart choices when ordering.

Healthy Hacks: How to Enjoy Pad Thai Shrimp Without the Guilt

Luckily, with a few simple tweaks, you can still indulge in P.F. Chang’s pad thai shrimp without sabotaging your diet:

• Choose brown rice noodles – This swaps out refined carbs for the whole grain version, giving you more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Load up on veggies – Opt for extra broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts or other veggie mix-ins to fill up on nutrients and fiber.

• Add a protein – Chicken, beef, or tofu drives up protein to help you feel satisfied.

• Skip the fatty toppings – Hold the peanuts and ask for sauce on the side to control calories.

• Practice portion control – Stick to a single order and take half home for lunch tomorrow. No overdoing it!

• Balance with sides – Get steamed veggies and brown rice to fill up without adding many calories.

• Watch the liquids – Skip sugary cocktails and soda. Unsweet tea, water, or hot tea are calorie-free beverage options.

• Share dessert – Split a single order of the Great Wall of Chocolate or banana spring rolls. A couple bites will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the calorie bank.

The Verdict: An Occasional Oily Treat

At the end of the day, P.F. Chang’s pad thai shrimp is a high calorie dish best enjoyed occasionally. While the tender noodles and plump shrimp are hard to resist, the high carb, fat, and calorie content mean this flavorful plate should be an occasional treat, not a daily habit.

However, with smart strategies like controlling portions, adding veggies, skipping high-calorie toppings, and balancing out your choices, you absolutely can enjoy pad thai shrimp as part of an overall healthy diet. By understanding exactly where those calories are coming from and tweaking your order, you can indulge in this iconic appetizer without overdoing it calorie-wise.

So next time a pad thai shrimp craving hits, don’t deprive yourself – just be mindful. Savor each sweet, tangy, savory mouthful knowing you are still fulfilling your health goals in moderation. Your taste buds will thank you.