Lunch out

Earlier this week I had lunch out by myself. I had myself a shopping morning as the weather was dreary. I decided on Panera Bread. There I can sit and read(I'm reading "The Lacuna" the latest Barbara Kingsolver - recommend this one) with no one to bother me. I get my food and sit down. With a name like Panera Bread you would think that a gluten free meal could not be found. The salads, however, are good and gluten free for the most part. Croutons can be left off and apple or potato chips can be substituted for a side of bread. The salad dressings are also gluten free.
Being a salmon lover I chose the mediterranean Salmon Salad - 480 kcal, 7 grams of fat, 1310 mg of sodium. All is good - the sodium is a bit high thanks to feta cheese, calamata olives and salt added to the salmon. The salad also has mandarin orange, almonds, red onion and mixed lettuce.Salmon in loaded with omega 3 fatty acids - this is a good thing. The dark green leafy lettuce is a good sourse of Folic Acid, vitamin K and the oranges bring on the C. The dressing was good, a bit on the sweet side, adding 10 grams of carb. It could be asked for on the side. I had a bread side (not gluten free)- adding 180 kcal. All in all a very satisfying lunch.
Asian chicken salad comes in at 410 calories. Nix the chinese noodles for gluten free.
The salad dressings used are gluten free.
Going with the salad is a good thing as the sandwiches weigh in at 700-770 calories each and sodium levels of 1100-1500mg. The sodium can be reduced by asking for less or no cheese.
The Panera Bread web site has a nice nutrition calculator and lists all ingredients and allergy information. Very helpful.
While I was finishing my meal, I was joined by an elderly lady, being a busy time. We had a nice chat.