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Prepared meals

Pho with lean protein

Yellow: Limit or adjust

Pho with lean protein is a warm noodle soup that combines broth, noodles, herbs, and protein. Broth sodium and noodle portion are the main variables to manage.

Why it received this rating

A bowl built around lean chicken or another lean protein can provide protein and fluid in an easy-to-eat format. The amount of noodles, broth sodium, sauces, and added fatty meats can change the meal substantially.

Nutrition snapshot

Per serving: 1 bowl, chicken pho (about 500 to 600g)

400Calories
25gProtein
48gCarbs
3gFiber
7gFat
1200mgSodium

Restaurant pho varies widely by broth, noodle portion, protein choice, and how much broth is consumed. The displayed values are a representative chicken-pho example rather than a restaurant-specific nutrition statement.

Representative USDA FoodData Central example. Pho is a composite prepared dish; broth, noodle portion, protein amount, and sodium vary by restaurant and recipe. Source basis reviewed August 17, 2026. Review nutrition source How nutrition data is handled

Portion and preparation guidance

Choose a lean protein such as chicken or a lean cut of beef rather than fatty brisket, and ask for sauces like hoisin or sriracha on the side so you control how much goes in. If the noodle portion feels like too much, eat more broth and protein first and leave extra noodles rather than finishing the whole bowl.

Symptoms or considerations

The main variables are broth sodium, noodle volume, protein amount, and bowl size. If a full restaurant bowl feels like too much, eat a smaller portion, emphasize the lean protein, and leave some broth or noodles rather than forcing the entire bowl.

Common questions

How should I think about pho while using a GLP-1 medication?

Pho combines broth, noodles, herbs, and protein in one bowl. The practical variables are the protein choice, noodle portion, broth sodium, sauces, and total bowl size; tolerance varies from person to person.

How can I make a restaurant pho bowl lighter?

Choose a lean protein, keep rich add-ons limited, ask for sauces on the side, and leave some noodles or broth if the restaurant portion is larger than you want.

Individual tolerance varies. This rating is general educational guidance, not a statement that this food is the right choice for your personal medical needs. Follow advice from your prescriber or registered dietitian.

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