Pho is a hearty Vietnamese soup filled with broth, filling meats, rice noodles and herbs. It's a perfect comfort food for cold weather. It's also low in calories. However, it can contain a lot of sodium.
One cup of beef pho contains about 350 calories, according to the USDA. This bowl of noodle soup is rich in protein and nutrients, including B vitamins. It's also low in fat, which is good for your health. It's important to watch the portion size, though. Many restaurants serve giant bowls, which can put a strain on your diet and increase your calories.
Adding extra vegetables and using smaller noodles will help you control your calorie intake. You can also add hoisin sauce and sriracha sparingly or skip them completely, as they are high in added calories. If you're vegan, try a vegetarian version of pho with tofu. The veggie broth is still rich in nutrients, but you'll avoid the added meat.
As with all soups and stews, pho can be high in sodium. Some bowls have over 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which can cause blood pressure to rise and contribute to heart disease. To reduce your sodium consumption, make sure to slurp your pho slowly and pair it with lower sodium side dishes. It's also a good idea to choose a low-sodium broth or cook your own at home to cut the sodium. You can also use brown rice noodles to get more fiber in your meal.