How to avoid gaining weight while eating pho?

Pho is a popular breakfast choice in Vietnam. The dish is beneficial to health as it provides various nutrients including carbohydrates from rice noodles, protein from meat and broth, and fiber from accompanied herbs.

It also provides the body with a significant amount of manganese, which helps activate enzymes, protect cells from DNA damages, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent risks of strokes and heart attacks, according to the health support organization Livestrong Foundation.

A bowl of pho bo (Vietnamese rice noodles served with beef) sold at a store in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Mai

However, consuming too much beef while eating pho may create a reverse effect, as eating too much red meat may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, and several types of cancers due to its high amount of saturated fats.

Pho may also contain a high amount of salt. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a bowl of pho provides around 1,200 milligrams of sodium, which means people may take in more sodium than the recommended 2,300 milligrams amount if they eat two bowls a day.

Hence, people who want to lose weight may have a bowl of pho with low-calorie broth, less rice noodle, and lean chicken instead of beef.

Cooking pho at home with healthy ingredients, including chicken instead of beef and less salt, is also recommended, especially for those who have high blood pressure or health problems caused by sodium and cholesterol levels.