Panera diet!

I agree with the majority here, while it is a healthy option, it should not be a normal go to for the simple facts already given:

1) I couldn't afford it twice a day 5 days a week. More power to you if you are able. One day I hope I can say I could afford to, but still wouldn't. Preparing food at home is by far cheaper
2) food you prepare is going to be more healthy because it is fresh and you knowm beyond a doubt, what you put into making it. You can accurately measure your ingredients and know your totals.
3) Preparing food yourself is committing to your change. It's learning how to prepare meals, it's experimenting in new ideas, and it's committing to your own success. If Panera runs out of fat Free dressing, you have to have that salad dry or decide on another dressing that may not be the fat free you would prefer...

then what decision do you make? Do you decide to dive off the wagon and go balls to the wall for the meal? Some people would, I'm not saying the OP specifically would, but there are some people who would allow this very idea to derail the remainder of their day...

I love Panera. Definately not saying never eat there. I am just saying that I agree there is a lot more value and lesson to be found in taking the time to prepare some egg beaters and a few strips of turkey bacon the night before and reheat when you arive at work as your breakfast. A Large container of Southwestern style Egg Beaters is $4.21; this one container will last me over a week and I have them at least 5 days per week, often everyday. I get 3lbs of Oscar Meyer turkey bacon for $10 at Sam's and that will last me over a month if my family leaves all 3 lbs to me, So figure if I use 3 containers of Egg Beaters and all 3 lbs of bacon in one month's time, breakfast for A FULL MONTH costs me less than $30... for the MONTH.

$1 per day or $5+?

Plus I know for certain that I use 3 tbs of Egg Beaters, there is no guessing as to whether or not the food preparation required unknown substitues..

I can tell you that we have quite a few organic items on our menu because I work there.

Panera food tastes horrible to me personally. I agree with whoever said making your own food is part of the process of learning how to take better care of yourself. If your job doesn't require constant travel or late nights, try making those items at home.