Lazy Dog Sweet and Spicy Bowl Calories by Protein
For many health-conscious diners, understanding the nutritional content of a meal is just as important as enjoying its flavor. The Lazy Dog sweet and spicy bowl is a fan favorite, known for its bold, savory-sweet flavor profile. However, the total calorie count depends heavily on the protein choice and whether you opt for rice.
The Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bowl and the Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Bowl, when ordered without rice, both contain 870 calories. The vegetarian Sweet & Spicy Tofu Bowl is a slightly lighter option at 800 calories without rice. It's crucial to note that these figures are for the entrée portion without any added sides. A standard bowl-sized portion of brown rice, which is often served with the bowl, adds an additional 220 calories, significantly increasing the meal's total energy content.
Calorie Breakdown and Macronutrients
The calorie count isn't the only important metric; understanding the macronutrient breakdown gives a clearer picture of the meal's nutritional value. Let's look at the breakdown for the main protein options without rice, according to data from nutrition tracking sites that pull from Lazy Dog's public information.
- Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bowl (no rice):
- Calories: 870
- Protein: 50g
- Fat: 46g
- Carbs: 62g
 
- Sweet & Spicy Tofu Bowl (no rice):
- Calories: 800
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 48g
- Carbs: 63g
 
- Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Bowl (no rice):
- Calories: 870
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 39g
- Carbs: 59g
 
As seen above, while the chicken and shrimp versions have the same number of total calories without rice, the macronutrient profile is quite different. The chicken bowl is higher in protein, while the shrimp bowl has a higher cholesterol and sodium content. The tofu bowl offers a comparable amount of protein with slightly fewer calories and significantly less sodium.
Impact of Rice and Portion Size
The addition of rice to any of these bowls will increase the calorie and carbohydrate counts. A typical bowl portion of brown rice at Lazy Dog adds 220 calories, pushing the total for the chicken or shrimp bowls over 1,000 calories and the tofu bowl to over 1,000 calories as well.
Total Calories with Brown Rice:
- Chicken Bowl: 1090 calories
- Shrimp Bowl: 1090 calories
- Tofu Bowl: 1020 calories
It's also important to consider portion size. The lunch portion of the Wok Fired Sweet & Spicy Chicken is a smaller, lower-calorie option, coming in at 610 calories. This demonstrates how a simple change in portion size can have a significant effect on your overall caloric intake. If you are watching your calories, ordering the lunch portion or a version without rice can be an effective strategy.
Making Your Bowl Healthier
Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy the flavor of the Lazy Dog sweet and spicy bowl while reducing its calorie and fat content. Modifying your order is a simple and effective approach.
List of Healthy Modifications:
- Hold the Rice: By far the easiest way to cut calories is to order the bowl with no rice. This instantly saves you 220 calories. You can also ask for extra vegetables instead.
- Choose the Tofu: The tofu bowl is the lowest-calorie option among the three protein choices, and it's also cholesterol-free.
- Request Extra Vegetables: More broccoli, onions, and ginger can add fiber and nutrients without a significant calorie increase.
- Order the Lunch Portion: If available, the lunch-sized bowl offers a smaller, more calorie-conscious serving.
Comparison Table: Lazy Dog Sweet and Spicy Bowls
| Feature | Sweet & Spicy Chicken (No Rice) | Sweet & Spicy Shrimp (No Rice) | Sweet & Spicy Tofu (No Rice) | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 870 | 870 | 800 | 
| Protein | 50g | 33g | 40g | 
| Fat | 46g | 39g | 48g | 
| Carbs | 62g | 59g | 63g | 
| Sodium | 510mg | 1490mg | 240mg | 
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 7g | 8g | 
| Cholesterol | 170mg | 260mg | 0mg | 
Looking at the table, the high sodium content of the shrimp bowl is particularly notable, exceeding half of the daily recommended intake in a single serving. The tofu option, while having a higher fat content than the shrimp, has zero cholesterol and the lowest sodium count, making it a good choice for those monitoring these metrics. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult the official Lazy Dog nutritional guide.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Determining how many calories in a Lazy Dog sweet and spicy bowl requires considering the protein choice and the inclusion of rice. The standard chicken and shrimp bowls without rice contain 870 calories, while the tofu version has 800. However, adding brown rice significantly increases the total to over 1,000 calories. By understanding these nutritional differences and making simple modifications like choosing the tofu option, skipping the rice, or ordering a smaller lunch portion, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while staying mindful of your dietary goals. Paying attention to details like sodium and saturated fat content can also help you make a more health-conscious decision when dining out.