Cutting back on red meat does not mean your meals have to become boring, repetitive, or limited.

Vietnamese food offers many options built around chicken, shrimp, tofu, vegetables, rice, noodles, herbs, and light broths. That makes it easier to enjoy a satisfying meal without automatically choosing beef or another red meat.

You also do not have to completely remove red meat from your diet to make a change. Some people simply want to eat it less often, try different proteins, or add more variety to their weekly meals.

If that sounds familiar, Vietnamese cuisine gives you plenty of places to start.

Trying to lose weight does not mean you have to stop eating every food you enjoy. In fact, a healthy weight-loss plan usually works better when it includes meals you actually like and can continue eating over time.

That raises an important question for pho lovers: Can you eat pho while trying to lose weight?

The short answer is yes.

Pho can fit into a weight-loss diet, but the way your bowl is prepared matters. The type of protein, portion of noodles, amount of broth, toppings, sauces, and even the size of the bowl can all change the calorie content.

Pho can also offer several benefits. It can provide protein, fluids, herbs, vegetables, and a satisfying warm meal. At the same time, large portions and certain add-ons can make it much heavier than expected.

Understanding what goes into your bowl can help you enjoy pho while still working toward your weight-loss goals.