Bread is one of the first things that people give up when trying to lose weight. However, bread is actually a really nutritious food that is filling (due to its high fibre content), contains important vitamins and minerals, and is relatively low in fat and calories.
Did you know that carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/gram whereas fat provides 9 kcal/gram and alcohol provides 7 kcal/gram!
Truth is, eating bread will not make you fat (unless like anything, you eat excessive amounts!) Research has shown that wholegrain products can actually assist with weight loss. They satisfy our appetite and keep us full for longer, which helps us to control snacking! It’s what we add to bread that makes it fattening.
What has the research found? According to The British Dietetic Association, diets rich in whole grain foods are low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers (such as bowel cancer). Fibre also provides a food source for ‘friendly’ gut bacteria promoting gut health.
Bread makes you bloated?
Unless you have a diagnosed gluten problem or irritable bowel syndrome, that shouldn’t happen.
Our top tips:
✅ Opt for seeded/granary wholemeal bread.
✅ Two slices will provide you with approx. 4.4g fibre (you should be aiming to eat 30g of fibre/day).
❗️ Be cautious: glammed up loaves described as “farmhouse” “seeded” or “multigrain” aren’t necessarily wholegrain.
✅ Generally speaking, the darker the bread, the better it is for you!
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