“I’m trying to lose weight" - "I’m cutting out bread"
Sound familiar?
When people are trying to lose weight, one of the first statements I hear is I’ve stopped eating bread!
I’ve done it myself over the years, it’s what we tend to blame our ‘weight gain on’.
Bread is also affordable for many individuals and families, and is freezer friendly too - so it's ideal really.
Bread is a great source of carbohydrates. Remember carbohydrates gives us energy which we need for our mind and body.
Most of the time when people cut bread from their diets, they have also cut out other forms of carbohydrates. So basically one is on a low carbohydrate without actually realising it. A low carbohydrates diet can lead to short term weight loss but in the long term tends to lead to greater weight gain. It is not sustainable to be on a low carbohydrate diet for our long term health.
Bread can be included in your diet and you can still lose weight - sounds pretty good right?
Two slices of #bread contains around 6g of protein, low in saturated fat, tends to have no added sugar. Doesn't sound too bad now does it?
Wholemeal bread is a great source of fibre, which helps us stay fuller for longer. Always check the label ‘6g per 100g’ is regarded high in fibre. Just because it is wholemeal doesn’t mean it’s always high in fibre.
Also don’t go eating gluten free bread because you think it’s ‘better for you’ unless you are coeliac or gluten sensitive. A lot of the supermarket gluten free bread can be full of shite and additives and let’s be honest not that tasty. So if you want a sambo then have a sambo.
Guess what?
White bread is not the devil.. I know right?
White bread tends to be lower in fibre but it's still a good source of iron, calcium, Vitamin B1 & B3. White & brown bread tend to have around the same protein, fat and calorie content. Pop into the supermarket and check the label for yourself.
White bread may be better option for some people who can't tolerate high fibre foods. Also convenient option for athletes or for those after high intensity workout.
So two slices of bread won't kill you and once you've a balanced wholefood diet (which also includes chocolate I hope) then you're doing great.
Remember balance is key so don’t beat yourself up, bread is our bud!
Oh and obviously if you don’t like bread just ignore all the above!
Book a free 15 minute consultation with me if you'd like to know more on how to improve your overall diet.