Many of us love indulging in some tasty bread on a regular basis. Whether that means eating some toast with butter in the morning or tearing into a loaf to dip into heart-healthy olive oil at dinnertime, it can be hard to resist this delicious carb. Unfortunately, though, many types of bread out there can throw a wrench in your weight loss goals. But as it turns out, there are several options that you can enjoy without putting your waistline at risk.
To discover one of the best types of bread out there that you can eat regularly while still shedding those pounds, we spoke to health experts Mary Sabat, nutritionist and personal trainer, and Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian and nutrition writer for Living.Fit. They told us that whole grain bread is one great way to go. Learn more about the benefits of making the swap from white to whole grain below!
How whole grain bread promotes weight loss
Although you may find white bread to be one of the tastiest options out there for all of your sandwiches and toasts, experts warn that regularly consuming this type of bread, which is made from refined carbs, can be detrimental to your health over time. Luckily, whole grain bread can be just as tasty while packing in health benefits.
"Whole grain bread is a good choice for weight loss as it contains the entire grain, providing more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined grains," Sabat explains. How exactly does this help with weight loss, though? For starters, she notes that "it helps you feel full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients."
Fiber, in particular, is a crucial part of a well-balanced diet, especially if you're trying to slim down. Gervacio adds that "the high fiber content [of whole wheat bread] can help promote satiety and regulate blood sugar levels, potentially reducing cravings and overeating." Nice!
All in all, consuming all of the nutrients in whole grain bread (which are missing from white bread) is one great way to stay satiated throughout the day and avoid snacking on processed foods, which is one major culprit of weight gain.
Sabat recommends looking for bread labeled as 100% whole grain "to ensure you're getting the maximum benefits." Got it!
The bottom line
Of course, losing weight calls for more than just adding whole grain bread to your diet. To achieve your weight loss goals, you'll have to be dedicated to cutting out processed foods, eating balanced meals, and of course, sticking to a great workout routine. However, swapping white bread for a whole grain variety is one fantastic step in the right direction. Your body will certainly thank you!
