Many of us don’t realize that whole grains will help you lose weight. The main problem is that carbohydrates have received quite a bad reputation in the dieting industry. Low carb dieting continues to be extremely popular in many different forms. This includes everything from high protein to high fat diets. Regardless of the strategy, carbs are often cut.
The thing that we must remember is that even in a low carb diet, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t eat any carbohydrates at all. In fact, most healthy long term weight loss strategies involve eating plans with quite a few carbs. It’s just that there are fewer than the average American’s diet – which is very high-carb. As a result, it can certainly feel like we’re cutting back.
Getting the Right Carbs
Since we’re meant to reduce our carbohydrate intake for a more balanced macronutrient ratio, this means that we need to choose smarter carbs. The goal isn’t for a no carb diet. Instead, it means we need to be very selective about which carbohydrates we eat. Among them, whole grains will help you lose weight. These are foods high in nutrients that are tough to get elsewhere. Moreover, they’re also typically quite high in fiber, which is filling, great for heart health and fantastic for controlling the amount you eat.
How Eating Whole Grains Will Help You Lose Weight
Individuals eat many types of foods to lose weight. Some foods help to increase the metabolism while others help in burning fat. There are many reasons that whole grains will help you lose weight. The nutrient density and fiber levels are only the jumping off point. Here are some other reasons that whole grains will help you lose weight:
Calorie Count
One of the best ways to maintain a low caloric intake is to consume lots of whole grain foods; this is primarily how eating more whole grains will help you lose weight. Instead of consuming foods that are extremely high in calories and carbohydrates, you should concentrate on fiber-rich foods. Furthermore, whole grain foods trigger a fat-burning effect in your body. If you consume whole grains as part of your weight loss effort, you will lose a more fat. Otherwise, too, you may end up losing substantial amount of muscle.
Fiber Quantity
Whole grains are extremely high in fiber content. Fiber is the indigestible part of various foods. Eating fiber in large quantities will make you feel full for a long time. This way, you will not feel the urge to eat. You will be able to go without food for longer. Moreover, fiber is extremely good for your metabolism.
Frequency of Eating Food
If you consume fruit juices and vegetable juices, you will not consume much fiber. Even though you will get substantial energy, you will end up feeling hungry again after a little while. This is how whole grains will help you lose weight: whole grains are a great way of suppressing your appetite. They remain in your stomach for extended periods of time. Moreover, whole grains need to be chewed more thoroughly. This sends signals to your brain that give you the feeling of being full. It also slows down your metabolism so that your body digests the nutrients slowly. This keeps your body energized for longer.
Nutrients and Vitamins
High fiber foods contain a hefty quantity of essential vitamins and nutrients. On the other hand, they do not contain much in terms of carbohydrates and fats. Fiber is a great way of supplying your body with essential nutrients and vitamins. In particular, whole grains contain magnesium. Magnesium boosts your weight loss efforts. Moreover, fiber helps in regulating your blood sugar levels.
How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Diet
If you want to take your weight loss strategy to a new level, you should consider eating whole grains. In general, you should consume at least four to five ounces of whole grains on a daily basis. At first, this may seem a little bit confusing but as you check out what’s available at your supermarket in terms of whole grain breads, steel cut oats, muesli, whole grain pastas, and other delicious options. Even better? You’ll find that you don’t have to eat as much of these options because you’ll get full from them more quickly!