Can I Eat Bread and Still Lose Weight?

Bread is high in carbohydrates and calories and low in nutrients, such as fiber, fat, and proteins, compared to other foods, such as vegetables and fruits. However, several varieties of bread offer higher amounts of fiber and essential vitamins, such as wholegrain or oats bread.

People have been misled into believing that carbohydrates are the enemy. This is true for simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, but not for complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are an important part of your diet.

Consuming bread raises serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that helps: 

• Suppress cravings
• Improves mood
• Signals to your brain that you are content with your meal

Serotonin aids in portion control and prevents you from consuming more calories. However, you must not eat bread in excess to avoid increasing weight gain.

1. White bread
   • White bread is extremely processed and frequently has a significant amount of added sugar. It has a high glycemic index and might cause blood sugar spikes.
   • A study of 9,267 adults discovered that eating two slices (120 grams) of white bread per day was associated with a 40 percent increased risk of weight gain and obesity.
   • Researchers have found that more refined and processed foods, such as white bread and white rice, resulted in greater abdominal fat. To keep your weight in check, you must avoid overconsumption of white bread.
2. Wholewheat bread
   • Bread varieties made from wholewheat or Ezekiel sprouts contain more proteins, fiber, vitamins, and fat compared to white bread. High fiber in these bread varieties will help slow down the absorption of sugar in your bloodstream and stabilize blood sugar levels in the body. Fiber suppresses the appetite.
   • Though wholewheat bread has a moderate glycemic index. it is rich in micronutrients, and when consumed, it provides enough energy to perform physical activities. Bread made from Ezekiel sprouts contains no added sugar, so it is suitable for people with diabetes.
3. Multigrain bread
   • The ingredients of multigrain bread include barley, wheat, oats, maize, buckwheat, millet, and flaxseeds. Multigrain bread is high in fiber and other beneficial elements. These make it perfect for losing weight. It keeps you fuller for longer, preventing binge eating.
4. Sourdough bread
   • Sourdough bread is made from a dough that is fermented with bacteria and yeast for longer hours. During fermentation, the simple carbohydrates inside it are reduced by bacteria and yeast. So, your blood sugar levels do not spike after you consume sourdough bread.
   • Sourdough bread is rich in vitamins and other nutrients. The proteins, such as gluten, are broken down, so even if you are gluten-sensitive, you will be able to digest this bread easily. This bread provides your body with beneficial bacteria that increase digestion.

• Bread is a worldwide staple and enjoyed by everyone. There is no need to avoid bread completely from your diet.
• All varieties of bread are processed foods, and the fiber in them are not the same as natural fiber in fruits and vegetables.
• Even though wholegrain bread is found to be beneficial for maintaining your blood sugar levels and providing you with essential nutrients, they are higher in calories.
• Bread should be limited to only 25 percent for your plate.
• You are encouraged to have your bread with vegetables so that you can avoid overconsumption.
• Gluten-free bread may sound like a healthier choice but while processing, more sugar is added to make it taste better. The absence of gluten in bread makes it taste bad.