Why are breadsticks good for you

Receive the latest on what works for weight loss straight to your inbox. We won't share your email address. Privacy policy. Prefer to Keep Track on Paper? Find the Calories in all the Foods You Eat Quickly find the calories and nutrition info in all the foods and drinks you consume. An average medium slice of white bread contains 0.

Just be careful with what you put on it and stick to healthy options for spreads and toppings. Most breads are low in sugar which is important for healthy teeth and maintaining a healthy weight. Nutrition and health. Bread — A nutritious and healthy food In this section on Nutrition and Health you will find all of the information you need about the nutritional value and health benefits of bread and why bread is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet.

This is sort of unbelievable to many at first, as iodine think of table salt is actually an essential nutrient. But the truth is, carbohydrates are not an essential element for humans. The body will use carbohydrates preferentially for energy, if protein, fat and carbs are all consumed simultaneously. Want another reason to avoid sugary drinks and food? Interestingly, the science is undecided, as some cite that the high protein content of these diets is really what matters.

The concept that avoiding high-sugar mostly processed foods will likely lead to weight loss is fairly straightforward. However, it is also important to avoid other problems, like not replacing these calories with other junk food, and instead substituting in vegetables, quality sources of fat and starchier sources of carbohydrates.

But if one wants to truly dip into their fat burning ability, they may go even lower in carbohydrate consumption, and follow a ketogenic diet plan. By cutting carbohydrates down to less than 80 grams per day, dieters are now running almost entirely off of fat. These come from the breakdown of fatty acids — largely from the now higher-fat diet you are consuming.

One anecdotal benefit of this type of diet is that many report vastly less hunger — which helps greatly with weight loss. You will watch the fat melt away, as your bread and bagels go stale on the countertop!

While some have attempted to do the exact opposite, and try a ketogenic diet while performing athletics — their results are mixed at best. What does the science say? While not quite definitive, the general consensus seems to be that increased carbohydrate intake enhances endurance and performance.

Part of the issue with going too low carb while performing athletics is that cortisol is increased when carbohydrates are decreased, and this affects testosterone among other things. The free testosterone to cortisol FTC ratio is an important biomarker for over-training, and many fall into this trap when trying to go low carb and also actively exercise.

They go from one extreme to the other: too many wheat-based carbs to too few carbs! Buy potatoes in bulk, try some spaghetti squash, sweet potato fries, plantains — whatever strikes your fancy! Snacks FTW. Think of a healthy snack as a mini-meal, says Koch. Like a meal, it should contain some protein, carbs, and healthy fats. But whipping up a perfectly portioned snack is easier said than done. Who really has the time to measure out exactly two tablespoons of nut butter?

We have taken the guesswork out of healthy snacks and chatted with some of your favorite healthy food bloggers and registered dietitians to give you the ultimate go-to list for healthy and tasty! Some of these snacks are low calorie and high fiber while some snacks are high fat and high protein looking at you, keto dieters. Basically, there is something for everyone. Popcorn is a great snack for weight loss because it is low calorie, but also a great source of fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer, says Amber Pankonin , MS, RD, LMNT, registered dietitian and owner of Stirlist.

This delicious pick from Angie's leaves out oils and other less-desirable ingredients. Buy it now. Per serving 3 cups of air-popped popcorn : 93 calories, 1. Pankonin is a fan of nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds because they are full of heart-healthy monosaturated fats and fiber. Yes, a small serving of dark chocolate can be super satisfying if you're trying to lose weight.

Plus, it's loaded with energy-boosting nutrients like magnesium and iron, says Pankonin. Per serving two pieces : 70 calories, 4. Pankonin is a fan of dates because they are sweet, yet high in fiber as well as antioxidants.

Per serving 1 date : 66 calories, 0. Grapes are a great source of hydration and fiber, says Pankonin. Plus, they're naturally sweet. Per serving 1 cup : calories, 0. Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, which can help you feel satiated, says Pankonin.

Per serving half an avocado : calories, 12 g fat, 6 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 1 g protein. The fiber in veggies can help with bowel movements, lowering blood pressure, and your cholesterol, notes Kimberlain. Per serving 1 stalk of celery : 6 calories, 0. Not only does hummus have fiber, but it also has some healthy plant-based fats that will help with satiety and stabilize your blood sugar. Per serving 1 tablespoon : 27 calories, 1.

Beans are a great combination of plant-based protein and fiber that can help you fight cravings, notes Kimberlain. According to Kimberlain, whole-grain crackers offer a great source of complex carbs for energy, and fiber for satiety. Per serving 6 crackers : 60 calories, 1. Greek yogurt is packed with protein. Plus you can add in fresh, healthy fruit for even more nutrients and fiber, says Kimberlain. Per serving 8 ounces of plain Greek yogurt : calories, 0 g fat, 11 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 22 g protein.

Whether you prefer peanut butter or almond butter, the healthy fats and protein in nut butters will help keep you full, says Kimberlain. Per serving 2 tablespoons : calories, 16 g fat, 6 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 7 g protein. Oats are high in fiber and protein, which are digested at a slower rate and can help stabilize blood sugar, says Roxana Ehsani , MS, RD.

A leafy green like kale is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin K and folate , as well as gut-healthy fiber, says Ehsani. Get the recipe. Per serving 1 smoothie : calories, 0. Like kale, spinach is another leafy green that is high in vitamins like vitamin C, K and folate. Throw it in a smoothie or soup, suggests Ehsani.

Per serving 1 smoothie : calories, Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and brain health, as well as fiber and protein, says Ehsani.

They blend perfectly with yogurt or oatmeal, or in a smoothie for a well-rounded snack. Per serving 2 tablespoons : calories, 8 g fat, 8 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 5 g protein. These juicy berries have tons of vitamin, potassium, iron and calcium, says Ehsani. They're naturally sweet and you can eat them fresh or frozen alone, or with another snack like nut butter or yogurt. Per serving 1 cup : 64 calories, 0. According to Ehsani, watermelon is over 90 percent water. So it offers tons of hydration as well as fiber to help fill you up.

Per serving 1 cup diced : 46 calories, 0. Eating whole fruits like pears are great for weight loss because not only are they packed with fiber, but they also require more chewing and mindfulness, which can help make you feel fuller, says Jonathan Valdez , RDN. Per serving: 96 calories, 0. Trail mix can help make you feel full thanks to fiber from nuts and satisfy your sweet snack cravings from fruit or a bit of chocolate, says Valdez.

Chickpeas are high in fiber and a good source of protein, and by roasting them, they offer a satisfying crunch, says Valdez.