Seitan is perfect for you: full of protein, low in carbs and calories.
Nowadays, if you’re trying to lose weight, you’re probably on a diet. You might persevere with your diet, making major changes to your lifestyle and letting the diet gradually become part of your routine. Or you might follow a diet for just a short period of time, by meeting certain requirements and giving your body a boost for both weight-loss and health. These days you often read about protein diets and low-carb diets.
What is a protein diet? Lots of protein is ideal for weight loss
Contrary to what the name suggests, in a protein diet you eat lots of protein. Protein helps you burn fat without affecting muscle mass. In a protein diet, you try to avoid carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, sugar, bread, potatoes and alcohol.
What foods are high in protein?
Eggs, of course, but also seitan, peas, lentils and hemp seeds. Meat and fish also contain large amounts of protein, but if you’re a vegetarian, it’s better to opt for a good meat and fish substitute. So seitan is the perfect ingredient for meals in a protein diet.
If you’re on a protein diet, you often lose a lot of weight in a short time. It’s also important to be aware that, at the start, you’ll lose quite a lot of fluids. So if you have problems with fluid retention, a protein diet would be great for you. Many proteins are also involved in preventing fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. This means that a high-protein diet could produce good results for people with diabetes.
What is a low-carb diet?
Losing weight by cutting down on carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your body’s energy supply; it’s an umbrella term for a range of sugars and starch. Your body converts these into the glucose we use to function, but when there’s a surplus of glucose, your body turns it into fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’d prefer that it didn’t.
In a low-carb diet, you try to consume as few carbohydrates as possible. Carbohydrates are primarily found in rice, pasta, sugar, bread, potatoes and alcohol. Some people see carbohydrates as the enemy of weight loss, although opinions on this topic vary. However, there have been many studies which show that following a low-carb diet is more effective than following a diet in which you have to massively reduce the number of calories you eat. Of course, as with any diet, it’s important that you also get enough exercise. With a low-carb diet and a healthy lifestyle, it’s possible to lose as much as five kilos in ten weeks.
The difference between a low-carb diet and a protein diet
In a protein diet, you eat products which are primarily high in protein – sometimes this even includes products which have been enriched with protein. High-protein products are almost always low in carbohydrates. However, low-carb products are not always high in protein. This is the crucial difference. Seitan is perfect for both diets, because it’s both low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
Seitan is perfect for a low-carb diet or a protein diet
Seitan is a low-calorie source of protein which leaves you feeling full. This is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, because it reduces your cravings for snacks between meals. Bertyn seitan is organic and authentic, so it’s perfect to cook as part of a protein diet. Around 83% of the kilocalories in seitan come from complete proteins. Bertyn seitan also contains very few carbohydrates from fat – about 1.5%. In general, Bertyn seitan contains between 90 and 118 kcal per 100 grams.
Sources for more info
Culture, Youth, Sport and Media Policy Area www.cjsm.be
Men’s Fitness health magazine www.mensfitness.com
EVA (a vegetarian association in Belgium)
Research by Peter W.R. Lemon, Ph.D. Nutrition and Exercise Laboratory, University of Western Ontario, ON, Canada
FAQs
So protein can not only help you lose weight but also help you keep it off in the long term. Bottom line: Eating a high protein diet can cause weight loss, even without calorie counting, portion control, or carb restriction. A modest increase in protein intake can also help prevent weight regain.
Is a low-carb high protein diet good for weight loss? ›
A high-protein diet can help you lose weight. A number of studies show that diets higher in protein keep you fuller better than other types of diets. Other studies show that restricting carbs, as a result of a high-protein diet, causes more weight loss. But calories still count!
What happens if you only eat protein and no carbs? ›
Some high-protein diets limit carbs so much that you might not get enough nutrients or fiber. This can cause problems such as bad breath, headache and constipation. Some high-protein diets allow red meats, processed meats and other foods high in saturated fat. These foods may increase your risk of heart disease.
Is low-carb the best way to lose weight? ›
Weight loss
Most people can lose weight if they limit calories and boost their physical activity. To lose 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.5 to 0.7 kilograms) a week, you need to eat 500 to 750 fewer calories each day. Low-carb diets, especially very low-carb diets, may lead to greater short-term weight loss than do low-fat diets.
What burns first fat carbs or protein? ›
Remember that the body burns carbohydrates first, followed by fats and proteins only when the other two are depleted. Therefore if the carbohydrates in the diet are limited, the body will start to burn fat stores.
Is it better to eat carbs for breakfast or protein? ›
“After a high-protein breakfast, your blood sugar can remain low for up to four hours,” says Picano. By contrast, starting the day with refined carbs sends your blood surging—and quickly crashing, leaving you feeling tired and hungry. Protein also keeps you feeling fuller and more satisfied after your morning meal.
How much protein a day to lose weight? ›
Summary. Nutritional Guidelines suggest a daily intake of 1.6 and 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram, or . 73 and 1 grams per pound to lose weight. Athletes and heavy exercisers should consume 2.2-3.4 grams of protein per kilogram (1-1.5 grams per pound) if aiming for weight loss.
How many carbs a day to lose weight? ›
As far as how many carbohydrates to eat, Pratt says 100 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is safe for most people who are trying to lose weight. It may be better for some people to eat carbs consistently throughout the day. “You can also break it up evenly with 40 to 50 grams of carbs per meal,” she says.
What is the number one worst carb? ›
1. Sugary Foods. Most people already think of many of the foods in this category as unhealthy treats. Candy, soft drinks, and sweet desserts such as cake, chocolate, and ice cream are all expected entries on a list of carbs to avoid to lose weight.
What happens after 2 weeks of no carbs? ›
Glycogen helps your body retain water. You may also lose some salt along with the carbs you cut out. When you start to eat carbs again, the water weight comes right back. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for ketosis to rev up and start to burn fat.
But all things in moderation — you can still gain weight when overeating protein, just like any other food. Remember to focus on calories in versus calories out — your body will only process or convert a certain percent of what you eat into energy.
How can I drop 20 pounds fast? ›
Here are the 10 best ways to quickly and safely drop 20 pounds.
- Count calories. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Increase your protein intake. ...
- Reduce your refined carb consumption. ...
- Start lifting weights. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Follow a sleep schedule. ...
- Add cardio to your routine.
The amount of weight you can lose on a low-carb diet in 2 weeks can vary widely depending on factors such as your starting weight, adherence to the diet, and individual metabolism. Some individuals have reported losing up to 10 pounds or more in two weeks, while others may experience less dramatic results.
Will low-carb diet reduce belly fat? ›
Reducing your carb intake can be very beneficial for losing fat, including abdominal fat. In fact, low carb diets may cause belly fat loss in people with overweight, those at risk for type 2 diabetes, and people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ( 31 , 32 , 33 ).
Which is healthier carbs or protein? ›
“Protein takes more energy for you to digest than refined carbohydrates, and also gives your body a feeling of satiety,” says Dr. Hauser. Low-carb diets have been shown to help some people lose weight. But over the long term, too much protein and too few carbohydrates may not be the healthiest plan.
Do you gain weight from protein or carbs? ›
Consuming too many simple carbs can lead to rapid weight gain in the form of body fat, rather than lean muscle mass. In summary, the best way to gain weight is to eat a balanced diet that includes both carbohydrates and protein, along with healthy fats and plenty of nutrient-dense foods.
Is it better to eat carbs with protein or fat? ›
Fiber, protein and fats help to slow down the digestion of carbs and delay their absorption into the blood. This helps to prevent spikes in glucose levels after eating.
When cutting should I eat more carbs or protein? ›
Carbs play a key role in preserving muscle mass while on a cutting diet. Because your body prefers to use carbs for energy instead of protein, eating an adequate number of carbs may prevent muscle loss. Additionally, carbs can help fuel your performance during workouts.
