Is Wheat Bread Good for Weight Loss? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

For quite some time, dieters around the world have been sure that wheat bread is way better than white one because wheat bread is higher in fiber and has a dense amount of such nutrients as selenium, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, and others.

Do you still think eating a few slices of wheat bread every day might be beneficial for your weight loss process? Our nutritionist explains the link between whole grains and weight loss.

Wheat Bread Nutrition Facts

Wheat bread is slightly different from white bread as whole-wheat bread contains more fiber and protein; therefore, you feel fuller for longer. You should completely avoid eating this bread if you are following the keto diet, as even a slice of bread will kick you out of ketosis.

Is Bread Bad for You?

Eating bread can be questionable, as some types can be good and others bad for your body. Again, it really depends on what your dietary goal is. If you want to eat food to lose weight, whole-grain bread, white bread, or just eating any type of bread can be bad for you if you don’t have a balanced diet in place.

Eating multiple wheat bread slices a day could easily cause weight gain. This is especially evident in white and whole-grain bread, as it’s known to have a high glycemic index of almost 70.

Research shows that high glycemic foods are bad for weight loss and fat oxidation, whereas low glycemic foods help aid it. Therefore, if you don’t eat bread wisely or in moderation, bread can be bad for losing belly fat.

What Does Bread Do to Your Body? 3 Side Effects You Should Be Aware of

If you eat bread only once in a while, you probably won’t feel any unpleasant effects, but if wheat bread is a big part of your diet, be aware that it can be the cause of bloating, constipation, or other gut-related problems. 

#1 Blood sugar spikes

As mentioned earlier, bread is known to have a high glycemic index, as the carbohydrates in each slice are refined. 

Refined carbohydrates trigger your body to digest them easily and quickly, causing your pancreas to work harder to produce insulin, causing a surge in your blood sugar levels.

#2 You may end up feeling hungrier

Most of the bread contains white flour. This flour has been processed, so there’s no bran inside; therefore, there is less dietary fiber in the bread. Dietary fiber keeps you fuller for longer and is beneficial for your digestive system.

Moreover, bread’s high glycemic index means you will get a surge of energy and then crash, making you want to compensate for your energy by eating more food.

#3 Possible bloating and constipation

Whole-wheat bread contains a protein known as gluten. In some people, gluten can increase stomach issues such as gas, bloating, pain, and diarrhea. 

Sometimes, too much gluten can lead to celiac disease. Research suggests that those who eat less gluten in their diet may suffer less from problems associated with bowel movements such as constipation and bloating.

FAQs

Conclusion

Wheat bread is not the best choice for your toast if you are trying to lose weight. This type of bread contains a lot of carbohydrates that can cause your blood sugar to spike, make you feel more bloated, and trigger possible bowel issues. This is partly because wheat bread contains refined flour, which is processed, removing the natural nutrients your body needs. 

If you can’t give up bread in your diet fully, you should aim to eat it in moderation and opt for whole grains instead of refined carbs. Remember to switch up your bread with other carbohydrates like non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and nuts.