You may have heard of the “chicken diet plan” or “chicken-only diet” when deciding which weight-loss plan to attempt. Additionally, the claims of speedy and efficient weight loss might make the poultry-heavy diet enticing.
The diet is only suitable if you like eating chicken and high-value meals containing chicken virtually daily. However, this diet encourages quick weight reduction and removes the need for time-consuming meal preparation.
Here, we’ll examine the history of this diet- whether it can aid in weight loss and the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy.
What Exactly Is A Chicken Diet For Weight Loss?
After Matt Damon shed over 60 pounds (27.2 kg) while training for his role in the 1996 film “Courage Under Fire” by consuming only chicken breasts, the chicken diet became well-known.
Damon said he wasn’t eating well; he was playing the part.
Since then, more individuals have embraced the chicken diet to reduce their body fat significantly and quickly without following the strict guidelines of conventional diets.
A kind of dieting called mono dieting includes this diet. This happens when you eat the same thing for all your daily meals.
Adherents to this diet plan refrain from eating anything other than chicken (preferably chicken breast).
Benefits of Eating Chicken
Here are some advantages of following the chicken diet for fast weight loss:
1. Chicken is a Fantastic Protein Source
Given that it is a source of lean protein, chicken may be a part of a balanced diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) claims chicken has less saturated fat than red meat, so it is a better protein option. Your risk of heart failure, heart disease, and the most common stroke can all be raised by a diet heavy in saturated fat.
Additionally, the AHA advises against eating a lot of meat if you want to reduce weight, particularly if you have heart disease.
2. Chicken can Help People Manage their Weight in a Healthy Way
Most evidence points to the benefits of eating chicken as a balanced diet. For instance, according to some research papers, including poultry in a diet high in vegetables lowers the chance of becoming overweight or obese.
It also lowers the risk of acquiring cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. According to the study, white meat is considered neutral or somewhat preventive regarding cancer risk.
3. Chicken is a Good Source of Vitamins
Some studies show meat, not only chicken, is the best dietary source of B12. The amount of B vitamins in poultry is comparable to that in other meats and is unaffected by cooking. Lean meat also has ingredients that promote the bioavailability of various nutrients.
Adverse Effects Of Following The Chicken Diet For Weight Loss
The chicken diet is a style of eating solely chicken or goods made from chicken for a set amount of time. Although this diet can help people lose weight quickly, it also has some disadvantages, such as:
- Unsustainable – sticking to a single food category for a lengthy period can seem tedious and unappealing. This can cause diet weariness in some people. As a result, it can be challenging to maintain the diet over time.
- Restrictive — The chicken diet is highly restrictive, leaving out a wide range of food categories the body needs for regular operation. These contain a range of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, carbs, and fiber.
- Causes nutrient deficiencies — Chicken is a rich protein source but deficient in several critical elements, including folate and vitamin C. Additionally, sticking to low-carb chicken meals can cause vitamin shortages and harm general health.
- Can trigger disordered eating — Dependence on a single food group can result in destructive eating patterns, including guilt or shame after resuming regular dietary practices. This can lead to disordered eating.
Weight Loss With Chicken – Is It Possible?
It’s significant to highlight that scientists have not studied the benefits of an all-chicken diet on weight loss.
You must consistently have a calorie deficit or consume fewer calories than you burn to lose weight.
While several methods exist, some individuals go to extremes, such as eating chicken.
This diet can reduce weight since chicken has few calories and is primarily composed of protein. It does, however, have some very adverse side effects.
An effective fitness routine is also crucial to a weight loss plan with this diet strategy.
The diet may help you lose weight, but you’ll probably regain it once you switch to a well-balanced diet.
Takeaway
Due to its high protein, nutritional content, and low-calorie count, including chicken in your diet can help you lose weight. However, choosing organic, natural chicken over fried or processed chicken is imperative.
Effective weight reduction depends on a balanced protein diet, frequent exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet that encourages weight reduction and general well-being can include chicken as a vital component. To benefit from it, be sure to incorporate it into your meals.
