Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being. It will keep you energetic, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve your self-confidence.
BMI is a commonly used measure to assess weight status. To know your BMI, divide weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The BMI ranges are classified into underweight (<18.5), healthy weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9), and obese (≥30.0).
When it comes to weight management, incorporating soy into your diet can be a valuable strategy. It will help you in weight management in the following ways;
- Rich in High-Quality Protein
It’s important to consume various sources of protein-dense foods to maintain good health and control or lose weight effectively. One valuable dietary option is incorporating more plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk.
Soy protein helps promote feelings of fullness and significant control over appetite hence- being an effective addition to a weight loss meal plan. Moreover, it has a considerably higher thermic effect, requiring more digestion energy. That means consuming soy protein increases calorie expenditure and supports weight management efforts.
Along with these benefits, soy is an excellent source of vital nutrients for optimal bodily function. Essential amino acids are critical for body tissue repair, enzyme production, hormone regulation, and immune function.
- Lower-Calorie Alternative
For those seeking ways to eat healthier or lose weight. Swapping out high-calorie meats for soy-based alternatives is worth considering. Soy offers an array of lower-calorie options that taste great and contribute toward better health outcomes overall. Opting for plant proteins like these means increasing dietary diversity while reducing calorie intake – the perfect recipe for sustainable weight loss.
- High Nutrient Density
Soy is an ideal choice if you’re looking to increase your nutrient intake while watching your calorie intake. As a rich source of vitamins like D & E along with minerals like iron & calcium, soy is a top choice among health-conscious individuals.
Regular consumption of nutrient-rich soy-based foods ensures you get all the proper nutrients and helps keep those extra pounds at bay. Take Soy milk, for instance, it’s rich in both calcium & vitamin D- two vital minerals required by our body to maintain good bone health. With that, you will engage in any form of physical exercise without the fear of negatively impacting your bones. Of course, you should always listen to your gym instructor.
According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, 100mg of soybeans has the following amount of nutrients;
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Protein: 12.4 g
- Fat: 6.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.74 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.21 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.01 g
- Calcium: 145 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg
- Magnesium: 60 mg
- Phosphorus: 158 mg
- Potassium: 539 mg
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.26 mg
- Vitamin C: 17 mg
- Folate: 111 µg
- Lower in Saturated Fat
Compared to animal-based protein sources with high levels of saturated fats, soy-based foods are an excellent alternative because they offer lesser amounts of such fats. It’s important to note that eating too much saturated fats from meat, dairy, or certain oils has been linked with obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Opting for tofu, tempeh, or soy milk instead can significantly reduce the amount of saturated fat consumed, thereby promoting better weight management practices.
- Healthy Plant Compounds and Lower Cholesterol
The beneficial effects of soy isoflavones have been extensively researched for their proposed impact on overall health and well-being. Insight into how they relate directly to successful weight management suggests that these plant components may positively aid in faster calorie metabolism.
Pay attention to the amount of cholesterol you consume daily, as it affects weight management goals. Fortunately, soy-based protein sources will help you reduce dietary intake of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Soy is a low-cholesterol option, so you can combine other healthy lifestyle choices to take meaningful steps towards better heart health and sustained weight loss achievements. You need regular physical exercise and practice stress reduction techniques.
Soy and Weight Management: Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Soy Reduce Belly Fat?
Yes, soy has been associated with a reduction in belly fat. It contains isoflavones, which have been shown to contribute to this effect. Small amounts of isoflavone (160 mg), such as those found in tofu or soy shakes (20 g soy protein), can reduce belly fat.
- How to Eat Soy For Weight Loss?
If you plan to introduce soy’s nutritional power to support weight loss goals, try different soy preparation techniques. The possibilities are varied from soaking and boiling fresh soybeans to adding them directly into curries and incorporating them into rice dishes. Aim for approximately 25-30 grams of soya chunks daily.
- What are The Benefits of Boiled Soya?
Nutrient-packed boiled soybeans reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and hormone-related cancers.
Conclusion
Soy provides high-quality protein, promoting feelings of fullness and helping control appetite. It’s a lower-calorie alternative to high-calorie meats, contributing to sustainable weight loss. Soy is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health while watching calorie intake.
For proper weight loss and a lower risk of obesity-related conditions, soy-based foods are lower in saturated fat. On the other hand, plant compounds in soy, such as isoflavones, aid in metabolism regulation and, thus, faster calorie breakdown.
