It’s interesting how people often remove the starchy carbohydrate from a meal when they are on the path to weight loss. In fact from all the comments on carbohydrates it would be easy to believe that they are the highest kilojoule part of the meal. So let’s do some comparisons and have a closer look at the kilojoules in proteins and carbohydrates.
| 100g Grilled Sirloin Steak |
763 KJ |
| 100g Baked Potato |
366 KJ |
| 100g Grilled Chicken Breast |
694 KJ |
| 100g Baked Kumara |
413 KJ |
| 100g Boiled White Rice | 337 KJ |
You may find it surprising to see that the kilojoules per 100g of protein are about double that of carbohydrates. It is the marbled fat in the protein that pushes the kilojoule count up. If you take the starchy carb out of your meal it’s easy for the protein portion to increase and you’ll end up with a meal that’s higher in kilojoules, and of course this makes weight loss difficult. Putting the carbohydrate back into your meals will not only provide a better balance to your food intake, but it’s a lower kilojoule option plus you’ll benefit from the grain fibre.
Another reason for the carbohydrate intake to be low or overlooked is due to the new trend of a low gluten or no gluten style of eating. Gluten is a protein component found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. For those who are diagnosed with Coeliac disease, a gluten free regimen is essential, but for others this small amount of protein may be beneficial for weight loss as protein helps promote a feeling of fullness.
