Many people incorporate chicken into their diet if theyâre trying to lose weight, but why?Written byGemma KaczerepaMedically reviewed by Last UpdatedDecember 28, 2023
Chicken is an incredibly popular food in Australia [1] and for good reason: itâs tasty, versatile, relatively affordable, and it packs quite the nutritional punch, boasting benefits like a high protein content and a host of vitamins and minerals.
Many certainly do incorporate chicken into their diet if theyâre trying to lose weight, mostly thanks to its protein powers. In fact, thereâs now an entire diet that revolves around eating (only) chicken.
But, before you stock up on the stuff and incorporate it into every meal, there are a few things you should know about eating chicken for weight loss.
Parts like chicken wings, thighs, and drumsticks are very high in calories and fat, thus, making them a not-so-good option for weight loss.
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Chicken is an incredibly popular food in Australia [1] and for good reason: itâs tasty, versatile, relatively affordable, and it packs quite the nutritional punch, boasting benefits like a high protein content and a host of vitamins and minerals.
Is chicken good for weight loss, though?
Many certainly do incorporate chicken into their diet if theyâre trying to lose weight, mostly thanks to its protein powers. In fact, thereâs now an entire diet that revolves around eating (only) chicken.
But, before you stock up on the stuff and incorporate it into every meal, there are a few things you should know about eating chicken for weight loss.
What is the chicken diet?
Familiar with the chicken diet? If not, it is a pretty regimented weight loss diet that first gained notoriety when Matt Damon said he survived on chicken breasts alone to lose around 27kg for his role in Courage Under Fire.
It involves eating chicken, and only chicken, for each and every meal â though some followers are a little less strict and include low-calorie vegetables, like broccoli or sweet potato, to boost the nutritional content of their diet and to add variety.
Thereâs no restriction on what cut of chicken (although, most followers stick to the breast for its lower fat and calorie content) or how you cook the chicken (some continue to eat fried chicken, but methods like poaching and grilling are obviously lower in fat) and your portion sizes.
Several other proponents of the diet claim it can burn body fat rapidly because it allows you to enter a calorie deficit fairly easily â that is, where you consume fewer calories than you burn, allowing you to lose weight.
Bulking Meal Prep: Chicken Thighs for the Size!
FAQ
Is Chicken Thigh good for you to Lose Weight?
Do chicken thighs lose weight when cooked?
Is it OK to eat chicken thigh fat?
Can we eat chicken daily for weight loss?
Does the chicken diet include thighs?
In its most rigid form, the chicken diet includes only chicken breast meat. However, some dieters include other cuts of chicken, including legs, thighs, and wings. These cuts are higher in fat than breast meat. Therefore, they provide more calories. People on the chicken diet use several cooking methods for their meals:
What are the ways to reduce thigh fat?
To reduce thigh fat, focus on a balanced diet and exercise. Eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight overall. Cardio workouts like jogging help burn fat, while strength exercises tone muscles. Squats and lunges are good for the thighs. Remember, spot reduction is challenging, so target overall body fat loss for best results.
Can you lose weight if you eat only chicken?
Followers of this version stick to eating only chicken, mostly breast meat, to achieve a calorie deficit. This is a state in which you eat fewer calories than you burn, leading to weight loss. The chicken diet is a diet in which you consume only chicken for all your meals to promote a calorie deficit and lose weight.
Is chicken good for weight loss?
Chicken is a weight loss superfood with many benefits. The high protein content is one of the primary reasons for its weight-loss benefits, as it helps increase feelings of fullness, boost metabolism, and promote post-workout recovery. Chicken also contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than red meat, making it a healthier alternative.