If you’re trying to make healthy decisions in order to shed a few pounds this summer, you may be opting for healthy side dishes at all your picnics and barbeques. From grilled vegetables to fruit salad, there are plenty of tasty, nutritious options to choose from. However, there’s one potentially unexpectedly fattening salad that experts say you should be wary of: coleslaw. While this dish may not always be healthy, there are a few key factors that could lead to weight gain, and there are several adjustments you can make to your recipe in order to assure you’re serving up (and eating) the healthiest slaw around.
To learn more about the potential health risks of coleslaw, especially when it comes to weight management, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. She told us that this salad typically contains high-calorie dressings and added sugar. Luckily, she also shared a few healthy alternatives so that you can keep that coleslaw-shaped spot in your heart filled. Find it all below!
Coleslaw itself is a vegetable-based dish, which means it can be a part of a healthy and balanced weight loss diet.
How coleslaw may lead to weight gain
Coleslaw is often considered a healthy side dish or sandwich topping thanks to the fact that its a relatively light salad made of low-calorie cabbage. However, Sabat says that there are a few health concerns at hand if youre eating high amounts of coleslaw; the issues arise when you consider the ingredients that are added to the shredded cabbage.
For one, she points out that coleslaw typically contains high-calorie dressings. “Coleslaw dressings often contain mayonnaise or creamy dressings that can be high in calories and fat,” she says, warning that “these additions can significantly increase the caloric content of the dish.” Mayonnaise, in particular, is one condiment that health experts generally warn against if youre trying to lose weight. This high-fat sauce can lead to a number of negative effects on your health.
Then theres the issue of added sugar. Coleslaw typically has a tangy, sweet flavor—and it may contain sugary ingredients to create this flavor. “Some coleslaw recipes may include added sugar in the dressing or the addition of sweet ingredients like dried fruits,” Sabat says. “These can increase the overall calorie count and contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.” Excessive sugar consumption is associated with a wide range of health risks, so its important to limit your intake as much as possible.
Plus, she points out that just like any other food, eating large portions of coleslaw can ultimately result in weight gain. Unfortunately, many of us are likely to overindulge on this potentially sugary, fattening salad because its quite light (and delicious). “Portion control is essential, even when consuming healthier options,” Sabat reminds us.
Why is coleslaw bad for you?
FAQ
Can you eat coleslaw on a diet?
Why is coleslaw so high in calories?
Which is healthier potato salad or coleslaw?
Is coleslaw good for weight loss?
Coleslaw is actually about raw vegetables. These Vegetables contain fiber that is very good for weight loss. Fiber gives satiating effects to your stomach and keeps it full for longer. So you do not feel hungry for a longer period. This can help in losing weight. Fruits and vegetables are very good to eat if you want to lose weight.
Are collard greens good for weight loss?
Yes, collard greens can help with weight loss, it is always beneficial to eat leafy greens. It is important to consider how they are cooked, if they are cooked in a lot of fat or oil, these added calories will make it harder to lose weight. Weight loss is a result of a calorie deficit, or consuming fewer calories than you burn, and eating collard greens could help you consume fewer calories resulting in weight loss.
Is Weight Watchers coleslaw healthy?
Weight Watchers Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for your summer cookout. This recipe is a light and healthy coleslaw version of the traditional homemade coleslaw recipe. The Weight Watchers Coleslaw recipe is low fat, sugar free, and easy to put together. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge before you can enjoy it.
Is coleslaw a healthy salad?
Coleslaw is a very healthy and nutritious salad with the special benefits of cabbage and carrots. These shredded vegetables are used as a base for coleslaw. Along with cabbage and carrots, coleslaw also contains cucumber and kohlrabi. Coleslaw is a good way to fulfill our fruits and vegetable intake.