Yes, steak can be good for weight loss. This is because steak is high in protein, it tastes great so it’s easy to eat, and because it contains some fat which helps to keep one satiated throughout the day and night. However, steak is only good for weight loss if it is eaten in moderation, as with nearly every food.
There seems to be endless information out there on which foods are the dos and don’ts for weight loss. So, we’re exploring how steak measures up and how to incorporate it into your diet properly to lose weight effectively. Read on for our advice on the question, “Is steak good for weight loss?”.
Is steak good for you?
In moderation, steak is good for you. Steak is filled with protein. For every 100 grams of steak, you’ll be eating 25 grams of protein. For context, that’s more protein than in 100 grams of fish and slightly less than in 100 grams of chicken.
Along with this protein, steak also contains, on average, 19 grams of fat per 100 grams of steak. Unfortunately, fat got a bad reputation in the ‘90s when all the fat-free diets rose to popularity. In actuality, fats are very important for our bodies and our brains. The fat in your steak will help you stay satiated for a long time after the meal so you ultimately, eat fewer calories throughout the day. A fat-free meal will simply leave your body looking for something else and that’s why people end up snacking on greasy foods and putting on pounds instead of shedding them.
Will steak help me lose weight?
Steak will help you lose weight if you eat it in moderation. This means roughly a few times per week. As with any food, moderation is key. If you begin eating steak for lunch and dinner every day, not only will it cost you a small fortune and damage your eco-footprint, but it will also hurt your body. Though it may sound cliché, too much of one thing is never good.
Add a couple of steaks into your weekly meals and make sure you are complementing your high protein intake with regular exercise. At the end of the day, you can eat nearly anything and lose weight as long as you are in a caloric deficit. This means you are consuming fewer calories than you are expending on any given day. Over time, a consistent caloric deficit will mean you are losing weight. However, the healthier and more nutritious the foods you consume in this caloric deficit are, the better your body will function thus, helping with the weight loss.
How much steak should I eat in one sitting to lose weight?
The size of the steak you should eat largely depends on your weight and height, sex, the amount of exercise you get each day, and even, to some degree, your age. For instance, a large, young man who spends three hours a day in the gym will need more than an average-sized woman over 50 years old. Use an online calculator to find the right amount of steak for you.
Additionally, try to purchase organic, free-run steak for a healthier, GMO-free meal that is less harmful to the environment.
What should I cook my steak with to lose weight?
If you coat your steak in herbed butter and pair it with a side of large fries, it will inevitably be less helpful in your weight loss journey (though we know it will taste delectable). We recommend grilling your steak to get that delicious smoky flavor without all the added fat from butter and oil. You can also bake it for the same reason as you won’t need to add extra fat because of its naturally high-fat content. Though the butter coating tastes great, we recommend skipping it if you’re trying to shed pounds.
Again, the potato side is okay as you shouldn’t be afraid of carbs. However, if those potatoes are fried, it’s another story. Try boiling your potatoes or even roasting them with small amounts of oil for a great complement to your steak that will round off the necessary nutrients in your meal. Add some greens such as grilled asparagus, a side salad, or steamed green beans to get those antioxidants in. A meal with all these components will keep you satiated and help your body function properly to get to or maintain a healthy weight.
Final thoughts
Steak, in moderation, is good for weight loss. Because of its protein and fat content, it will keep you satiated and energized throughout the day. Remember, as long as you are in a caloric deficit, you can lose weight by eating just about any food. However, the more nutritious the foods, the better you will feel.
If you want to see how many calories you should eat in a day to lose weight, check out our tdee calculator.
