When it comes to getting fit and healthy, what you eat plays a significant role. Chicken breast is one of the best foods to incorporate into your meal plan. This lean protein source is versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients to help you achieve your fitness goals.
In this blog, we'll explore why chicken breasts are an excellent choice for weight loss and muscle growth and how to incorporate them into your diet
What is a Chicken-Based Diet?
A chicken-based diet puts chicken front and centre as your primary source of protein. You can cook it in all sorts of tasty ways, like grilling, baking, or stir-frying, to keep things interesting while eating healthy. Chicken breasts are a top pick because they're high in protein and low in fat, which makes them perfect for anyone watching their health.
Benefits of Chicken Breast
High in Protein
High in Protein, Low in Fat: A 100-gram serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast provides about 31 grams of protein and only 3.6 grams of fat. This high protein-to-fat ratio makes chicken breasts an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight and build muscle.
Low in Calories
A 100-gram serving contains only around 165 calories, making it a great option for those who are counting calories and aiming to create a calorie deficit for weight loss.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Chicken breasts are packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, which support energy metabolism, and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium, which are important for overall health.
How Chicken Contributes to Muscle Growth and Health
Protein is vital for building and repairing muscles, and chicken breasts are a top-notch source of high-quality protein. The amino acids in chicken breasts help your body build new muscle. Chicken breasts contain a good amount of leucine, an amino acid that promotes muscle growth.
How Chicken Breasts Diet Helps in Weight Loss
Satiety
Protein-rich foods like chicken breasts help you feel full longer, reducing overall calorie intake which is good if you’re monitoring them for your weight loss journey.
Preservation of Lean Muscle Mass
During weight loss, it's important to preserve lean muscle mass. Protein from chicken breasts supports muscle maintenance while you're in a calorie deficit.
Metabolism Boost
Protein has a higher thermic effect compared to fats and carbohydrates, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it which is essential to lose weight
Healthy Cooking Methods for Chicken
To gain the most from your chicken breasts and to maximise the health benefits, it’s best to prepare them using these cooking methods:
Grilled
Grilling chicken breasts is a quick and easy method that adds a delicious smoky flavour without adding extra fat.
Baked
Baking chicken breasts with herbs and spices can result in a juicy and flavourful dish.
Charbroiled
Charbroiling adds a charred, savoury taste to chicken breasts and is an excellent option for a low-fat meal.
Meal Planning with Chicken Breast Recipes
It is best to have your meal plan if you are aiming to lose weight and grow your muscle. Incorporating chicken breasts into your meal plan can be simple and delicious. Here are two delicious ways to prepare the meals:
Classic Chicken Avocado Sandwich
Source: @clubofoto from Canva
Is there anything better than a fresh, hearty and classic chicken avocado sandwich? We challenge you to find a better marriage than that of crispy ciabatta bread from the bakery, a creamy ripe avocado and melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast. Perfect for casual weekend lunches and for weight loss and muscle growth.
To make it, you'll need The Meat Club Cage-free Chicken Breasts, ciabatta bread, ripe avocado, mayonnaise, baby spinach, Roma tomato, vinaigrette, salt, and pepper. Cook and shred the chicken, then layer it on the bread with the other ingredients. Serve as is or toast in a sandwich press for extra crispiness.
Veggie Chicken Pesto
This Veggie Chicken Pesto is full of water-rich and fibrous veggies, antioxidants from the basil, clean protein and healthy monounsaturated fat. it’s keto, paleo and low-carb friendly if you happen to follow any of those specific diets!
This recipe features chicken, broccoli, zoodles, and a homemade pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. Roast the pine nuts and broccoli, make the pesto, cook the chicken in butter, and sauté the zoodles. Combine everything in a skillet and serve with extra pine nuts and red pepper flakes for added crunch and heat.
Visit The Meat Club for High-Quality Chicken Breasts
Visit The Meat Club to find high-quality chicken breasts and other premium ingredients to support your fitness journey. Explore more healthy chicken recipes and elevate your meals with our delicious options.