Salmon: Here’s How It Can Help You Lose Weight

The various water bodies that cover our planet are home to a tremendously rich variety of flora and fauna. These species are what makeup aquaculture nutrition. Today we talk about one of the famous names included in aquaculture nutrition – Salmon. Salmons are freshwater fishes. They are native to the North Atlantic and Pacific ocean tributaries. This beautiful silver-scaled fish is a hotspot of nutrients that offers a host full of health advantages. 

Salmons are tender and have a rich buttery flavour. The flesh of this nutrient-rich fatty fish is a distinctive shade of pink. However, wild salmon can be any shade from deep red to orange. The vital nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids rich in DHA, high-quality protein, rich-fibre content, and various essential micronutrients. In addition, it contains vitamin B-complex, vitamin D, etc., which gives it the superfood punch. Salmon can boost weight loss if added smartly to your weight loss diet plan. Experts advise including some fish protein in your diet. They are nutritious, offer a variety of advantages, and taste great. 

There are six edible salmon species, including wild and farmed fish. Depending on the fish species, salmon contains a fair amount of cholesterol, ranging from 23 to 214 mg/100 g. Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a therapeutic use, are abundant in salmon. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, are a necessary nutrient with high antioxidant capabilities that supports a healthy heart, brain, and eye, among other bodily functions. 

The only tried-and-true method for losing weight is to reduce your caloric intake while increasing your physical activity. To make every mouthful count when reducing calories, ensure your diet is full of nutrient-dense foods like salmon. 

Read on to learn how salmon aids your health and incorporate it into your weight-loss diet.

Is Salmon Good for Weight Loss?

When trying to lose weight, it would be helpful to consider how many calories you consume. The less you consume, the less challenging it will be for you to lose weight. For instance, if you consume 1000 fewer calories than your body needs, you will probably lose two pounds in just one week!

It would help if you kept a few things in mind while choosing a safe weight loss approach. The most crucial one is providing your body with the proper nutrients. Salmon is an ideal option because it is high in protein while still low in calories. Therefore, while on one hand, it requires more energy to be digested which accelerates calorie burn, on the other side, it keeps our hunger satiated for longer that prevents binge eating.   

Protein promotes weight reduction. For the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, protein is necessary. Even while you’re resting, you burn more calories the more muscle you have. 

Unhealthy fats primarily cause unwanted weight gain. You find these fats lurking in packaged snacks like crackers and fried foods like chips and chicken nuggets. Excess consumption of these foods can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease and weight gain. Salmon can assist you in eliminating these unhealthy fats and substituting them with beneficial fats for your health. Reduced risk of stroke and heart diseases and reduced cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Good fats can aid in weight loss. These fats help you feel fuller for longer, which lowers your risk of overeating. 

You can be sure that eating salmon will help you lose fat, which is a critical component of weight loss. In addition, the oils in salmon not only help you lose weight but also battle mood swings. 

The HealthifyMe Note

To reach your target weight, you must have unwavering dedication and zeal. There are various strategies to lose weight, but eating the right foods and consistently exercising are the most effective. Naturally, salmon is an exceptionally nutrient-dense fatty fish. Its healthy fats and good quality protein assists in preventing hunger pangs, which is beneficial for any weight loss programme. 

Ways to Include Salmon in Your Diet

Salmon is a flavorful and filling fish. You can prepare it in various ways. However, the ideal weight-loss cooking methods include broiled, grilled, baked, and pan-fried salmon dishes.

It is important to note that variety is one of the critical components of a healthy diet. Therefore, it is crucial to select several foods from each food group for optimum health because they include a variety of nutrients. For example, even though salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, we need to eat various protein-rich foods daily.

Health experts recommend eating salmon 200-250 grams a week. Moreover, daily eating of salmon may ward off heart diseases. However, a few studies highlight the risk of developing mercury poisoning from high salmon consumption. 

Concludingly, it’s safe to say that eating salmon once or twice a week will have no adverse effects and maximise health benefits. You can include salmon in pasta, salads and rice dishes. Slice it into bite-sized pieces and savour the flavour. You can substitute salmon salad for chicken salad. Incorporate it into the diet in a variety of ways. However, given that losing weight is your goal, keep track of your caloric intake.

The HealthifyMe Note

Salmon is a nutrient powerhouse with several health benefits. Eating twice weekly, 200-250 grams, can meet your nutrient needs, reduce your chance of getting numerous diseases, and assist in weight loss. Additionally, it is tasty, satisfying, and adaptable. 

Recipe to Try

Salmon & Avocado Salad

Serving – 4 

Preparation time – 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Skinless salmon fillets: 120g
• Sliced red cabbage: 2 cups
• Carrots: 1 cup
• Chopped avocados: 2
• Garlic clove: 1
• Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Ground pepper: ¼ tsp
• Lettuce: 1 cup
• Salt: A pinch
• White vinegar: 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
• Water: 2 tbsp

Methods

• Mix water, ½ cup avocado, 1 tbsp oil, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Keep the spread chilled until you’re ready to use it.
• Put the plain salmon fillet on the pan and cook for four minutes until it is opaque primarily at the edges and golden brown on the bottom. Flip the fillets gently, then turn off the heat. Allow the fillets to cook in the pan for two to three minutes.

(Note: Salmon is already rich in fat so we do not need to coat it with oil again! It’s also got inherent sodium, so we do not need salt. Just a bit of freshly ground pepper will do! )

• In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and the leftover dressing; gently toss to coat. Place the salad on four plates, garnish with the last avocado and top each salad by adding a salmon fillet. Eat and enjoy!

Weight Loss Baked Lemon Salmon

Serving- 1

Preparation time- 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Salmon: 200g
• Lemons: 1 (sliced in rounds)
• Pepper: to taste

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Rinse salmon in cold water and place on a tin foiled lined baking pan.
• Sprinkle on pepper if desired.
• Slice lemons and place them on top of the salmon fillet.
• Wrap the fish in the tin foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes.
• Enjoy!

Conclusion

Salmon is a unique fish that will unquestionably be delicious. In addition to being jam-packed with marvellous nutrients, it also has the added benefit of being helpful for weight loss. So include this fish in your diet. Many believe salmon can help overweight individuals reach their desired weight goals. It is true, mainly when one eats nutrient-dense food, restricts calorie consumption and leads an active life.