Is that fried fish sandwich your guilty pleasure? Is that crispy, golden-fried fish hindering or helping your weight loss efforts? Well, eating fried foods often seems at odds with weight loss goals. So, is fried fish good for weight loss?
No, fried fish is not good for losing weight. That’s because the batter and frying add a lot of fat, calories, and salt. Instead, you can opt for other options like baking, grilling, or steaming to devour fish.
By the end, you’ll know specific guidance on consuming fried fish. You’ll leave better informed to enjoy fish fries while progressing toward your goals or determine they don’t align with your healthy lifestyle.
Is Fried Fish Good For Weight Loss?
Fried fish isn’t ideal for weight loss due to its fat, high calorie, and sodium content from the batter and frying oil. Healthier cooking options include grilling, baking, or steaming.
If you’re on a weight loss journey, consulting a dietitian is crucial. They can advise on suitable foods, including fish. Self-imposed food restrictions without professional guidance can be risky. Remember, it’s important to enjoy your food while also achieving your health goals safely.
Other Benefits of Eating Fried Fish
Though fried fish might not be good for your weight loss journey, it’s got a few benefits though
Improved Brain Health
Eating fried fish can delay age-related neurological issues like memory loss and difficulty multitasking. This makes fish a highly beneficial food for brain health.
Reduced Risk of Depression
Research links the fatty acids in fish to lower depression symptoms. Regular fish consumption can improve cognitive function and decrease the likelihood of mood disorders.
Impact of Fried Fish on Health
Cooking fish the right way is crucial for health. Eating fried fish often can be bad for you. A study in 2003, involving over 3,000 people aged 65 and older, showed that eating fish in moderation is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
However, another study tracking the health of more than 21,000 individuals over 45 found a different result for fried fish. This study revealed that eating fried fish frequently is associated with a higher chance of stroke and heart disease.
Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce the risk of heart-related problems. But, frying fish often leads to the loss of these beneficial nutrients. The research concluded that consuming fried fish twice a week greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
In summary, while fried fish can be harmful to your health, it’s not necessary to completely remove fish from your diet. Eating fried fish should be limited to no more than once a month. There are many healthier and tastier ways to enjoy fish, such as boiling or baking, which can be more flavorful than frying.
Healthier Fried Fish Tips
Take a look at our tips if you want to enjoy fried fish without harming your health.
Limit Frequency
Enjoy fried fish occasionally, but don’t make it a regular part of your diet.
Pair Wisely
When you do eat fried fish, combine it with plenty of fruits and vegetables, not heavy sides.
Diet and Exercise
Balance your diet with fruits and vegetables, and stay active. Studies show women who frequently eat fried fish often eat fewer healthy foods and exercise less.
Oil Quality and Usage
Change the frying oil each time to avoid harmful substances. Choose oils with a high smoking point, like sunflower, peanuts, certain olive oils, or safflower oil.
Healthier Cooking Methods
Use less oil and batter for pan frying. If deep frying, apply minimal coating or butter to reduce calorie intake.
Sustainable Choices
Opt for sustainably raised or wild-caught fish. Avoid over-harvested types and consider locally caught fish when possible.
Alternatives to Fried Fish for Weight Loss
Fish can be prepared and enjoyed in various ways other than frying. Here are some popular methods —
Grilled
Grilling fish is a favourite choice, giving a smoky flavour and a crispy texture. Whether you use an outdoor grill, indoor grill, or grill pan, it’s a great way to cook fish
Baked
You can bake fish in the oven, whether it’s a whole fish or fillets. Simply season with herbs, lemon, or other seasonings. It’s a healthy and straightforward cooking method that works well with different fish types.
Broiled
Broiling involves cooking fish under a hot broiler or grill. This results in a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Poached
Poaching means gently cooking fish in a flavorful liquid like water or broth at a low temperature. It maintains the delicate texture and flavour of the fish.
Ceviche
Ceviche comes from Latin America, and it’s made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices, usually lemon or lime. It’s the acid that “cooks” the fish, and it’s typically combined with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for added flavour.
Sushi and Sashimi
In Japanese cuisine, you can enjoy raw fish in the form of sushi (served on sticky rice) or sashimi (sliced raw fish served on its own).
Conclusion
Is fried fish good for weight loss? When it comes to weight loss, fried fish is not an ideal choice. Cooking, coating, or battering adds significantly more calories, fat, sodium, and fat, which are counterproductive to weight loss.
Grilled, baked, or air-fried fish is a much healthier option that fits better into a weight loss meal plan. Focusing on lower calorie preparation methods allows you to still enjoy the great taste and lean protein of fish while shedding excess pounds.
If you enjoy fried fish, try limiting it to an occasional treat. Use heart-healthy oils like olive oil when cooking fish at home, along with fresh vegetables. Small changes in how you prepare and enjoy fish can contribute to sustainable weight loss over time if you keep it as part of a healthy diet.
FAQs
Is fried fish high in sodium?
Naturally, fish isn’t high in sodium. The sodium level in fried fish depends on how much salt you add during cooking.
Which is healthier grilled or fried fish?
Grilling fish is healthier. The high heat not only creates a tasty char but also keeps the fish juicy and tender. Grilling reduces the intake of unhealthy fats compared to frying.
How healthy is battered fish?
Fried, battered fish, like fish and chips, is generally not considered healthy. This is mainly due to the large amount of oil used in deep frying
