Is Salmon Good for Weight Loss?

Is Salmon good for weight loss? Definitely yes! Salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can possibly add to your diet. It’s famous for having healthy fats but how does it fare when it comes to supporting a healthy weight? Keep reading to learn more about salmon including its nutrition composition, health benefits, and if it supports healthy weight loss.

This is your guide to using Salmon in your diet:

• Salmon effects on weight loss?
• Health Benefits of Salmon
• How to eat Salmon for weight loss

Salmon Effects on Weight Loss 

Yes, salmon is very good for weight loss. Since salmon is described as a fatty fish, you may think that it isn’t suitable for a weight loss diet. 

However, when considering a weight loss meal plan, it's important to note that salmon is quite reasonable in calories, with just over 200 calories per serving. But remember, it isn't just about calories when on a weight loss journey. The goal is to achieve a healthy balanced diet that supports your overall health. Salmon offers numerous benefits beyond its calorie content. It's rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various nutrients that contribute to optimal health. By incorporating salmon into a well-rounded weight loss meal plan, you can enjoy its nutritional advantages while working towards your weight loss goals. With the support of a reliable weight loss meal delivery service, you can conveniently include a variety of nutritious meals featuring salmon, ensuring that your weight loss journey is not only effective but also sustainable in the long run.

In addition to its fair calorie content, salmon is also a good source of protein which is essential for those trying to sustainably lose weight. 

Salmon Nutrition Facts

Here are some interesting Salmon facts.

Salmon has 121 calories, 17g of protein, 5.4g of fat, including healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and 37.4mg of salt per serving. Salmon contains no fiber, sugars, or carbs. 

3.5 ounces (100 grams) of wild salmon contain:

• Calories: 182

• Protein: 25 grams

• Fat: 8 grams

• Carbohydrate: 0 grams

• Vitamin B12: 127% of the daily requirement

• Vitamin B6: 56% of the daily requirement

• Selenium: 85% of the daily requirement

• Niacin: 63% of the daily requirement

• Pantothenic acid: 38% of the daily requirement

It is important to note that wild salmon has a slightly superior nutrition composition to farmed salmon. In particular, wild salmon is richer in protein and lower in calories. However, the differences between the nutrition composition of the two types of salmon should be negligible over time. 

Health Benefits of Salmon 

• Good source of omega 3 fats. Salmon is one of the best and most accessible sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. While there are no official recommendations for how much omega-3 fats you need every day, a minimum of two servings of salmon (1 serving = 3 ounces cooked salmon) is enough to meet the American Heart Association recommendation for fatty fish consumption.  

• Good source of protein. Like many types of fish, salmon is a good source of protein which is necessary for maintaining and repairing body tissues including muscle. Building muscle can accelerate weight loss since muscle tissue burns more fat at rest. Eating high-protein meals can also help you feel full for longer after meals protecting you from unwanted cravings. 

• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential not only because of the omega-3 fats but also other compounds, particularly, astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, the compound that gives salmon its signature pink hue, has been shown to protect the body from oxidative and inflammatory damage through its antioxidant action. 

• Supports weight loss. The protein content and fair calorie content of salmon make it the ideal food for those looking to lose or maintain weight. Studies show that those who eat fish tend to have healthier weights than those who don’t. 

• Rich in micronutrients. Salmon is not only good for its macros but also for its micronutrients. It is particularly rich in B vitamins and selenium, one of the most important antioxidants in the body. 

• Convenient. In most parts of the world, salmon is fairly affordable and accessible especially if you consider how much it benefits the body. It is also very versatile and easy to prepare, taking under 30 minutes to fully cook. 

How to eat Salmon for Weight Loss

As we have mentioned, salmon is quite versatile giving you an array of ways you can enjoy it. Below are some of the ways you can eat salmon whether you are trying to lose weight or not: 

• Pan-fried or pan-seared salmon

• Grilled salmon

• Baked salmon

• Air Fried salmon

• Smoked salmon

• Dried salmon

• Steamed salmon

Final Thoughts

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse that offers a number of remarkable health advantages. You can meet your nutrient needs and lower the risk of developing various diseases by eating at least two servings per week. Salmon is also flavorful, filling, and flexible. It's possible that eating this fatty fish regularly will enhance both your health and quality of life.

FAQ

Can you eat salmon every day to lose weight?

Yes, you can consume salmon every day to lose weight if you want to. However, you don’t need to eat salmon every day to lose weight. Other protein sources you can try include chicken, beef, beans, and peas. If you want to stick with fish, there are still plenty of options for you including prawns, shrimp, cod, mackerel, and seabass. 

Is salmon too fatty for weight loss?

No, salmon isn’t too fatty for weight loss. In fact, a serving of wild salmon has less than 10 grams of fat. It is easy to think salmon is very fatty because experts say it is rich in healthy fats, however, these are present in very small amounts. We still say it is rich in these fats because we need so little of these fats to stay healthy. 

Which fish is best for weight loss?

In general, all fish is good for weight loss. This includes salmon, cod, shrimp, prawns, seabass, mackerel, sardines, trout, tuna, and many more. 

How much salmon is good for weight loss?

The amount of salmon that is considered appropriate for weight loss can vary depending on individual factors such as calorie needs, overall dietary plan, and personal preferences. However, a general guideline is to aim for 2-3 servings of fish per week, including salmon. Each serving is typically around 3-4 ounces (85-113 grams) of cooked salmon. This portion size provides an adequate amount of protein and healthy fats while keeping the calorie intake in check. Remember to balance your meals with a variety of other nutritious foods to create a well-rounded and calorie-controlled weight loss plan.