Short Answer: Grits are bad for weight gain because they have a lot of carbohydrates and calories. They can raise your blood sugar, stimulate your appetite, and increase your fat storage.
Weight gain is a condition that affects your body weight and composition.
In weight gain, your body stores more fat than it burns, resulting in an increase in your body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage.
This can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
One of the key factors in managing weight gain is diet.
What you consume can affect your calorie intake and expenditure, which can impact your weight gain or loss.
To effectively manage weight gain, you should consume protein and fiber-rich foods like eggs, beans, and oats, and avoid refined carbohydrate and fat-rich foods like white bread, pastries, and fried foods.
Now, grits are a creamy, thick porridge made from dried, ground corn that is cooked with hot water, milk, or broth.
People usually eat grits as a breakfast or side dish, and often add butter, cheese, sugar, or syrups to enhance their flavor.
Grits are bad for weight gain because they contain a lot of carbohydrates and calories.
One cup (242 grams) of cooked grits packs 24 grams of carbs and 160 calories.
Carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar levels, which can stimulate your appetite and make you eat more.
Calories are the units of energy that your body uses or stores.
If you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight.
Corn, the main ingredient of grits, can negatively affect weight gain.
Corn is high in starch, a type of carbohydrate that is easily digested and absorbed by your body.
Starch can spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can promote fat storage and weight gain.
Corn is also low in fiber, a type of carbohydrate that can slow down digestion and keep you full for longer.
Fiber can help you eat less and lose weight.
Furthermore, grits are a processed food and processed foods are bad for weight gain.
Processing methods can remove the fiber and nutrients from the corn kernels, leaving behind only the starch.
Processed foods can also have added sugar, salt, and fat, which can increase their calorie and carbohydrate content.
Processed foods can also lack the natural flavors and textures of whole foods, which can make you eat more and feel less satisfied.
That’s why I suggest you limit your grits intake to prevent weight gain.
Stick to one-quarter cup (41 grams) of cooked grits per day, which provides 6 grams of carbs and 40 calories.
More than that can cause blood sugar spikes, increased appetite, and excess calorie intake.
Also, you shouldn’t eat grits if you have diabetes or prediabetes to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
Because grits have a high glycemic index, a measure of how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels.
High glycemic foods can worsen your blood sugar control and increase your risk of diabetes complications.
You can buy grits in your local grocery store or online.
Always choose stone-ground grits, which are made from whole corn kernels and have more fiber and nutrients than other types of grits.
Because fiber and nutrients can help you control your blood sugar and appetite.
You can store them in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing weight gain effectively.
I always recommend my weight gain patients to follow a weight loss-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.