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The #1 Best Bread to Shrink Belly Fat, Says Dietitian

Not all bread is created equal—some types can even help you reach your health goals.
FACT CHECKED BY Kiersten Hickman

People are afraid of all things bread—especially when they're trying to lose weight. And while it's understandable they would be based on the endless amounts of fad diets and anti-carb trends, not all bread is created equal. There are some types of bread that can actually help you achieve your health goals.

"The bread aisle is full of options and many are made with ultra-refined ingredients," medical expert Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility. "While eating traditional bread in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet, there are some options that are better than others when it comes to weight loss and belly fat reduction."

According to Manaker, one of the best bread choices for weight loss is Ezekiel 4:9 Bread.

Here's how this type of bread can help you in your weight loss efforts, and for more healthy eating tips, check out 30 Essential Spring Superfoods for Weight Loss.

What is Ezekiel 4:9 Bread?

ezekiel bread
Whole Foods
Per 1 slice: 80 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 75 mg sodium, 15 g carbs (3 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 5 g protein

Ezekiel bread undergoes a unique process and contains a powerful combination of ingredients that can help your body in numerous ways.

"Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Breads are flourless and instead rely on a unique combination of freshly sprouted grains and legumes like wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt," says Manaker. "Together, these are a source of complete protein and contain 18 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids. The slow-bake process used in production preserves the natural fiber and bran benefits of grains."

How can it help with weight loss?

Whole grain bread
Shutterstock

Despite the fear that surrounds eating bread, whole grains can actually be a very pivotal component in weight loss and management and do not have the same effects as white and processed bread.

According to a recent review published in The World Journal of Diabetes, replacing refined grains (white bread) with whole grain bread (like Ezekiel 4:9) is associated with greater weight loss.

The exact reasons are still being studied, but researchers believe it has to do with the high-fiber content and potentially helpful interaction with the gut microbiome. Because of the dietary fiber, for example, whole grain bread can leave you feeling full longer while also improving digestion.

Whole grains are often much lower in added sugar than refined grains, which can make a significant difference in your weight loss efforts. For all of these reasons, Ezekiel 4:9 bread really is your best bread choice for losing belly fat.

"Ezekiel 4:9 bread can be a part of a belly fat-reducing diet thanks to the no added sugars, three grams of satiating fiber, and five grams of protein per serving," says Manaker. "The combo won't spike your blood sugars like traditional bread can, and it can help shrink belly fat if it is enjoyed with other good-for-you foods like avocado slices or natural nut butter."

Samantha Boesch
Samantha was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and now works as a writer in Brooklyn, NY. Read more about Samantha