Timing it right prevents overindulging.
THE GIST
Bread is usually served first, but if you start your meal with it, you’ll likely consume more calories.
EXPERT INSIGHT
When eaten alone, bread can spike your insulin levels, making you hungrier, says Bethany Snodgrass, holistic health coach and operations manager at the Equinox Fitness Training Institute in New York City. It’s why many restaurants put the basket on the table before you order.
That doesn’t mean you need to skip it altogether—just eat it mid-meal. Combining the carbs with the fat and protein from your main course controls blood sugar and prevents overindulging, she explains.
THE BOTTOM LINE
You’re best off eating bread with the rest of your meal. If you really can’t resist it, have a slice with butter or olive oil, Snodgrass says. The fats will help mitigate the insulin spikes that can lead to overeating.
Photo: Getty Images