Jelly Belly Be Gone

Anyone who’s tried to lose weight within the past decade has asked themselves one common question: “Can I eat bread?”

Well, guess what? Yes, there’s certainly room for bread in your weight loss plan - there’s a simple rule you can use to help you wisely choose a loaf.

So, what’s the connection? Starches, such as breads and baked goods, usually contain a standard amount of calories by weight, about 80 calories per ounce, whereas heavier breads are going to contain a higher calorie count.

One nutrition expert explained that most slices of regular bread weigh about an ounce, around 80 calories, while a slice of dense, all-natural bread, might weigh 2 or even 3 ounces, between 160 to even 240 calories. Those heavier loaves of bread may look and sound like they’re healthy, but their density signals that they probably contain more calories than most other loaves. Plus, they’re typically made with simple sugars like high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose and maltose that will add even more calories.

You may be wondering about where other baked good weigh in? Well, similarly, treats like banana breads and plain cakes contain roughly 125 calories per ounce. If you pick up a “healthy,” “all-natural” bran muffin and it feels like a brick, consider the caloric consequences: A standard 4-ounce muffin weighs in at around 500 calories, almost the equivalent of 7 slices of standard bread.

So remember to check out whether those breads and starches tip the scales before you buy them - it’s easy, free and could save you a ton (of calories) in the long run!