If you are a non-vegetarian lover and want to lose weight in winter, you might be wondering which meat is better for your diet plan. Chicken and mutton are both popular sources of protein, but they have different nutritional profiles. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of chicken contains 140 calories, 24.11 grams of protein, and 3.12 grams of fat. On the other hand, 100 grams of mutton contains 143 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 57 milligrams of sodium and about 26 grams of protein. Therefore, chicken has less fat and calories than mutton, which can help you control your weight.
Chicken is rich in calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C
Apart from being low in fat and calories, chicken is also a treasure trove of many nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Chicken is rich in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Chicken also provides iron, which helps prevent anemia and boosts your energy levels. Moreover, chicken contains vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight and skin health. And chicken has vitamin C, which boosts your immunity and fights infections.
Mutton is high in iron, zinc and vitamin B12
Mutton is not all bad for your health. In fact, mutton has some advantages over chicken in terms of certain nutrients. Mutton is high in iron, which is important for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. Mutton also has zinc, which is vital for wound healing and immune function. And mutton is a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
How to eat chicken and mutton for weight loss
If you want to enjoy chicken and mutton without compromising your weight loss goals, you need to follow some tips on how to cook and eat them. Here are some suggestions:
- Choose lean cuts of chicken and mutton and trim off any visible fat before cooking.
- Use healthy methods of cooking such as grilling, baking, roasting or boiling instead of frying or deep-frying.
- Avoid adding too much oil, butter, cream or cheese to your dishes. Use herbs, spices, lemon juice or vinegar to add flavor instead.
- Limit your portion size to about 100 grams per serving and eat more vegetables and salads along with your meat.
- Eat chicken and mutton only twice a week and alternate them with other sources of protein such as eggs, fish, tofu or beans.
Conclusion
Chicken and mutton are both nutritious foods that can be part of a balanced diet. However, if you want to lose weight in winter, you might want to prefer chicken over mutton as it has less fat and calories. Chicken also has more calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C than mutton. Mutton has more iron, zinc and vitamin B12 than chicken. You can eat both chicken and mutton in moderation by choosing lean cuts, using healthy cooking methods, avoiding excess fat and salt, limiting your portion size and eating more vegetables.