Are Tamales Good for Weight Loss? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Tamales are not very good for obesity. Because they have a lot of fat and carbs, and they are processed foods. They can increase your calorie intake, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and risk of obesity-related diseases.

Obesity is a condition that affects your body weight and fat distribution.

In obesity, your body stores excess fat, especially around your waist and organs.

This can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

One of the key factors in managing obesity is diet.

What you consume can affect your calorie intake, which can impact your weight and health.

To effectively manage obesity, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid sugar-rich foods like sodas, candies, and pastries.

Now, tamales are a traditional dish made of corn dough (masa) wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed.

People usually eat them with different fillings, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Tamales are not very good for obesity because they contain a lot of fat and carbohydrates.

One tamale with meat and cheese has about 620 calories, 44.8 grams of fat, and 38.1 grams of carbs.

This is more than a quarter of your daily calorie needs, and almost half of your daily fat and carb limits.

Fat can increase your cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.

Carbs can raise your blood sugar levels and risk of diabetes.

Both can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Furthermore, tamales are a processed food and processed foods are bad for obesity.

Because, they often have added salt, sugar, and preservatives, which can affect your appetite, metabolism, and inflammation.

That’s why I suggest you limit your tamale intake to avoid obesity and its complications.

Stick to one or two tamales per week, and choose leaner fillings, such as chicken or vegetables.

Also, balance your plate with a salad or a soup to increase your fiber and water intake.

Also, you shouldn’t eat tamales if you have diabetes or high blood pressure to prevent spikes in your blood sugar and blood pressure.

Because, they are high in carbs and salt, which can worsen your conditions.

You can buy fresh tamales in your local market or order them from online.

Always choose tamales that are made with whole grain masa and low-fat cheese.

Because, they have more fiber and less fat, which can help you feel fuller and lower your calorie intake.

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to six months.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing obesity effectively.

I always recommend my obesity patients to follow a weight-loss-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.

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About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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