You must be familiar with the 3 day tuna diet that is a low carb and high protein diet that aids weight loss. But what if you want to follow this diet and are not too keen on eating tuna. Is there a substitute for tuna in the 3 day diet? To know this answer, read on…
Fad diets and crash diets are a dime a dozen. But there are some fad diets that are very popular and have some basis on their claim for weight loss. One such diet is the 3 day tuna diet. A 3 day tuna diet is a high protein and low carb diet that consists of eating a restrictive and low carb diet that features tuna in one of the meals. You have to follow this diet for 3 days and the rest of the week you can eat whatever you want.
When you are following a tuna diet you are allowed to have tea, coffee and water. However, tuna has to feature at least once in either your lunch or dinner meal for 3 days. Many people who follow the tuna diet claim that they have lost up to 3 pounds in 3 days. Since the tuna diet is a low calorie diet, such claims might be authentic. But what if you want to follow this diet, but do not care for the taste of tuna or are a vegetarian. Well you do not need to despair, as there are ways and means by which you can get around this problem. Let us take a look at some of the tuna substitutes in the 3 day diet.
Tuna Substitute in the 3 Day Diet
Tuna is low in calories and high in protein. It is this that makes tuna the star ingredient in the 3 day diet plan. Since it is a nutritionally dense food it helps in satiating hunger. Tuna is also high in phosphorus, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 as well as low in sodium. If you are thinking of following the 3 day diet plan, but do not like the taste of tuna, you can substitute it with another protein source. However, not all protein source is going to work as an effective substitute. You need a lean source of protein that does not contain high calories and fats. Substituting tuna with high fat protein like pork chop and beef tenderloin will not help you in losing weight. So which are the best substitutes for tuna in the 3 day diet plan? Given below are some tuna substitutes that you can consider.
Skinless Organic Chicken Breast
If you don’t want to eat tuna, then a good idea would be to substitute it with skinless organic chicken breast. Chicken breast contains the lowest fat content, although the calories in it is little higher than the same amount of tuna. If you substitute tuna with chicken breast, then you need to make sure that you have the skinless variety as chicken with skin contains more fat. Also use a healthy cooking method for preparing the chicken breast like grilling and roasting instead of deep frying or using it with a heavy sauce.
Salmon Fillet
Another good substitute for tuna is salmon. Although salmon contains higher number of calories than tuna, but it also an oily fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. To reduce the number of calories you consume by eating salmon fillet instead of tuna, just decrease your portion size and use healthy cooking methods like steaming and grilling to prepare the salmon fillet.
Skinless Turkey Breast
Skinless turkey breast is also a good substitute for tuna in a 3 day diet menu. Skinless turkey is a good source of lean protein and it is in fact lower in calories than tuna. However turkey is high in cholesterol and sodium and as such moderation has to be exercised while consuming turkey breast.
Silken Tofu
A good substitute for tuna in the 3 day diet for vegetarians is silken tofu. Tofu is high in calcium and potassium and is also a good source of vegetable protein. It is both low in calories and fat and hence makes an excellent substitute for tuna. You can prepare silken tofu by braising it or using it in salads and stir fries. Deep frying tofu is also an option, although this will increase its calorie content significantly.
These were some tuna substitutes that you can use in the 3 day diet. Tuna is an oily fish that is low in saturated fat, and high in omega 3 fatty acids. When you substitute tuna with any other protein rich item, make sure that it is low in calories and saturated fat.
