Benefits of a Diet of Only Chicken and Fruit

Eating plans can become so complicated that a diet of only chicken and fruit might seem appealing because it is simple. The diet includes chicken, such as the breast, liver and thighs, as well as all kinds of fruit, such as berries, melons, peaches and avocados. The diet might have some benefits, but it is not nutritionally adequate, and a nutritionist can help you develop a meal plan that meets your needs.

Healthy Blood Pressure

Most fruits are high in potassium and nearly sodium-free, and chicken is low in sodium. A high-potassium, low-sodium diet might lower your chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1. However, the diet does not provide sufficient amounts of all of the nutrients you need for healthy blood pressure.

Nutrient Density

What Are Benefits of Cutting Meat Out of Diet?

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Chicken and fruit are nutrient-dense, which means they provide beneficial nutrients and do not contain added salt or empty calories from solid fats or added sugars or starches. The diet lacks some essential nutrients that other nutrient-dense foods provide, such as calcium and vitamin D from reduced-fat dairy products.

Lower Cholesterol

Avocados and olives are sources of monounsaturated fats, which might lower your cholesterol. A diet of only chicken and fruit might help you lower your cholesterol levels because it does not include cholesterol-raising trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils, such as those in processed snack cookies or crackers and fried foods. Choose skinless, white-meat chicken to lower your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Weight Loss

Is Baked Chicken Healthy?

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A diet of chicken and fruit can help you lose weight because it cuts out calories from other sources, such as:

• other meats
  
• dairy products
  
• fats
  
• beans
  
• grains
  
• sweets

However, your total calories determine whether you lose weight, and if you eat too many calories, you will still gain weight just by eating chicken and fruit. High-calorie choices include avocados, with 322 calories; dried fruit, such as

• raisins
  
• with more than 500 calories per cup;
  
• chicken thighs with the skin
  
• with 198 calories each