A diet containing animal source protein as fresh, lean beef is more well-liked and promotes healthier eating behavior compared to plant-based alternatives in women with overweight

Abstract

BackgroundDespite limited evidence from intervention trials, replacing animal source protein-rich foods with plant alternatives continues to be recommended as part of a healthy dietary pattern. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine whether a diet containing fresh, lean beef elicits greater satiety, reduces ad libitum food intake, and is more acceptable compared to a diet containing plant alternatives in women with overweight. MethodsSeventeen women with overweight (mean±SEM, age: 33±1y; BMI: 27.8±0.1kg/m2) completed an acute, tightly controlled, crossover design study. Participants were provided with eucaloric, isonitrogenous diets (15% of daily intake as protein) containing either 2 servings/d of fresh lean beef (BEEF) or plant equivalents (PLANT) for 7 days/pattern. During day 6 of each pattern, the participants completed a 10-h controlled-feeding, clinical testing day which included repeated appetite & satiety questionnaires and blood sampling to assess pre and postprandial plasma PYY and GLP-1 across the day. On day 7, the participants completed a free-living testing day which they consumed their respective protein foods and were provided with additional carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods to consume, ad libitum, during each eating occasion. Energy and macronutrient composition were assessed. A 2-3wk washout period occurred between patterns. ResultsNo differences in daily satiety were detected between patterns. During the ad libitum testing day, 24-h food intake was not different between patterns (BEEF: 2714±219 vs. PLANT: 2859±147kcals/d), BEEF led to fewer carbohydrates consumed vs. PLANT (338±34 vs. 370±22g/d, P<0.05), especially as sugar (169±73g vs. 186±57g, P=0.05). Further, BEEF was more well-liked (i.e., higher flavor, texture, and acceptability) vs. PLANT (all, P<0.05). ConclusionsAlthough satiety was similar between patterns, the consumption of animal source protein-rich foods, as fresh, lean beef, was more well-liked and resulted in voluntary reductions in total carbohydrate and sugar intake in middle-aged women with overweight during a single ad libitum testing day.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02614729.