Question Regarding Sushi

So, basically, I’ve got a quick question for everyone who’s knowledgeable. I’m looking to drop about 10 lbs of fat without losing muscle, and I’m not in a position to do the Velocity diet. I currently lift every other day, and in between lifts, I have boxing/kickboxing. Now, each of these boxing workouts is faily intense, and burns between 800 and 1000 calories.

I tried being on the V-Diet and still accomplishing these, but it just wasnt working. So I’m segwaying into a diet that still has a few Metabolic Drive shakes spread throughout the day, but for some energy, I want to mix in a real meal that incorporates some carbs and fat to be eaten around lunch time. My question is, assuming the rest of my diet is strict, is sushi a solid choice? I know 1-2 tuna, yellowtail, california rolls give me a very nice energy boost and fill me up pretty well, and from what I can tell, about 10 pieces of sushi only totals 300ish calories, at the very max depending how its made, maybe 500. it still remains high in protein, has maybe 30-40 carbs, and is low in sugar. however, the sodium is rather high.

what are T-Nation’s thoughts on sushi in terms of mixing it into an otherwise very controlled and low-carb diet?

As long as you time it right, that’s fine. Sushi is one of the most balanced and healthy foods in the world. I think that using sushi as a major part of a fat loss diet would be very effective.

You could do better. Sushi might be a good answer if you were constrained to eating out or something like that. Otherwise, sushi rolls have way too much white rice / bad carbs compared to fish. The carb:protein is probably 4:1, so to get 30g protein, it’ll take about 120g carbs. Further, california roll is imitation crab meat, which is garbage.

[quote]bulldog24 wrote:
You could do better. Sushi might be a good answer if you were constrained to eating out or something like that. Otherwise, sushi rolls have way too much white rice / bad carbs compared to fish. The carb:protein is probably 4:1, so to get 30g protein, it’ll take about 120g carbs. Further, california roll is imitation crab meat, which is garbage.[/quote]

Exactly what I was going to say. Honestly I would just get the sashimi (straight up fish, nothing on it)by itself + some fats. I did that for a while with White Tuna, Salmon. I bought it at the same markets the sushi restaurants do. At home I would just cut it into a few peices, throw on some wasabi and very low sodium soysauce, and then eat away.

[quote]bulldog24 wrote:
You could do better. Sushi might be a good answer if you were constrained to eating out or something like that. Otherwise, sushi rolls have way too much white rice / bad carbs compared to fish. The carb:protein is probably 4:1, so to get 30g protein, it’ll take about 120g carbs. Further, california roll is imitation crab meat, which is garbage.[/quote]

I don’t know where you’re getting your rolls, but my favorite sushi place makes them with more fish than rice.

They also don’t use imitation crab.

To the OP: as long as the macros fit you’re diet, sushi is fine.

[quote]HK24719 wrote:
bulldog24 wrote:
You could do better. Sushi might be a good answer if you were constrained to eating out or something like that. Otherwise, sushi rolls have way too much white rice / bad carbs compared to fish. The carb:protein is probably 4:1, so to get 30g protein, it’ll take about 120g carbs. Further, california roll is imitation crab meat, which is garbage.

I don’t know where you’re getting your rolls, but my favorite sushi place makes them with more fish than rice.

They also don’t use imitation crab.

To the OP: as long as the macros fit you’re diet, sushi is fine.[/quote]

I dont want to attack, but you put me on the defensive…
More fish than rice is very rare and absolutely impossible in a California roll since there’s avocado and cucumber inside the rice. The vast majority of places use imitation crab meat. Yours may not, but it’s the exception, so it’s probably not relevant to the discussion. The OP clearly doesn’t have macros set out - he/she is trying to follow a semistrict diet w/ one non-boring meal a day. The question is whether or not sushi is a good choice. Generally speaking, it isn’t.

IMO, you’re on a fat-loss diet and you like sushi. There’s no problem enjoying sushi once in a while, just be smart about it. Make it a post-workout meal after leg or back day, and it’ll minimize “damage” (if there even is any.)

…It’s not like you asked about a fat-loss diet containing daily trips to taco bell.

You mix sushi, you drop weight slower
You do the V-Diet it is written, you drop weight faster

Ball is in your court.

If I were you I would just suck it up and do it 100%. Better than eating something not meant to be eaten and drawing out your progress even longer

[quote]Drizzt wrote:
bulldog24 wrote:
You could do better. Sushi might be a good answer if you were constrained to eating out or something like that. Otherwise, sushi rolls have way too much white rice / bad carbs compared to fish. The carb:protein is probably 4:1, so to get 30g protein, it’ll take about 120g carbs. Further, california roll is imitation crab meat, which is garbage.

Exactly what I was going to say. Honestly I would just get the sashimi (straight up fish, nothing on it)by itself + some fats. I did that for a while with White Tuna, Salmon. I bought it at the same markets the sushi restaurants do. At home I would just cut it into a few peices, throw on some wasabi and very low sodium soysauce, and then eat away.[/quote]

+1 for sashimi. I think the rice ruins it all

[quote]BJammin wrote:
As long as you time it right, that’s fine. Sushi is one of the most balanced and healthy foods in the world. I think that using sushi as a major part of a fat loss diet would be very effective. [/quote]

I don’t. Sugar + white rice + fatty fish = not the best fat loss food in the world.

Now, for bulking, on the other hand, it can’t be beat.

I’m dieting and sushi will probably my cheat meal, FWIW: and that’s only if I decide I can’t wait another 2 months to start having all the sushi I want PWO :wink:

[quote]pgame20 wrote:
I tried being on the V-Diet and still accomplishing these, but it just wasnt working. [/quote]

BTW, I don’t believe you. Need more info. And why would you think those workouts really burn 800-1000 calories?

[quote]bulldog24 wrote:
I dont want to attack, but you put me on the defensive…
More fish than rice is very rare and absolutely impossible in a California roll since there’s avocado and cucumber inside the rice. The vast majority of places use imitation crab meat. Yours may not, but it’s the exception, so it’s probably not relevant to the discussion. The OP clearly doesn’t have macros set out - he/she is trying to follow a semistrict diet w/ one non-boring meal a day. The question is whether or not sushi is a good choice. Generally speaking, it isn’t.[/quote]

Even if he is getting more rice and imitation crab meat, is it really going to wreck his diet as long as he’s getting enough protein and has his caloric intake low enough?

Too many people around here are under the belief that they have to go low carb to lose fat.

Btw, “More fish than rice is very rare and absolutely impossible in a California roll…” is a contradiction.

Stick to shashimi and stay away from most of the rolls and you should be fine. With your activity level you don’t want to get too few calories.

[quote]G87 wrote:

I don’t. Sugar + white rice + fatty fish = not the best fat loss food in the world.

[/quote]

Most sushi rice recipes only call for 1-3 tbsp of sugar per 2 cups of rice! That’s hardly nothing in terms of sugar content.

For me…rice works well with my body as does fish so I frequently eat sushi in large quantities with no ill effects. I would stay away from the ones that have fried fish or lots of sauces in them.

Stick with the basic nigiri and/or sashimi and you’ll be fine.

I love sushi, but I don’t get crazy with it. I grab it on the go and think its probably better than anything you might find on the run. Like previously mentioned, I would not make it a regular habit and using it peri-workout time would be ideal as damage control.

First, “crab” meat in sushi is cod fish. So it’s not like its made from cow lips or something.

Second, most sushi rice has little to no sugar. generally 2-3 tablespoons per 3 or so cups (dry) rice and 3-4 cups of other liquids.

Third, all the ingredients are available at the grocery store (other than sushi grade fish depending on location). But you can always use smoked or something else equaly tastey or get it shipped to you which is expensive. You can also substitue brown rice est. if you desire and controll ratios if you make it one your own.

Traditional rolls do take some practice to roll but nigirizushi and hand rolls are pretty easy.

I also recomend unsweatend green tea to drink, makes it taste way better.

[quote]HK24719 wrote:

Btw, “More fish than rice is very rare and absolutely impossible in a California roll…” is a contradiction.[/quote]

No, it isn’t. In light of my concern with brevity, I didn’t write a really long sentence, but I thought it was clear enough. In any case, here is a full thought: “In maki rolls, more fish than rice is very rare. This phenomenon has yet to be observed in a California roll due to the presence of other filler, such as cucumber and avocado.”

[quote]Rhino Jockey wrote:
G87 wrote:

I don’t. Sugar + white rice + fatty fish = not the best fat loss food in the world.

Most sushi rice recipes only call for 1-3 tbsp of sugar per 2 cups of rice! That’s hardly nothing in terms of sugar content.

For me…rice works well with my body as does fish so I frequently eat sushi in large quantities with no ill effects. I would stay away from the ones that have fried fish or lots of sauces in them.

Stick with the basic nigiri and/or sashimi and you’ll be fine.
[/quote]

I’m sticking to my guns on this one. I don’t think Sushi is a good fat loss food. It’s my favorite weight gaining food, but come on.

Yes, sashimi and a few nigiri would be fine… Even then, though, I wouldn’t say “optimal.” Besides, most people would go for a lot of the unhealthier rolls involving tempura, thick cream cheese, etc.

On another note - more fish than sushi? I ain’t hearda that…

G

Some sushi joints also have the option of brown rice in the rolls instead of white. Don’t be afraid to ask.

[quote]bulldog24 wrote:
HK24719 wrote:

Btw, “More fish than rice is very rare and absolutely impossible in a California roll…” is a contradiction.

No, it isn’t. In light of my concern with brevity, I didn’t write a really long sentence, but I thought it was clear enough. In any case, here is a full thought: “In maki rolls, more fish than rice is very rare. This phenomenon has yet to be observed in a California roll due to the presence of other filler, such as cucumber and avocado.”[/quote]

…because cucumber and avocado are soooo bad for you.