Fiber seems like an old-fashioned topic, and "Eat more fiber" is the sort of advice you'd associate with a grandma trying to push prunes on you as a healthy snack to keep you regular. Well, I'm not a grandma, and I have no particular fondness for prunes, but fiber is good for you, and you probably should eat more. "You" being most Americans, since the average fiber intake is about 13 to 15 grams and the recommended intake is between 20 to 35 grams. The traditional health benefits are lowered cholesterol, more regular bowel movements, and less constipation. Not glamorous, I know. But another benefit to add to the list is help in weight loss.
There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is found in foods like oats, fruit, and beans, and typically helps to slow digestion and keep us fuller by dissolving in water and forming a glue-like substance in our intestines. Insoluble fiber is found in foods like vegetables and whole grains, and adds bulk and moves waste more quickly.
Hunger can derail any weight loss plan, so fiber is a great way to reduce overeating while still feeling satisfied. In order to prevent any nasty shocks to your digestive system, you can gradually start adding more fiber to your daily food consumption in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and stay hydrated!
Fiber seems like an old-fashioned topic, and "Eat more fiber" is the sort of advice you'd associate with a grandma trying to push prunes on you as a healthy snack to keep you regular. Well, I'm not a grandma, and I have no particular fondness for prunes, but fiber is good for you, and you probably should eat more. "You" being most Americans, since the average fiber intake is about 13 to 15 grams and the recommended intake is between 20 to 35 grams. The traditional health benefits are lowered cholesterol, more regular bowel movements, and less constipation. Not glamorous, I know. But another benefit to add to the list is help in weight loss.
There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is found in foods like oats, fruit, and beans, and typically helps to slow digestion and keep us fuller by dissolving in water and forming a glue-like substance in our intestines. Insoluble fiber is found in foods like vegetables and whole grains, and adds bulk and moves waste more quickly.
Hunger can derail any weight loss plan, so fiber is a great way to reduce overeating while still feeling satisfied. In order to prevent any nasty shocks to your digestive system, you can gradually start adding more fiber to your daily food consumption in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and stay hydrated!