Adding more fiber to your diet is definitely a good thing. Fiber helps fill you up, it keeps you fuller longer and even aids in digestion. This in turn can add to weight loss. So now fiber is all of a sudden the answer to the reason why I have only lost 11 pounds in 90 days (losing fat and gaining muscle seems to be the actual reason). Everyone has an opinion and I hear I should be thinner because I could have lost more pounds if I ate more fiber. Fiber is not something I am lacking in the least bit, I am usually between 35 and 45 grams a day, so major fiber consumption here. I appreciate the advice but also it irks me that someone who is sedimentary, eats fast food daily and is overweight (I am too but at least I try) has an opinion on my diet and how I should be losing. Opinions are like… I won’t finish because I don’t tend to swear here on my blog. I agree 100% that fiber is important so I can’t argue with that point one bit.
So here is a few real facts on fiber:
- It controls hunger
- It helps you feel fuller longer
- Fibrous foods take more chewing to eat so it slows down your eating and gives the brain time to signal that you are full
- Women need about 25 grams of fiber a day, men need about 38
- Dietary fiber is the fiber that is naturally found in the foods we eat
- Functional fibers are manufactured (I avoid these fibers)
- Soluble fiber dissolves in water, insoluble does not, both are found naturally in fruit, vegetable, nuts, beans and grains
- Studies show that fiber reduces your risk of heart disease,, obesity, diabetes, constipation and diverticulitis
- Eating fiber will not make you thin but it will help you in your journey to
Easy ways to get fiber:
- Eat more beans
- Snack on fruits and vegetables
- High fiber cereal for breakfast can boost your fiber intake
- Switch to whole grains
- Add seeds and nuts to your daily diet
- Add unsweetened cocoa powder to your smoothie
- Sprinkle wheat germ onto your salads
