What's Fiber Got To Do With It?
The word fiber is constantly thrown around when it comes to weight-loss talk. But who really knows what fiber is and the importance it plays when it comes to losing weight?
Fiber is often mistaken as a nutrient, so we must first get rid of that misconceived notion. Fiber is an indigestible substance, better referred to as a special type of carbohydrate, that passes through the digestive system unchanged without being absorbed. Fiber is extremely important in your diet because it influences the complete digestion process.
Nutritionists often recommend to people trying to lose weight to eat a high-fiber diet. High-fiber foods tend to be bulkier and more satisfying helping you feel fuller longer and preventing you from overeating.
Because fiber tends to be bulkier and lower in calories the food tends to stick with you longer and slows down the digestion and absorption of glucose helping to keep your blood sugar level, which in turn also helps control your appetite.
Only plants produce fiber and that is usually found in the outer layers. Many people thing that chewy meats are full of fiber but that is another misconceived notion.
Great sources of fiber are:
Beans
Whole grains
Nuts
Fruits
Vegetables
You can easily add fiber to any meal by getting creative and substituting meat for beans that will offer you not only fiber but protein. Beans can also be added to soups, salads, pasta dishes and many spreads. Fruit can be a great fiber-packed snack. Vegetables can be added to any dish or thrown into stir fry, added to stews or even loaded in salads.
The great thing about fiber is it is found in many low-calorie foods so you don't have to feel guilty for loading up on it.
There are two types of fiber: Insoluble and soluble.
Insoluble fiber is made up of plant cell walls and is not water soluble, however it has a great laxative action which keeps the contents of your intestines moving and your digestive track regular.
Soluble fiber does dissolve in water and is made up of polysaccharides, carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates. It helps control your cholesterol and keep your blood sugar levels low.
The average person should consume 25-30 grams of fiber a day. If you're trying to lose weight you may want to increase your intake. If you decide to up your fiber increase it gradually so you don't experience any gastrointestinal problems. Your body has to get used to the added bulk in your diet.
So, the answer to the question, "what's fiber got to do with it?" Everything. For a healthy working digestive track and a healthy diet add a little extra fiber. Low in calories and low in fat what do you have to lose, except a few extra pounds.
This article is provided by Rachel Buxton, a Fitness Success Team member at The ThinPill.
Want to keep up with diet success tips? Visit us at: http://www.thethinpill.com or follow us on Facebook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Buxton
Fiber is often mistaken as a nutrient, so we must first get rid of that misconceived notion. Fiber is an indigestible substance, better referred to as a special type of carbohydrate, that passes through the digestive system unchanged without being absorbed. Fiber is extremely important in your diet because it influences the complete digestion process.
Nutritionists often recommend to people trying to lose weight to eat a high-fiber diet. High-fiber foods tend to be bulkier and more satisfying helping you feel fuller longer and preventing you from overeating.
Because fiber tends to be bulkier and lower in calories the food tends to stick with you longer and slows down the digestion and absorption of glucose helping to keep your blood sugar level, which in turn also helps control your appetite.
Only plants produce fiber and that is usually found in the outer layers. Many people thing that chewy meats are full of fiber but that is another misconceived notion.
Great sources of fiber are:
Beans
Whole grains
Nuts
Fruits
Vegetables
You can easily add fiber to any meal by getting creative and substituting meat for beans that will offer you not only fiber but protein. Beans can also be added to soups, salads, pasta dishes and many spreads. Fruit can be a great fiber-packed snack. Vegetables can be added to any dish or thrown into stir fry, added to stews or even loaded in salads.
The great thing about fiber is it is found in many low-calorie foods so you don't have to feel guilty for loading up on it.
There are two types of fiber: Insoluble and soluble.
Insoluble fiber is made up of plant cell walls and is not water soluble, however it has a great laxative action which keeps the contents of your intestines moving and your digestive track regular.
Soluble fiber does dissolve in water and is made up of polysaccharides, carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates. It helps control your cholesterol and keep your blood sugar levels low.
The average person should consume 25-30 grams of fiber a day. If you're trying to lose weight you may want to increase your intake. If you decide to up your fiber increase it gradually so you don't experience any gastrointestinal problems. Your body has to get used to the added bulk in your diet.
So, the answer to the question, "what's fiber got to do with it?" Everything. For a healthy working digestive track and a healthy diet add a little extra fiber. Low in calories and low in fat what do you have to lose, except a few extra pounds.
This article is provided by Rachel Buxton, a Fitness Success Team member at The ThinPill.
Want to keep up with diet success tips? Visit us at: http://www.thethinpill.com or follow us on Facebook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Buxton