Let's talk about FIBER!!

Sure, most of us have probably heard that fiber is good for us, But what does it do?

Let's begin by learning a little more about fiber itself!  There are two different types of fiber.  Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.  Soluble fiber is more gel-like and can be found in foods like oatmeal, peas, pears, apples, beans and many other foods, this type of fiber helps regulate blood cholesterol and glucose levels.  Insoluble fiber has a rougher texture, this is the stuff that helps all of the nasty buildup in our digestive tract get scraped off so that it exits the body as it should.  Insoluble fiber can be found in nuts, seeds, skins of fruits and vegetables, and whole wheat.  Insoluble fiber ensures that you have soft stools and no constipation!

Although this is a difficult topic to talk about, especially in a blog that talks mostly about food! We should know the reasons why fiber is so good! No body likes to be constipated or irregular.  Also did you know that being constipated or irregular can significantly affect your mood as well?  That's why instead of getting mad at that cranky person that's giving you a hard time, you should instead think to yourself (or out loud) "is this person getting enough fiber in their diet?"  Odds are they're probably not.  But on a serious note, consuming fiber is very very very important for our health! According to Mayo Clinic, fiber not only normalizes bowel movement and maintains bowel health, but it also regulates blood cholesterol, glucose levels and assists in weight loss!!  What else can we ask for?!

With the increased consumption of fast foods and chips, candy, and all of the wonderful tasty "bad for you" foods out there, we really aren't getting too much fiber in our diets.  We've become a nation that shuns vegetables and fruits and instead chooses a bag of chips or a cupcake, and this significantly affects our bodies.  Not only are fats, sugars and sodium an issue but the lack of fiber!  Fiber is essential to help all of the waste in our bodies exit with ease. (AND WATER IS ALSO ESSENTIAL, OF COURSE!!)  Without fiber we are at risk of getting high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, and/or irritable bowel syndrome! Why wait for these to happen when the solution is as simple as eating more fiber?

You don't have to buy that fiber supplement at the vitamin store, all you need is to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, nuts and seeds!   Just like the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor a way, which is definitely true, but it will definitely take more than 1 apple to make a significant difference!

Challenge yourself and better your health.  My personal suggestion is to not see these changes as dietary changes, but rather, a lifestyle change!  You are doing this for YOU and it shouldn't be unpleasant.  Have fun and explore with different whole real foods, you might be amazed to find that being healthy is not as difficult as you thought if would be.

Thanks for reading!