We have all heard all the media hype about how sugar is bad…because it contributes to obesity and a number of other health issues…this isn’t new news. Yes, a lot of sugar can do serious damage to our bodies and is found in just about every bag, box, jar or can of food we buy. But what the media is not spending much time explaining is the importance of fiber.
For digestive health and to keep blood sugar levels more stable pay attention to fiber. Look for whole foods, especially vegetables, to find your fiber daily. Some examples of good fiber sources are: beans, berries, spinach, broccoli, complex grains (quinoa, brown rice, etc), and nuts. Keep in mind that raw veggies contain more fiber than cooked veggies.
There are two primary types of fiber: 1) soluble fiber and 2) insoluble fiber. Both have health promoting properties. Fiber helps to lower glucose levels and blood cholesterol levels. It also can help with food digestion and nutrient delivery within your body. Fiber helps slow down the body’s absorption of sugar and takes longer to digest helping us stay fuller longer.
Before there were stores many people were hunters and gatherers. Some of their diets could include over 75g of fiber a day. Today, a lot of folks barely eat 15-20g of fiber consistently. It is important to increase your fiber, because much of what the average American eats is processed.
Processed foods (i.e. packaged food and restaurant food) are high in sugar and lack fiber which is a double whammy for your health. These foods tend to spike blood sugar levels which contribute to a chemical response within your body. When your blood sugar levels are higher your body will produce more insulin to help stabilize your blood sugar level. This can make you feel tired and hungry which potentially leads to a vicious cycle of inactivity and overeating…which typically leads to gaining unwanted weight.
So how will you increase your fiber this week? Bulk up on your fiber to promote better health in your life. Happy bulking! Follow our blog with Bloglovin
