Do you Ever Wonder if You are Getting Enough Fiber?

Do you ever wonder if you are getting enough fiber? 

Well wonder no more!  You’re probably not.  😭

Last year, when I was really trying to nail down what my body was responding to, I downloaded an app call Cronometer. 

Now, I will just say it.  I am NOT a big fan of measuring, weighing or even tracking my food extensively, but tracking can be helpful for specific periods to gain insight until you get a feel for how to proceed.  And this app made it really easy.  It allows you to set targets, scan food packages and add recipes.  I found it really useful in figuring out how much fiber I was getting (or not getting 🤷🏽‍♀️) and improving on that.

Do you struggle with getting enough fiber?

Well, fiber is kinda important, so lean in…

What is Fiber?

Fiber is a compound within most plant foods that cannot be broken down by the digestive enzymes in the body.  Because of this, it doesn’t contain energy or calories. 🙌🏽 Instead of being digested, it passes through the bowels or the large intestines, where it can either be used as food for our good gut bacteria or to add bulk to our stool.

But what does fiber even do?

A lot apparently.  Number one.  It detoxifies our intestines and draws toxins right out of our body.  Fiber also encourages the fast elimination of hormones and binds them up, so they cannot be reabsorbed through the bowel wall.  👀  So yeah, important.  😎  We want those badboys to leave the body not be recycled.  AmIright?!  😉

But it also keeps us feeling fuller for longer, ultimately aiding weight loss and assisting with weight maintenance and body composition.  It potentially lowers cholesterol too.

Fiber also slows the breakdown of starch into glucose, which helps maintain steady blood sugar.  Most people think that if they are not diabetic, they don’t have to think about their blood sugar, but steady blood sugar levels are linked to longevity.  So also kinda important.  🤔  And according to The Glucose Goddess, the best way to maintain your glucose levels when you eat, is to eat your veggies (or a salad) first.  Then your protein.  Then starchier carbs.  😲

There are 3 types of fiber and each have their own benefits but ideally, you want to ensure you are getting at least 25 grams of fiber each day, and I mean, I don’t want to state the obvious at this point, but ounce for ounce, spices are pretty high in fiber.  🤣  So, you’re welcome.

But really, it’s as easy as having a diet rich in plant foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds and legumes. 

And just so you know…
There’s no fiber in meat, there’s no fiber in cheese, there’s no fiber in eggs, there’s no fiber in chicken, there’s no fiber in fish, BUT there’s plenty of fiber in all plant foods. It’s the structural material, the cellulose that makes the plant stand up. That give structure to the seed, that give structure to the nut, that give structure to the avocado, that’s the fiber that we need.

Some honorable mentions that are super prebiotics are seeds such as flax and chia, globe artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion, and chicory, leeks, green bananas, onions, and garlic, and asparagus.

That’s fiber in a nutshell.  😎  Talk soon…