Did you know that increasing your fiber intake can help you lose weight and it can also benefit your overall health. Did you also know that the average American diet consist of about 15 grams of fiber, when the recommended daily intake is around 30 grams.

Here’s how fiber works…When fiber enters your digestive system it absorbs the available liquids, then as it goes through the body it almost has a sweeping or cleaning effect on the cells. When enough fiber is consumed the stool is large and soft because plant fiber attracts water. When too little fiber is consumed, the opposite occurs, the stool may be small and hard. The deficiency of fiber may lead to constipation which can cause health problems such as Diverticula and Hemorrhoids.

Fiber helps stabilize sugar levels, helps you feel fuller (avoid cravings) and helps to be regular in the bathroom. In order to better achieve your weight loss goals you want to keep your sugar levels balance through the day, this way you body is better able to utilize the calories that it is taking in.

High fiber can control your weight, by:

  1. Reducing the caloric density of your diet.
  2. Slow the rate at which calories are ingested.
  3. Slightly decrease the speed by which dietary energy is absorbed.
  4. It will also add volume to your diet, leaving you feeling fuller longer.

Foods that are high in fiber are oatmeal, hight fiber cereals, fiber bars, whole wheat bread, high fiber pasta, prunes, vegetables, etc…