Fiber and Weight Loss

One of the first things I learned when starting a weight loss journey was about the importance of fiber in your diet.  This may be a very obvious thing to some of you, or for others like me, you may be wondering what fiber can do besides the...ahem...obvious. 

What does being regular have to do with losing weight?  Here's the skinny:

It Moves You -- It's no secret that fiber gets things moving along in your intestines, and that's always a good thing.  Hanging around less inside your gut means healthier tissue and less disease.  It also means less time for fat to be absorbed (yay!).  We want things moving, no setting up shop and redecorating.

It Fills You – Fiber-rich foods are also very filling foods.  If you're full longer, you eat less.  Simple as that.  A single serving of whole grain bread can keep you full longer than two slices of white bread.  Full longer and fewer calories?  Sounds like a winner.

It Nourishes You -- When all is said and done, high-fiber foods don't consist of brownies, cake or ice cream.  Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes are just plain healthier.  So extra points go to them for being awesome to begin with.  Refined and processed grains have almost no fiber left, so no, those croissants don't count as fiber.  Food labeled "whole grain" is made with the complete grain kernel, whether the grain remains intact as in oatmeal or it is ground to make bread, pasta or cereal. Cracked wheat is also made from the complete kernel, but don't be fooled by sneaky wording like "100% wheat" or "multi-grain." Don't be fooled by color, either. Most wheat bread is almost identical to white bread except that caramel coloring has been added to make it look more natural. 

Read the labels, do your homework, and make sure you're getting plenty of water as you increase your fiber intake.  We want lasting weight loss, and that means changing habits for the better.  Adding fiber to your diet could be the kick you need to get past that plateau or back up on the horse.