Fiber for Fat Loss?
Just last week I launched Novato Adventure Boot Camp’s Elite Nutrition program as an included part of my fitness boot camps. As I have been looking over everyone’s food logs, I have noticed that many people aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets. The average amount of fiber that people are getting is about 10 – 15 grams/day. The proper intake of fiber should be about 25 – 35 grams per day.
One of the biggest reasons that fiber is so good for fat loss is that fiber makes our bodies feel full faster than other foods. When we feel full, we eat less, we lose weight. Secondly, fiber slows digestion and absorption so that glucose (sugar) in food enters the bloodstream more slowly, which keeps blood sugar on a more even level. When your blood sugar is even throughout the day, your body is apt to burn body fat versus store it because of blood sugar spikes.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the best sources of fiber as well as great sources of food to eat during the day. Not only will you be eating more nutritious food, but you will also eat fewer calories and put your body in a state where it wants to burn fat. So how many fruits and vegetables do you need to get enough fiber in the day? Well, I suggest to all of my boot campers to have at least three cups of vegetables and one cup of fruit each day as a start. There are also several cereals out there that give you at least 8 grams of fiber per serving. The next time you go grocery shopping, check out the fiber on the food labels of the things that you buy and try to find things that have at least 5 grams/serving.
So go out there and start eating your fruits, vegetables and whole grains! Your body will appreciate it.
Have a healthy day!
Posted by Carlos Payte | in Nutrition | No Comments
