Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Fiber: Do You Get Enough?

Fiber is essential for the body. Our bodies cannot and will not function properly without it. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant food. It is in all plant foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. Animal products and fats do not contain fiber.

Fiber acts like a mop to our intestines. It cleans everything out so we keep our intestinal tracts clean and healthy. The lack of real raw plant fiber can lead to numerous digestive disorders. There is fiber in cooked food, but it is broken down and not as effective. Most adults need 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Unfortunately as it stands in the USA most adults are only getting half that amount.

When our bodies do not have enough fiber they do not function properly. Fiber pushes out toxins and infected bacterial strains through out digestive tracts. Without fiber we cannot properly excrete these items through our feces in turn becoming constipated and then ill. We need to be able to go to the bathroom regularly.

In order to stay satiated throughout the day it is important to include a lot of raw plant fiber in your daily diet. Most people think its protein that keeps you full, on the contrary it is fiber and healthy fat. A healthy amount of raw fiber keeps you fuller longer then leads to weight loss. Eating more plant food allows more food to be eaten that's lower in calories and contains healthy fat. Having a plant based daily diet is a fool proof plan to get enough fiber.

A great simplistic way to include a lot of raw fiber is implementing a daily smoothie into your routine. A smoothie makes eating enough vegetables and fruit possible. You can consume so much more in a smoothie than you ever could in a bowl or on a plate. Sipping on plant fiber throughout the day prevents over eating, promotes regularity, and provides energy.

Recipe to Try:

2 Handfuls of Organic Kale
1 Stalk of Organic Celery
2 Limes, peeled
2 Organic Apples (gala, honey crisp, Fuji, or pink lady)
1 1/2 Cups Spring Water
1/2 Cup Filtered Ice

Blend it all and enjoy!


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