Dear Yoga Student,
Fiber is the secret to eating more, weighing less,
and feeling better.
“But what is fiber, anyway – is it just bran?”
There are 2 types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Both are undigested meaning they are NOT absorbed
or metabolized (as opposed to something like sugar
that IS metabolized or stored).
Instead, fiber moves through your body’s gastro-intestinal
tract like that weird-o at a party who bumps into things
on his way out the door, dragging his friends with him
as he goes.
With food, fiber does the bumping and dragging – and
it’s generally VERY heathly.
Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid. You’ll
find it in foods like:
- Oat bran
- Dried beans and peas
- Nuts
- Barley
- Chia & flax seeds
- Fruits such as oranges and apples
- Vegetables such as carrots
- Psyllium husk
Insoluble fiber does NOT gel and instead passes through
your intestines intact. Here’s where you find it:
- Vegetables (like green beans and dark green leafy vegetables)
- Fruit skins and root vegetable skins
- Whole-wheat products
- Corn bran
- Seeds & Nuts
As a yoga student, here are the important things to
remember.
SOLUBLE FIBER slows down digestion and regulates hunger
(this is good). It also helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol
levels. A diet high in soluble fiber can help reduce your risk of
heart disease, diabetes, and may help you lose weight.
INSOLUBLE FIBER (imagine eating tree bark) is the type that
helps prevent constipation, colon problems and other
digestive diseases.
Cavemen ate 100-150 grams of fiber each day. Modern
man eats just 15 grams. You should aim for 30-50 grams
daily, ideally with a sizeable dose for breakfast.
Stay bendy,
Lucas
YOGABODY Naturals LLC
p.s. If you’re eating whole, unprocessed foods all the time,
fiber is easy. When you can’t get fresh veggies or if you’re in
a rush in the morning (yes, I am suggesting you eat veggies
for breakfast), I always just drink a glass of chia lemonade.
It’s super easy to make and it sorts out your bowels too.
We have organic chia now here: YOGABODY Store
at 10:43 am - 22nd January 2010 Permalink
Feel free to post comments below…
at 11:58 pm - 23rd July 2010 Permalink
Chia is a great source of soluble fiber, I have just discovered it through my gilfriend who brought home a bag 2 months ago. I have drank a cup of chia gel before I go to sleep. Great for the body.
at 10:38 pm - 7th August 2010 Permalink
One apple a day makes a doctor away. Ive been eating apple at least once a day, Since I found it out from a family friend that apples can give 3.3 grams of fiber depending on its size. Apples are good source of fiber, it really helps preventing constipation.
at 5:24 am - 12th August 2010 Permalink
Anyone fond of eating legumes? Legumes are best source of fibers too..you’ve got to try it..
at 8:20 am - 11th November 2010 Permalink
It’s a known fact, eating fibrous food is really good for the body!