5 Reasons You Need To Eat More Fiber

Fact: you probably aren’t getting enough fiber. You need to eat more fiber, I guarantee it. How do I know? Because less than 3% of Americans actually get enough fiber…..whaaaaat?! 

So let’s talk about fiber. When is the last time you talked about fiber? Seriously…it’s probably been awhile, if ever. Fiber is a super important but a super neglected nutritional component to a healthy diet. And it has a ton of health benefits. I seriously love fiber. Did I mention that it’s important? And that I love it? Okay, you get the picture. lol

Anyway…here are 5 reasons you need to eat more fiber:

 

1. Blood Sugar Control

This is something that most people don’t worry about, but blood sugar control is important for everyone. Fiber is essentially a sponge, and slows down the release of sugar into your blood. No sugar highs, and more importantly, no crashes! This means better hormone control, and essentially having more energy throughout the day. And honestly, who doesn’t need more energy, right?!

2. Better Poops 

Pooping is awkward but we all know how great it is. Fiber makes it even better. It bulks it up and moves things through way easier. You’ll feel less bloated and have a smaller stomach. #yesss 

3. Keeps You Full

Fiber is non-digestible, which means it just kinda keeps going through your body. It doesn’t get absorbed, so you feel fuller longer. Your appetite will be more controlled, too. Appetite control = weight loss.  

4. Lower Cholesterol 

Fiber helps soak up the cholesterol in your blood, which means less inflammation. You may think this one doesn’t apply to you, but believe me, the less inflammation in your body, the better off you’ll be.

5. You’ll Be Eating Lots of Healthy Foods

Fiber comes naturally in so many foods that are already healthy for a million other reasons. It’s found in veggies, avocado, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes. You’ll be getting a ton of vitamins and minerals that you need for a healthy diet, anyway. 

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For some great recipes full of fiber, click here! They’ll be perfect for your meal plan this week!

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Ladies, you need AT LEAST 25 g of fiber per day. Aim for 8-9 g of fiber per meal, and you’ll be well on your way to getting all those benefits we talked about up above. 

So how do you get it enough in? Here are my favorite fiber packed foods:

• Chia Seeds: 2 tablespoons = 11 grams
• Beans: 1/2 cup = 7-8 grams
• Avocado: 1 medium = 10 grams
• Non-Starchy veggies: 1 cup = 4-5 grams/cup (asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc). 
• Lentils: 1/2 cup = 8 grams 
• Fiber-Packed Protein Powder: My favorite has 3 g per scoop (Designer). No artificial sweeteners, no gluten fillers, and it’s low in carbohydrates and calories. 

If you want to eat more fiber during the day, it’s totally easy to just add an avocado or beans to your salad or add some chia seed pudding to your morning routine. I personally add the protein powder I mentioned above to my coffee in the morning, and get fiber and protein right off the bat. 

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******Check out my favorite protein powder here!****** 

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Side Note: If you decide to amp up your fiber game, drink more water! Your body needs water to utilize fiber properly, and it can’t do it’s job if you don’t drink water. If you don’t up your water game, you’ll end up bloated and constipated, and that’ll just ruin everything. I drink 24 oz of water first thing in the morning to get my metabolism (and my gut) going. 

Well, did I convince you to eat more fiber?  What are some of your favorite fiber-packed foods? Comment below!

xoxo Megan