Healthy Weight Loss Program - Fiber Is Important

Having a healthy weight loss program is important if you want to win the battle against the bulge. But unfortunately, most people don't even know where to begin. They know that they want to lose those unwanted pounds but they are not sure where to begin.

Finding a plan that takes the guess work out of reaching your goal is important. And that is why it is so important that you get a healthy weight loss program. A program that will keep you accountable and stay on track to reach your goal.

So today we will talk about fiber and its role in getting the results you need.

Fiber is divided into two groups: Soluble and Insoluble

Soluble Fiber- 3 Things You Should Know

1. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, it will move through your body fast
2. It will form a gel like substance that will trap sugar fats in your body and allow it to move quickly through your intestines
3. It will act like a new broom and will literally sweep away all the unwanted material from your intestines thus making you feel lighter with more energy and vitality.

So if you want to be successful with your weight goals then you want to get as much soluble fiber in your diet as possible. Examples of soluble fiber are: apples, oat bran and beans.

The second fiber that you want in your diet is insoluble fiber.

Insoluble Fiber- 3 Things You Should Know

1. This fiber does not dissolve
2. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge by soaking up the water in your body, this is good because it gives you the feel of being full, and thus you do not over eat.
3. It helps to pass food through the digestive system which promotes regularity

Examples of insoluble fiber are: the skin of most fruits and vegetables, grapes, prunes, apple skin, berry beets, carrots just to name a few.

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How to Get More Energy: Foods That Are Natural Energy Boosters

The Method

One of the most important components of naturally maintaining sustained levels of energy is simply to maintain a healthy, balanced daily diet. With a packed work/home/family/etc. schedule, this can seem very difficult, many usually you need not look further than your local grocery or health food store. But in case you need some extra inspiration, here are a few simple steps to follow.

1. Eat regular modest meals with energy-packed snacks in between, if necessary.

2. Stay hydrated, day and night. This means keeping a water bottle in the car, at your desk at work, and on the bedside table.

3. Make sure your meals are comprised of nutrient-rich foods. Avoid what many call "empty calories". These calories, while scientifically proven to be full of scrumptious fat and refined sugars, contain very few of those lovely energy-giving nutrients and complex sugars.

The Foods

Number three on the above list can be the most baffling. What do I eat? What foods give me energy naturally? Broadly speaking, you should focus on eliminating refined sugars, which are found in foods like white bread, candies, sugary soft drinks and all Hostess products ever, and increase the amount of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrient-dense foods in our diets. Here are some foods that give you energy naturally:

Trail Mix

The main idea of this energy-packed snack is a balanced mix of dried fruits, nuts and seeds. These foods are packed not only with calories but also with nutrients, fiber, protein and good, healthy fats. Fiber is an important component here because it actually helps slow down the release of glucose, as opposed to highly refined carbs which are rapidly broken down into glucose, resulting in quick short lived energy followed by a crash. Try making your own trail mix, rather than purchasing a chocolate-laden pre-made version, and include pumpkin seeds, which provide high levels of protein as well as magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

Eggs

The king of protein, the humble egg is also rich in B vitamins, which are key to our bodies' ability to convert food into energy. To avoid the high levels of fat and cholesterol in egg yolks, make omelets, scrambles or sandwiches with one whole egg plus two egg whites.

Quinoa

This whole grain not only provides great lasting energy but it also contains very high levels of protein and lysine, which help restore energy and aid in recovering quickly from strenuous energy-draining activities.

Fresh fruits

Fruits like apples, melons and berries are excellent sources of natural sugars, which can provide quick energy up front because of their high sugar content, and then lasting energy due to their high levels of fiber. They're a great choice for a satisfying and low-fat snack that provides natural energy.

Soybeans

Often called "edemame" in the supermarket, these fresh little beans pack a lot of energy. They have high levels of B vitamins as well as the essential nutrients, copper and phosphorous, and they're high in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates, which provide us with long-lasting energy.

Overall

Although it may seem difficult, it really is quite easy to find foods that will boost your energy level. The next time you are thinking of reaching for that energy drink or that second cup of coffee, consider that there are other options that are much healthier for you and that will give you the energy you are looking for.

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