| Are You Getting Enough Fiber |
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| posted May 3, 2008 10:44:02 AM | To All |
I recently took on a personal challenge at my ND's request. To try a higher in fiber diet than I ever dreamed was possible.
I considered my diet to be quite natural and healthy over all, but during my last visit with my ND she advised me there was room for improvement in one area in particular.
The amount of fiber I am consuming. On average I was consuming about 20-35 per day (35 on a good day) before I went into see her. She recommended I try upping that by another 20 grams with mostly veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts to start, and to remove any form of refined sugar (however she did enourage a piece of dark chocolate now and then for the antioxidants and the same with green tea). She said to eat the fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts and sprouted grains as much as I could stand without abandon (not to count the calories and to just stay as active as I normally do), and to cut out all refined products. Moderate amounts of dairy, healthy fats, etc... business as usual.
So I have been doing as she recommended now over the last few months...
low and behold within just a matter of weeks I saw dramatic improvement in my over all health, and I even lost a few pounds (painlessly as it should be)!
When I looked at the science behind what she recommended the results I was seeing made sense though. Indegistble fiber we know helps clean out our bodies and toxins. In addition they are lower glycemic and help keep our blood sugar levels even (they do not cause big spikes). However even those folks that are vegetarians or currently healthy eaters are not consuming the fiber "norm" amount the human body requires to function at it's very best. As hunters and gatherers we used to eat a heavy amount of fiber. Now with the amount of processed foods out there (this including bread, pasta, sauces, health bars, etc), and with our busy lifestyle, most are lucky eat more than 20-30 per day (even when they are trying to healthy and naturally). We really have to work to get in those large portions of veggies, sprouted grains, fruits, berries, and nuts. I mean "really work". In order for me to have gotten up to averaging 40-50 grams of fiber per day. I find myself munching all the time! Granted, I try to make sure that I eat when I'm hungry, not for the wrong reasons. But the way I am eating keeps your digestive fires really going, so as a result you find yourself eating though out the day and into the early evening (which works best for some folks anyways).
I am currently studying Ayurvedic nutrition, and this had tied in very well to my new lifestyle. Between my understanding how the energy of certain foods work with my own, and now eating a fiber rich diet, I feel like a whole new person.
I have notice so far:
A reduction in inflammation in my body (bloated less often, sore less often).
An increase in energy.
Sleeping better.
PMS is better.
My weight is self regulating.
My skin looks better and rosey.
It's wonderful!  Edited by: Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach on May 3, 2008 10:49:44 AM |
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Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach
piceanjoy@gmail.com
www.joyjackson.net |
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| Are You Getting Enough Fiber |
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| posted May 7, 2008 10:39:19 PM | To All |
Good deal! 
I know what you mean about feeling fuller with on less in comparison to how we ate before. And even though I'm quite full when I'm done eating, I still feel quite light after each meal. 
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Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach
piceanjoy@gmail.com
www.joyjackson.net |
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| Are You Getting Enough Fiber |
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| posted May 14, 2008 10:04:11 AM | To All |
I believe there is something to be said about the difference between fiber from fruit and whole foods vs. fiber from a supplement. Anyone have info here? My educated guess is that supplements are just not the same as real food, and aren't as effective.
After 4 weeks on a 90% raw diet, my fiber intake is through the roof. It isn't hard to eat a lot of fruit, I find, if I chop it up and add nuts/cinnamon/etc. |
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| Are You Getting Enough Fiber |
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| posted May 30, 2008 9:45:12 PM | To All |
I would assume the same.
I've read that fiber supplements can be a little harsh on our digestive systems. Such as corn husk. Since fiber supplements are intended for those who cannot get enough fiber into their diet, I assume that fiber obtained through whole foods is optimal.
My Mother's Doctor recently recommended to her that she start taking a fiber supplement. The reason he gave her for his recommendation was that most mature adults around her age (late fifties) have too hard of a time trying to incorporate the amount of fiber into their diet they really need. My Mother decided to do a whole food diet fortunately, and so far so good.
I know fiber supplements can be good medicine when necessary - such as if a medical condition causes an unusual symptom of constipation, the supplement can be very effective, immediate and guaranteed (and not nearly as un-natural as an over the counter laxative).  |
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Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach
piceanjoy@gmail.com
www.joyjackson.net |
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| Are You Getting Enough Fiber |
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| posted Jul 24, 2008 9:11:34 AM | To All |
my fiber increased into the 40's also when i went raw vegan......
its not hard to fit it in at all with green smoothies, blended salads, regular salads,carrots,bananas, apples, etc.
i try not to eat too many nuts because of the high fat and calorie content...
but still end up eating more cashews than i should.....
it is one of the few nuts i am not allergic to....
jamesgirl |
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| posted Jul 27, 2008 1:23:32 PM | To All |
I'm sure the main difference between fiber from whole foods vs. supplements is that you're forgoing the nutrients in the whole foods. Along that line, I heard that a drawback with juicing is that, by removing the fiber in the juicing, you are taking away an important part of the process that enables us to get the maximum nutrient value from the food. And among the many benefits of a high fiber diet are helping with keeping our cholesterol levels down, as well as keeping our digestive systems healthy by warding off divirticulitis etc.
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