Posts Tagged ‘hunger’
Foods high in fiber
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Digestive Health – The facts on fiber and why it’s important
by Ann Blanton
If you want to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the key component is to eat a high fiber diet. Most people don’t even come close to consuming the amounts that are required on a daily basis. On average, most adults obtain as little as ten to fifteen grams of fiber a day.
What is it?
Fiber is a main factor for a healthy well-balanced diet. It’s a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest and comes from plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes. Without being broken down into nutrients, fiber passes completely through the digestive tract rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Why it’s important
Fiber offers cancer fighting properties and prevent certain types of cancer. The edible section of plants are opposed to absorption and have maximum helpful elements to fight against disease..
Other health factors for a high fiber diet include: a reduction in blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, glucose levels and inflammation. It also promotes weight loss because it produces fullness in the intestines by decreasing food intake.
How much is enough
The recommended intake should consist of 14 grams for every one thousand calories you take in on a daily basis. So if you’re consumption is two thousand calories, you should be eating at least 28 grams of fiber.
To determine how much fiber is enough, depends on your age and gender. Women 50 and younger, should aim for 25 grams a day. Those 51 and over, should be getting 21 grams each day. Men 50 and younger, should include a maximum intake of 38 grams, and men 51 and over should try to get 30 grams on a daily basis.
Types of fiber
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble dissolves in water and is found in most fruits It forms into a gel in the digestive tract and allows food to move quickly through the system. Soluble fiber also maintains healthy cholesterol levels and promotes a much healthier cardiovascular system. Insoluble fiber is quite the reverse and does not evaporate in liquid. Instead, it adds bulk to the stool and passes quickly through the stomach and intestines unless there is fat, protein or soluble fiber to slow down the process. Both types are recommended daily for a well-balanced diet.
Soluble fiber foods
The foods listed below foods are high in soluble fiber and are loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients and can also help reduce cholesterol levels.
Plums, pears, prunes
Grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes
oatmeal
Brussel sprouts, broccoli
lentils
carrots
chick peas
kidney pinto and lima beans
Insoluble fiber foods
Foods that are high in insoluble fiber incorporate the kernel and the bran. The bran is the outer portion that covers the kernel. Here is a list of the following foods.
Whole grain breads and cereals
Wheat bran
Whole wheat flour, bread and cereal
Granola
Seeds and nuts
Popcorn
Beans, lentils and brown rice
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries
Grapes and raisins
Cherries
Pineapple
Peaches, pears, nectarines and apricots
Apples, oranges and melons
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce and collards
Corn and peas such as snow, snap and pea pods
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussel sprouts
Onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, green peppers, celery and garlic
Eggplant
Cucumbers and tomatoes
Tip:
You should never eat these foods alone or on an empty stomach. Insoluble fiber foods should always be eaten with large quantities of soluble fiber to keep the gastro colic reflex steady This stimulates the movement into the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits
There are many health benefits from eating a high fiber diet. Some of them are listed below:
Lowers bad cholesterol levels, LDL
Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer such as prostrate, breast, ovarian and uterine. According to clinical studies, there are conflicting results whether a high fiber diet can prevent colon cancer.
Lowers the risk of developing hemorrhoids and diverticular disease, which are small pouches in the colon
Improves blood sugar levels and Diabetes
Helps prevent heart disease
Relieves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Reduces the formation of gallstones and kidney stones because it regulates blood sugar
Skin breakouts and rashes
Inhibits the severity of a stroke and the chances of recovery
Assists healthy weight management
So, get in your daily dose of fiber and greatly improve your health.
Always, I appreciate your feedback, so leave all your comments.
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ I also had a story story published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
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Sleep deprivation and weight gain
by Ann Blanton
Our bodies need the basic necessities to function properly. These requirements include: food, water and sleep.
Maybe you’ve been packing on the pounds but don’t know why. You’ve been eating a healthy diet and exercising, but instead of losing those unwanted pounds, you’re gaining. You’re doing whatever it takes, yet the numbers on the scale keep adding up.
Do you drink more coffee throughout the day and eat comfort foods to “boost” your energy levels? If this is the case, then you might want to ask yourself this question. Are you getting the adequate amount of sleep? If the answer is no, then perhaps sleep deprivation is sabotaging your ability to lose weight
How less sleep causes weight gain
Some researchers say it could be mayhem with your fat cells if you don’t get enough shut-eye; which can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as obesity and diabetes. New studies show that too little sleep and the quality of sleep may play an important role in the activity of hormones and appetite. Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that can equally affect the appetite.
Because energy levels might be much lower with reduced sleep, an individual is more likely to make inappropriate food choices and therefore, exercise less. The end result is obviously packing on the pounds. The ability to make good or bad food choices are often comprised when sleep is diminished.
New research shows that an additional 300 plus calories were consumed by women who have slept as little as four hours a night compared to those who sleep nine hours. Then again, men have been known to eat more than 200 calories with inadequate sleep patterns. Individuals who sleep less reported more cravings, usually foods that are high in carbohydrates, high fats and sugary foods. On the other hand, those who sleep more have less hunger.
So how much sleep do you need?
Each person has their own individual needs, but depending on age, determines how much sleep is required. Let’s take a look at some examples according to different stages of life.
Newborns -12-18
Infants – 14-15
Toddlers -12-14
Preschoolers – 11-13
School age children – 10-11
Teens – 8 – 9.50
Adults – 7-9
Individuals who get at least seven to nine hours each night, are more able to keep their weight controlled, have fewer cravings and less late night snacking.
So, if you’re a night owl and stay up late with late with David Letterman or Jay Leno, it’s time to “hit” the sack earlier and get a few more zzz’s.
Tip: Get in the habit of going to bed every night at the same time and get up at the same time each morning.
Scripture from Psalm 62:1 – My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
As always, I appreciate all your comments.
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ I’ve also had a short story titled, “Shattered Spirit”, published in a book of short stories titled, “Heartscape”.
