How does fibre do it? Simply put, fibre makes you feel fuller by filling your stomach and stimulating receptors that tell your brain that it’s time to stop eating. Filling up on high-fibre foods crowds out less-healthy foods. As every dieter knows, when you feel fuller it’s easier to say no to extra snacks, bigger portions, and second helpings. Additionally, having adequate levels of fibre can help slow the absorption of sugars into your blood stream. Lower blood sugar levels mean lower insulin levels—and that means your body is less likely to store fat.
Don’t forget the water. A crucial component of increasing your fibre consumption is increasing your water consumption. Shoot for eight full glasses a day. Not only is it calorie-free, it helps the fibre move properly through your digestive system. Insoluble fibre acts like a sponge, soaking up to 15 times its weight in water. “All that water contributes to feelings of fullness and controls thirst, which can often be confused with hunger,” says Stephanie Polizzi, a registered dietitian nutritionist.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 | MELALEUCA.COM
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