Eat More And Still Lose Weight

What would you say if I told you that your next diet program
could let you eat larger servings, but still promote a healthy
weight? That you won't have to go hungry to be successful? It
would be exciting news, wouldn't it?

Typically we associate the term `diet' with things such as
hunger pains and even starvation. But a diet doesn't have to
leave you feeling empty. The goal should be to provide bulk to
the diet so that our tummies are full, and yet we reach satiety
without excessive calories being consumed.

Experts suggest that when considering what to eat as part of a
weight management program, we should choose foods that have
fewer calories by volume. This is referred to as
`low-energy-density.' In her book, The Fiber35 Diet, natural
health advocate and author Brenda Watson shares that a prime
example of low-energy-density food is fiber. This includes
whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

High-energy-density foods on the other hand, are typically
high-fat, and contain a lot of calories per bite. Compare, for
instance, a bowl of fiber rich blueberries to a similar bowl
full of chocolate candies. The fruit tastes great, and yet
calorie wise is significantly less than the higher fat content
of the chocolates. In fact, according to Ms. Watson's book,
you could eat three and a half cups of blueberries, and yet
still have consumed fewer calories than in a classic candy bar.
(Roughly 270)

As of late, fiber has gained increasing popularity as an aid to
weight management. Not only can one consume larger servings of
fiber rich foods without the associated fear of caloric
overload, fiber can also provide support to maintain a healthy
blood sugar balance. Fiber can slow down our body's conversion
of carbohydrates to sugar. By providing a slow drip of energy
into the blood stream, we keep our blood chemistry stable, and
we are less likely to reach for sugary snacks between meals.

Fiber, similarly to fats, has also been shown to promote the
release of satiety hormones in the intestine. What do we mean?
Simply put, fiber consumption will encourage your body to
product a hormone that creates a feeling of fullness. This
hormone is called cholecystokinin (CCK) and it is the messenger
which tells your body, "I'm full, so stop eating." Therefore,
fiber can actually help address appetite, so you can eat less,
and yet feel full longer.

Since recent studies published in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition have shown that healthy weight management is
all about the caloric content of the food choices we make, then
our goal should be to find foods which are filling, but have a
lower calorie count. To that end, we should consider fiber rich
diets an easy solution to the common problems associated with
weight management. Eat more fiber, and let your growling
stomach and feelings of deprivation become things of the past.

About The Author: Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the
natural products industry. Having received her credentials as
both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist.
She is passionate about nutrition and optimum digestive care.
http://www.fiber35diet.com

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