What do you think of when you hear “balanced diet?” Protein, fruits, and vegetables probably come to mind. An often overlooked component that’s essential for maintaining optimal health is fiber!
From helping with digestion to managing weight, fiber plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Today, we’re talking all things fiber, from types and benefits to tips for incorporating fiber-rich meals into your diet.
Get to Know Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest. Other carbs break down into sugars, but fiber passes through your digestive system intact, helping regulate your body’s use of sugars and keeping your hunger in check.
There are two main types:
- Soluble fiber: This type dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance that helps slow digestion. It works to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar and is found in foods like legumes, apples, carrots, and oats.
- Insoluble fiber: Insoluble does not dissolve in water. Instead, consuming it adds bulk to stool, making it easier for food to pass through the stomach and intestines. Whole grains, nuts, beans, and veggies like cauliflower are great sources of insoluble fiber.
Health Benefits of Fiber
A high-fiber diet meal plan offers a range of health benefits, including:
- Supporting digestive health: Because fiber works to maintain regular bowel movements, it promotes a healthy digestive system.
- Controlling blood sugar: Soluble fiber slows the absorption of sugar, helping prevent blood sugar spikes. This is especially important for those with diabetes.
- Managing weight: Fiber-rich foods keep you feeling satisfied longer, which helps prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.
- Lowering cholesterol levels: Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks by binding to particles in your digestive system and removing them from your body.
High-Fiber Diet Meal Plan
Incorporating fiber into daily meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Farm Fresh Meals makes it easy, with a variety of fully-cooked meals high in fiber–just heat and enjoy.
Order a la carte from our Monday or Thursday menus, or go all-in on a healthy diet by subscribing to high-fiber meal deliveries. You can customize your meal plan to fit your delivery and dietary preferences. The best part? The more meals you order, the more money you save!
High-Fiber Meals for Weight Loss
If weight loss is your goal, a high-fiber diet can be incredibly beneficial. Because it naturally helps you feel full for longer, fiber can help curb hunger and reduce the temptation to snack.
Farm Fresh Meals supports a variety of diets, including organic and whole30, making it easier to lose weight without compromising your dietary preferences. We deliver across San Diego County, so don’t hesitate to team up with us for a helping hand when it comes to meeting your weight loss goals.