Archive for the tag - fiber

5 Steps To Stay Full Longer!

November 4, 2014 By

Hey Davey,

I’m 90 pounds overweight and can’t seem to stay full for more than an hour. I want to lose weight, but I don’t want to feel like I’m starving. For example, the other night I had a massive dinner at a Chinese restaurant. An hour later, I was hungry again. So I ordered a second dinner from KFC. I can’t believe how much food I’m eating.

Any advice for staying full longer?

Thanks,
Chris

tumblr_my7w12DSyA1rman8co1_1280Hey Chris,

When it comes to feeling full longer, not all foods are created equal - and there are a few handy tricks that can help curb hunger.

Here are five steps to follow.

  1. Step 1: Ask yourself if you’re you really hungry? Know the difference between hunger and appetite. Hunger is the body’s need for food whereas appetite is the psychological desire for food. With this in mind, rate your hunger on a scale of 1 to 10 - with 1 being insatiably hungry and 10 being in pain from overeating. Using this hunger scale, you’ll slowly learn to both identify true hunger and do a better job of differentiating psychological desires for food.
  2. Step 2: Drink water. Believe it or not, water is actually filling. It creates more volume in your stomach, which can make a significant difference. Best of all, water has no calories. Various studies (including this one) have demonstrated the power of water in weight loss.
  3. Step 3: Add fiber and lean protein to your diet. Fiber takes a long time to digest and numerous studies have illustrated the satiating effect of lean protein foods. For this reason, high fiber and lean protein foods cause you to feel more satisfied. As a result, you’ll consume fewer calories throughout the day.
  4. Step 4: Opt for high volume foods. High volume foods are foods that contain lots of air or water. As such, they’re much less calorie dense. Think vegetables and salads. Because these foods add bulk to your diet without adding a large amount of calories, they’re worth loading up on. By eating a large volume of food, your stomach will feel full.
  5. Step 5: Eat nuts and peanut butter. Nuts are high in both protein and fiber, and are a great healthy snack that will fill you up. Peanut butter is also a good treat. Researchers at Purdue University found that people feel fuller and eat less after snacking on peanut butter than other foods.

I hope you’re able to put these steps to work for you.

Love,
Davey

P.S. To transform your life through the foods you eat, I recommend downloading Davey Wavey’s Insanely Easy Guide to Eating Smarter. I’ll show you how to eat in a way that supports your health and fitness goals.

Filed Under: Nutrition, Tips Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose a Healthy Cereal: 3 Tips.

November 21, 2012 By

You’d never start the morning with a bowl full of sugar, right? After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s interesting, then, that so many cereals list sugar as their primary ingredient.

In fact, according to The Environmental Working Group, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, Post Golden Crisp and Kellogg’s Froot Loops Marshmallow cereals are some of the worst offenders. They contain 55.6%, 51.9% and 48.3% sugar by weight respectively. Needless to say, it’s not a great way to start your morning.

Finding healthy cereals has become a pet hobby of mine. And with so many high sugar and unhealthy options, it’s not easy to find smart choices.

In general, I have the criteria:

  1. Whole grains listed as primary ingredients. This one is easy. Rather than reading misleading marketing claims, look at the actual ingredients. What do you see? If the first ingredients are whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, rolled whole oats or whole wheat, etc., then you’re off to a good start. If the world “whole” is missing before each grain, assume that it is refined and less healthy.
  2. Contains at least five grams of fiber. Most Americans don’t get enough fiber - but breakfast is an easy way to start the day right. High fiber diets may lower the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes - and fiber helps normalize bowel movements and lower cholesterol. Fiber even facilitates weight loss by minimizing blood sugar spikes and helping dieters to feel full and satisfied.
  3. No added sugar. This one is huge. Most of us get way more than enough sugar, and it’s really not needed for a delicious and satisfying breakfast cereal. Keep in mind that marketers are sneaky, and that sugar is often disguised by other names like brown rice syrup, barley malt and molasses. Some cereals, like those with dried fruits, will contain some naturally occurring sugar - but ensure that additional sugar isn’t added in the ingredients.

So which cereals make the cut? Not many. I’m a big fan of the Engine 2 line - which I’ve only been able to find at Whole Foods Market. Alpen’s “no sugar added” muesli is also a smart choice that’s more widely available.

Does it take a little extra time and effort to find a healthy cereal? Sure. But breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day… and you’re so worth it.

Do you have a favorite healthy cereal? Let me know in the comments below. Does it pass all three of my criteria?

Filed Under: Nutrition, Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

Which Beans Are the Healthiest?

May 2, 2012 By

Legumes to love!

Beans - perhaps because of their gassy reputation - don’t always get a lot of love.

The truth is, beans are healthy, delicious and incredible inexpensive. As a complex carbohydrate, beans fall into the “good carb” category. Moreover, they’re a great source of fiber, antioxidants and protein. They truly are a powerhouse food.

But it doesn’t stop there. Researchers at Michigan State University reviewed 25 years of bean research and found that beans help people fight a whole slew of chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

It all begs the question: Which beans are the healthiest?

There’s no easy answer; each bean brings something different to the table. But, in general, nutrition experts agree that the following beans are among the best:

  1. Soybeans. These beans are a great source of protein and contain high levels of heart-healthy essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and more. Soybeans are often used as a meat alternative or for soy milk and soy cheese.
  2. Lentils. These beans are high in dietary fiber, folate, manganese, iron, protein, potassium and more. As an added benefit, lentils have been shown to help your cardiovascular system by lowering bad cholesterol, increasing energy and stabilizing blood sugar levels. These hearty beans are often used for soups and stews.
  3. Black beans. I love black beans; they’re very popular in Mexican dishes. Beyond being delicious, they’re a good source of folate, protein, dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin B1, iron and more. They may even help lower the risk of heart attack - and are very high in antioxidants.
  4. Kidney beans. Rich in flavor, kidney beans contain lots of folate, protein, dietary fiber, manganese, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and more. Kidney beans may also lower your heart attack risk, increase energy, stabilize blood sugar levels - and even improve your memory!
  5. Navy beans. Navy beans got their name from being a staple food for the U.S. Navy. And, with tons of fiber, protein, folate, manganese, vitamin B1, iron and more, it’s easy to see why. They’re typically used to make baked beans but are also great in soups and chili.

Whether you opt for canned or dried beans, there isn’t a huge nutritional difference. However, pay attention to the amount of sodium in canned beans.

And, if you’re concerned about the “explosive” side effects of beans, try adding cilantro, turmeric, rosemary, fennel or anise to your beans. These spices may help curb the unwanted flatulence.

The bottom line: Beans, beans in a pot. The more you eat, the more you… start eating a balanced, nutritional diet. Beans are a great and inexpensive way to improve your diet.

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: , , ,

Good Carbs Vs. Bad Carbs.

April 25, 2012 By

Here's a simple rule to remember: If it can sit on a shelf for a long time, it can probably sit on your body for a long time, too.

Let’s face it: Carbs get a bad rap.

Contrary to what some diets might have you believe, your body needs carbohydrates for proper function and improved results. For one, carbohydrates give you the energy to power through your workout and, as a result, make strength and muscle gains. Moreover, low-carb diets deplete glycogen stores. Once glycogen stores are emptied, your body will burn protein - including protein from muscle tissue - to meet its energy needs. That means you’ll actually lose muscle mass!

Because low-carb diets are so widespread, most athletes don’t get their required carbohydrate intake. For active individuals, experts recommend 6 to 7 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of bodyweight per day. At 71 kilos or 158 pounds, my daily carbohydrate intake should be upwards of 450 grams.

Does this mean I can eat as much white bread and pasta as I want? No.

The real story on carbohydrates is that you should select natural, unrefined, complex carbohydrates. These are the so-called “good carbs” and can be found in such foods as brown rice, oats, barley, buckwheat, apricots, oranges, prunes, plums, broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, lettuce, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, soy beans, soy milk, any many others. In other words, good carbs can be found in whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables and legumes - many of which are high in fiber.

Refined carbohydrates, like those found in pastries, sugary drinks and other highly processed foods, are not a friend of smaller waistlines. With the exception of your post-workout recovery drink (when your body needs a quick shot of carbohydrates), these are to be avoided.

The bottom line: The war against carbs has no winners; carbohydrates are your friend. Just be smart about the type of carbohydrates that you consume.

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: , ,

Study: 95% Chance You’re Not Getting Enough Fiber.

April 23, 2012 By

High fiber diets are essential for good health - but 95% of us aren't getting enough!

The importance of fiber to health and wellness has been well-documented for decades. High fiber diets may lower the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes - and fiber helps normalize bowel movements and lower cholesterol. Fiber even facilitates weight loss by minimizing blood sugar spikes and helping dieters feel full and satisfied.

But, according to a survey of American adults, 95% of us aren’t getting enough. It’s worth noting that the survey was conducted by the Kellogg company - and, with a number of high fiber breakfast cereal brands, they certainly have an invested interest in the subject. Nonetheless, the numbers seem realistic and it’s no secret that most of us aren’t getting enough fiber.

Since coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, the heart-healthy benefits of fiber are of particular interest.

So just how big of an impact does fiber have in preventing coronary heart disease? Is it a 2% reduction in risk? Maybe 5%? 10%? According to Harvard researchers, high fiber intake is linked to a 40% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. Yes, 40%. That’s huge. Moreover, the study’s findings have been confirmed by subsequent research.

According to The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine, men 50 and under should consume 38 grams of fiber per day. Men ages 51 and older should consume 30 grams. Women 50 and under should consume 25 grams of fiber per day. Women ages 51 and older should consume 21 grams.

It’s not hard to get your daily fiber requirement. Though cereal fibers were found to be particularly beneficial to heart health, fiber is also found in a number of other foods like fruit, nuts, seeds, brown rice, some whole grain products, vegetables and legumes. It’s important to read the nutrition label to find the exact fiber amounts.

For me, the research on fiber has changed the way that I eat. In addition to eating high-fiber bran cereal for my breakfast, I snack on Fiber One bars with peanut butter. Contrary to the popular belief about fiber tasting like cardboard, I find it quite delicious.

The bottom line: Getting your daily intake of fiber is crucially important to your body’s health.

Filed Under: Nutrition, Research Tagged With: , , ,

What Are Net Carbs?

January 25, 2012 By

If you pay any attention to product packaging, you may have noticed a new advertising trend. It’s featuring an item’s “net carbs.” What does net carbs mean? And should you be paying attention to it?

First things first, carbohydrates are found in breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables and in some dairy products.

Though they get a bad rap, your body needs carbohydrates - especially if you take part in regular activity. And although carbohydrates are important in your diet, not all of them are created equal. Wholegrain cereals and grains are much better for you than refined cereals and grains; they retain more of their nutrients, contain more fiber and don’t impact blood sugar levels as significantly.

Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates labeling, there’s currently no official definition for net carbs. But, in general, net carbs are defined as total carbohydrates minus the carbohydrates that don’t affect blood sugar levels (such as fiber or sugar alcohols).

For example, I buy wraps for my sandwiches. The nutrition information lists 13 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber. As such, the packaging advertises only 7 net carbs. Because the fiber carbohydrates don’t result in a spike in blood sugar levels, advertisers subtract these carbs to calculate the net carb total.

If you’re insulin resistant, have diabetes or issues with blood sugar levels, it’s important to monitor carbohydrate intake. But, in today’s anti-carbohydrate world, it’s easy to get carried away. If you have tried a low-carb diet, you may have noticed feelings of tiredness, an inability to concentrate, a decreased reaction time and a feeling that every small task is hard to do. It’s because your body - and your brain - rely on carbohydrates to function properly.

Instead of focusing on carbs or net carbs, my advice would be to put your energy and attention on portion size and the number of calories that you consume.

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: , , ,

How to Lose Weight with Fiber.

November 16, 2010 By

Unleash your inner stud muffin with a high fiber diet!

Fiber gets a bad rap - but let’s change that. Why should you love fiber? Because it’s great for release weight. Fiber helps you feel full, which can prevent gluttonous overeating. And for all the pre-menopausal women in the house (anyone?), a high fiber diet can cut your chances of breast cancer in half.

Here are a few simple ways to increase your fiber consumption:

  1. Eat a high-fiber cereal for breakfast. What are you eating for breakfast? It’s easy enough to swap out the Lucky Charms or Coco Puffs for something higher in fiber. And high fiber doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. My favorite breakfast cereal is Kashi’s Autumn Wheat with a bit of honey. Each serving has 6 grams of fiber (24% of the recommended daily value).
  2. Snack on fruit and fiber bars. Fruit (unlike fruit juice) is fairly rich in fiber. Apples and pears have 4 grams of fiber; bananas have 3 grams; dried figs have a whopping 10 grams!
  3. Add beans to your meals. Eat ’em as a side dish, toss ’em in a salad or add ’em to a wrap. There are about 10 grams in 1/2 a cup. And remember, beans are a magical fruit - the more you eat, the more you toot.
  4. Eat wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread has 1.9 grams of fiber. Wheat bread has 6 grams of fiber; you can triple your bread fiber intake simply by switching to wheat.
  5. Meet Amaranth. Who or what is Amaranth? It’s the seed of an amaranth plant, and it’s used as a native cereal in Central and South America. You can do all sorts of yummy things with it.
  6. Bake your own high fiber goodies. Like raisin bran muffins! There are plenty of healthy and delicious recipes that you can incorporate into your life.

But remember - slow and steady wins the race when it comes to adding fiber to your diet. It’s best to increase fiber slowly, as it gives your gastrointestinal system time to react.

Bottoms up to a high fiber diet! ;-P

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