Friday, February 20, 2009

High Fiber Diet Outline


(wellness.com)
The goal of the high fiber diet is to increase the amount of fiber in the diet. In order to do this, a person must know which foods are high in fiber, and which have little or no fiber. Most experts recommend that the amount of fiber is increased gradually (2-4g per week) to prevent flatulence (gas), bloating or diarrhea. There are many ways to increase the amount of fiber in a diet, including:
Substituting whole-wheat flour for white flour in home baked goods.
When buying breads, crackers, and breakfast cereals, make sure the first ingredient listed is whole-wheat flour or another whole grain. Wheat bran and oat bran can be found in a variety of cereals and breads. The label must say whole wheat or whole grain. Plain wheat bread has little fiber. Also be aware that brown bread is not always high in fiber. Sometimes bread is artificially colored to make it look more wholesome.
Using brown rice, whole grain barley, bulgur (cracked wheat), buckwheat, quinoa and millet in soups and salads or as cereals and side dishes.
Replacing regular pastas with whole-wheat pastas.
Sprinkling bran in spaghetti sauce, ground meat mixtures and casseroles, pancakes, and other quick breads and in cooked cereals and fruit crisp toppings.
Eating skins and edible seeds of raw fruits and vegetables.
Including high fiber snacks, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole fresh fruits contain pectin, which is another soluble fiber. Figs, prunes, and raspberries have the highest fiber content. Certain green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are higher in fiber than leafy vegetables like lettuce, which are mostly water and contain little fiber per serving. Root vegetables, including potatoes, turnips, and carrots are high in fiber as well.
Consuming beans, including pinto, navy, lima, kidney, and baked beans, which are high in soluble fiber.
Using whole grain or bran cereals for crunchy toppings on ice cream, yogurt, salads or casseroles. Nuts, toasted soybeans, sunflower kernels, and wheat germ also can add interesting flavors and increase the fiber content of you meal.
Including a variety of soluble and insoluble fiber food sources including whole grain breads and cereal, fruits and vegetables.
Eating Middle Eastern, Oriental, Mexican or other dishes that make liberal use of vegetables, whole grains and dried beans.
Commercial fiber supplements are available ranging from bran tablets to purified cellulose (an insoluble fiber). While it is more beneficial to increase the amount of dietary fiber by eating a variety of high fiber foods sources, persons unable to change their diets might benefit from fiber supplements. These products often contain plant fiber that absorb water and add bulk to the stool. The fiber supplement Metamucil, for example, is made from grain (the husk of the psyllium seed) and works similarly to foods that are high in fiber. The powder form of these supplements may be able to be mixed with water or various juices and then taken at mealtime or any other convenient time. Most of these products are available in instant mix packets, so that they can be used when traveling. Some are available in capsules or edible wafers.
Drinking at least 8 cups of fluid every day is recommended while on this diet; water and herbal teas are the best choices.

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Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

How it all began

When I was a child my grandfather always had the most amazing garden. His whole back yard was the garden and it was wonderful. I loved every vegetable that he grew - he even grew his own summer savory which apparently isn't that easy to do. Anyway, Grampy helped me put in my first garden and gave me all the tips. I couldn't believe how much work it was. It takes a lot of dedication and love. Sadly, he is gone now but I remember all the love that went into the garden and how even when I was a bit older and I would visit, he would fill the trunk of my car with veggies and I would have to go around my apartment building and share with others as there was no way I could eat all of it before it went bad.

I think my interest in health was part Grampy and part my father. My dad was a health nut when no one else was (that I knew of anyway) I am talking back in the 1970's. I don't think a lot of people knew about some of the stuff that my dad would talk about. He referred to white sugar as "poison"..ok, a little extreme but you get the point. Dad would eat a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of bran every day. I think this is important because my father was given six months to live when he was 19 years old and he managed to live until he was 44 with many health complications. I cannot say for sure but paying attention to what he put into his body as far as his food went, may have bought him some very valuable time.

Then comes my mom who was so devoted to my father and continues to be even though he passed away in 1981. I witnessed her nurse him back to health many times and she was the rock that held everything together. She is an amazing woman and I know he would be very proud of her for how she handled everything when he had to leave. My mom had to experiment with recipes to make them adaptable for dad's diet. He was on dialysis and could not consume any salt. If you have never had regular food without any salt - take it from me, it can be pretty bland. She was very creative and she did it with lots of love....

So for Grampy, Dad and for my mom who helped create that passion in me.............

Me with my mom in the garden 40+ years ago

Getting Started


This blogspot is titled "Fiber Fanatic" because after a lot of reading and research (there is so much out there) I think our lifestyles need to focus more on our fiber intake. Eating foods that are high in fiber are the ones that are better for you anyway. Also, you need to keep in mind that 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories, 1 gram of protein= 4 calories, 1 gram of fat = 9 calories, 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories and 1 gram of fiber = 0 calories. We don't often hear this...seems like everyone is counting calories and fat grams. Don't get me wrong, you still need to have a reasonable intake of calories divided into carbs, proteins, fat, etc but you can be full for much longer if you eat fiber rich foods. Fiber is the part of food that cannot be digested...that is why it has no calories. It is a type of complex carbohydrate. Fiber can be found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, legumes and grains.It is well known that Canadians eat too little fiber (on average 12 grams per day) and we should be eating 35 grams a day. It is possible to go as high as 60 but I don't ever get close to that...35 is fine but shoot for 35 each and every day. To begin...increase a bit each day and drink lots of water and if you like, herbal teas. If you increase too quickly, you may experience gas and bloating. I would suggest switching from white pasta to whole wheat pasta, white bread to 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat bread and switch from white rice to brown. Making small changes will make a big difference and it may be easier to change gradually instead of all at once.