Archive for the ‘Health and Fitness’ Category

Fitness Secrets from a Former Fanatic: PART 1: Fiber, The Liberator.

August 6, 2008

We’ve all heard the discussion over whether or not your poop floats. Is it better that it does or does not? Which one means you are getting enough fiber? I’ve heard both sides of that battle, and have decided that whether or not my poop floats is really not something I should put much time or staring into the bowl into.

While internal health is important, let’s face it: at this stage in my life, I care more about how I look on the outside. And yes, beauty is within, but desire and envy (which are far more fun) are situated squarely on my ass-cheeks.

The conventional argument for fiber is generally that it a.) fills you up and b.) regulates your digestive system. It does both of these things very well. However, it’s main benefit is that it flushes you out: it de-bloats you and gets rid of all that extra stuff trapped in your body that makes you look and feel bigger. Eating fiber is the best, and healthiest, way to a more svelte body!

I do not suggest that you take the supermodel approach and eat just Fiber One and steamed broccoli- that is not healthy by any means. (And it will have you stuck on the toilet indefinitely). Nor do I think you should be stuck eating things that taste like cardboard. Instead, I implore you to simply supplement fiber rich foods for your regular bread, pasta, etc. etc.

A rundown of my favorite products:

•Trader Joe’s fiber cakes- they come in blueberry and cranberry/apple and have 13 grams of fiber to their 80 calories! Makes an excellent supplement to toast with your morning eggs.

•Smart and Delicious tortillas- the smallest ones are 50 cals with 7 grams of fiber. They make awesome quesadillas and baked chips.

•Trader Joe’s Maple and Brown Sugar Shredded Wheat Bites: They have 5 grams of fiber to a serving, very similar to many other cereals, BUT they taste like cookies. Nuff said.

•Whole wheat pasta: you will adjust to it and learn to love it. With great sauce, it is exactly the same. If you’re really brave, ask me about spaghetti squash.

Now, I ain’t gonna lie. If you haven’t been getting your fiber there will be an adjustment period once you start incorporating high-fiber items into your diet. Hang in there (grab the towel bar if you need to) – it’s worth it!