The Truth About High Fiber Diets

Many weight loss programs have touted the idea that a high fiber diet will result in weight loss, regardless of portion control and calorie counting. This high fiber weight loss plan assumes you will feel satiated and stop eating once your belly is distended enough from all that fiber. These programs are also trusting the impact of fiber on unhealthy food consumption, which in part is understandable, since fiber does counteract high sugar foods to one degree or another.

It's true that fiber is excellent for you, especially if you're trying to lose weight. It cleans out your colon, which is good for your overall digestive system. It also does what it is reputed to do, which is make you feel satisfied and full. Fiber helps your body handle high sugar foods without causing super high blood sugar level spikes, which cause your body to release insulin. Fiber, when eaten with high sugar foods, will reduce your blood sugar level, meaning your body will make less insulin, and your steady blood sugar level will result in fewer cravings.

But can you rely on a high fiber diet to help you lose weight?

While fiber is filling and does indeed promote regularity, your stomach will stretch to accept more and more bulk, making it possible for you to eat even more over time. So while it does help you feel full, your capacity to eat more will increase along with your high fiber intake. Eating a high fiber diet also doesn't stop you from packing in the calories through calorie-dense foods such as icing, custard, and ice cream. The bottom line is you can't rely on a high fiber diet to make you lose weight.

The healthy solution? Fill your daily menu with high fiber foods, but pay attention to your other foods choices as well. Use portion control, count calories, and get daily exercise, limiting high calorie foods and relying on calorie-control and exercise to shed pounds.