Drinking water is a great way to help the fiber you consume function within the body. Water and fiber are two of the best things for loosing weight. Fiber helps the body to feel fuller. Water also does the same thing. When the two are combined they make a great team for loosing weight. If you eat a meal that is loaded with fiber and drink water while eating the meal, it will make the stomach feel fuller faster resulting in less food eaten.
Why is Water so Important?
Water is very important to keeping the body hydrated. Signs of dehydration are excessive thirst, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, low urine output, muscle weakness, light headiness and dizziness. If the body is dehydrated it will stop burning fat for energy. Drinking ice water will help burn more calories because the body has to warm the water up to body temperature.
Water makes up between 55 and 75 percent of the body. Every system of the body depends on water intake to run effectively. On average you should drink about half of your body weight in ounces of water everyday to maintain a healthy weight. If engaging in a lot of exercise the body will need more water to replace the fluids that are lost in sweat. In this case, you may need a sports drink to replenish the sodium that is lost in the exercise process. Soda and other high sugar drinks will only make the body more dehydrated.
Why is Fiber so Important?
Fiber will help slow down the digestive system, keeping you fuller longer. It also helps reduce cravings. A high fiber diet is great if you're trying to lose weight or just feel better. Some studies have shown that foods that are high in fiber help to prevent certain diseases, such as some cancers, diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones and heart disease.
There are many health benefits of eating a high fiber diet, such as constipation relief and keeping a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight has many advantages on its own.
It is a good idea to consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day. When starting a high fiber diet it is a good idea to start off slow and work up to the recommended amount of fiber so the body has time to get used to the new diet.
There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water where insoluble fiber does not.
What Foods are High in Fiber?
Foods that are high in fiber are fruits and vegetables. Not only are fruits high in fiber but they are made up of mostly water so they are a great option. Other foods that are high in fiber are beans, whole grain breads, whole grain cereal, nuts, seeds and oatmeal. Avoid white breads, rice, and foods that are high in sugar.
Combing high fiber foods and a generous amount of water to the diet can help to prevent diseases and maintain a healthy weight. When choosing foods that are high in fiber try to choose foods that are natural and not processed. Some processed foods have sugar and other additives in them. Always check the nutrition label.