Let’s talk about fiber today, shall we?
When I was much younger I thought fiber was some kind of powder you mixed into your orange juice which produced a sort of sludge that you were supposed to drink to make you more “regular”. Other than right after pregnancy, I’ve never had much trouble being regular, so I never paid fiber much attention. One of the main components of the plan I am on now is fiber (protein and fat being the other two) and I am learning to love fiber for all it’s glorious benefits (well, some of them aren’t so glorious, but we’ll leave that alone. You’re welcome.).
“They” say that Fiber is good for weight loss because it helps you to feel full. Now, that’s all fine and dandy, but honestly that information does me no good. They say this as if being full is somehow a deterrent to eating more, to which I say “HA!” It does not matter how full I am, I can usually find it in my heart to eat dessert after a meal. I can eat the biggest, most decadent dinner and STILL find room for Tiramisu or a slice of cake or a cookie or an Andes mint.
BEING FULL DOES NOT STOP ME FROM EATING MORE. It just doesn’t.
What I have come to discover, however, is that consuming foods with lots of fiber takes away the WANT. Suddenly the WANTING of sugary, carby, frosting-y foods has been greatly diminished (not eradicated, but diminished) after I eat. It’s a pretty great feeling to wander into the kitchen and then decide, “meh, maybe not”. I’ve been surprised at how quiet the crazy food voices have been lately and I hope I’m not jinxing myself by talking about it here, but I really like being able to think in my head without the nagging voice of “I just need a little something” constantly in my ear.
What I’m dealing with now is just the habit of grabbing something sweet after a meal. That’s a tougher nut to crack, but I’m working on it.
So what am I eating that’s so full of fiber? Lots of salad with dark leafy greens, beans, whole wheat breads and pitas, nuts, whole wheat pasta, and of course fruits and vegetables. You know, all of those things we should be eating anyway. 🙂 And the occasional Vitatops, because dang those babies are good and fibery. I love ’em.
Why do I give credit to fiber for this new development? Because I’ve eaten a lot of salads and veggies and such and still wanted to eat sweets like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve done high protein before and although I think it helps as well, I really feel like the fiber is the key for me.
I still have some mental stuff to deal with such as the habit of eating sweets, but I also need to tackle the urge for sugar when stress is running high (I had an unfortunate incident yesterday that involved chocolate because I couldn’t deal with the minor stresses of the day). Maybe eventually the fiber will help take care of that as well.
So there you have it – Fiber is my new BFF. I’m getting necklaces for us to wear so everyone will know.
Love this post, and I LOVE my fiber!!!
I haven’t had a vita top in forever! Do you have to order them through the mail, or is there a local place you buy them? I think I eat pretty high fiber–maybe I’ll do a check this week. I still want sweets, I just leave a little room at the end of the day for one. And of course, I am the queen of SF sweets… I know not everyone will go there. But I can eat those and not want more, whereas If I eat sugar, I ALWAYS want more.
I always laugh at ads for weight loss products that are based on making you feel fuller (fullness shakes!) as if that will stop you eating! As you say, HA! Fullness has nothing to do with it.
” They say this as if being full is somehow a deterrent to eating more, to which I say “HA!” ” — So true!!!
I’m so glad you posted about this. I hadn’t thought of it.