Fat Loss Tips

America is getting fatter and fatter. According to facts, 60% of the people in this country are overweight and many are on their way to becoming obese. This situation is the mainly the result of the unwise food choices we have been making.

Health advocates have recognized the need to educate Americans about eating right thus they have been calling on us to modify our daily diet by including more whole grains and fresh produce. These foods are high in fiber, antioxidants and phyto-nutrient compounds. Thus they not only promote weight loss, but they likewise provide a lot of general health benefits. An orange for instance, contains seven grams of fiber which is about 26% of the daily recommendation. At the same time, its vitamin C content helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends 20-36 grams of fiber a day. This amount is needed to maintain balanced cholesterol levels, a healthy cardiovascular system and regularity of elimination. According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, in order to achieve optimal health, high fiber foods and should be the most often consumed items in a diet.

There are an increasing number of books and publications that focus on the importance of fiber in the diet. The USDA for instance, has reconfigured the Food Pyramid several times to give more priority to high fiber foods. The non-profit consumer education group, Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), a non on the other hand, has launched a campaign called “Fruits & Veggies—More Matters.™” aimed at teaching consumers more about better nutrition. These are just some of the ways in which concerned groups and individuals are trying to educate Americans and create public awareness about the benefits of making healthy food choices or the need to switch to a diet that consists of more fresh fruits and vegetables.

With the hectic lifestyles most of us have, it is admittedly more convenient to eat pre-packaged foods. Unfortunately this kind of situation adversely affects our diet and consequently our health. The chemicals contained in such foods plus their high caloric content lead to obesity and related ailments such as constipation, premature aging and cardiovascular disease. It is extremely important that we take a serious look at our diets and make the necessary changes. The following are creative ways to include more fiber rich fruits and vegetables into your diet:

Have a salad day – to cut preparation time, use bagged lettuce and pre-chopped vegetables when you make your salad.

Give stir-fry a try – give a Chinese touch to your meals by stir-frying. You can prepare a dish of crisp fiber rich vegetables that are low in oils. For a more nutritious meal, top it over brown instead of white rice.

Make a shake – concoct a fruity smoothie to start your day and sprinkle in a fiber supplement or add some nut butter for a refreshing and great tasting high fiber drink.

Use a fiber supplement – Take your pick. Fiber comes in many forms—bars, capsules, powders and shakes, all easy and convenient to incorporate into your daily routine.

Charles Alonso Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for www.readysetweightloss.com. He writes and researches actively on Healthy Weight Loss and shares his knowledge at www.readysetweightloss.com where he works as a staff writer.

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