Fiber is FAB-U-LOUS!!!!

I just went to a meeting on exercise and nutrition and it was fab-u-lous!! I LOVE to learn new things about how to have a healthy life-style and I LOVE new ideas and ways that I can improve my health habits.
One thing I picked up on in this meeting is that I don't eat enough fiber. I eat about 10 grams a day, which is about average, but not nearly enough! I need about 3x's that for optimum health!!

What is Fiber and why is it so good for me? Dietary fiber is what helps plants to keep their shape and stand up straight. Even though high fiber is so good for you, you can't digest plant fiber. The fiber you eat passes directly through your small intestine into your colon and out of your body. By taking this route, high fiber foods help keep your colon healthy and promote regularity. So, since it cleans out your insides, just start thinking of fiber as nature's natural scrub brush!
It's important to add high fiber foods to your diet slowly over a couple of weeks. This gives your digestive system time to gradually adjust to the change. And be sure to drink plenty of water. While high fiber foods are cleaning out your digestive system, some types of fiber bind with fats and toxins helping to cleanse your entire body. YAY!! Many physical disorders, such as irregularity, constipation and diverticulitis can be avoided by getting enough high fiber foods in your diet. High fiber foods have also been shown to help reduce your risk of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obesity, hemorrhoids, some cancers, high blood sugar, diabetes and to help you lose weight and keep your digestive system working properly.
There are two types of fiber, each with different functions in the body: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. All plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and beans, have fiber. But all fiber is not the same. Soluble fiber is found in dried beans, peas, oats and oat bran, flaxseed and psyllium husks. It's also found in fruits such as oranges and apples and vegetables like carrots. Soluble fiber binds with fatty acids in your stomach and prolongs digestion time. This helps to regulate blood sugar. Studies also show that soluble fiber can help reduce your overall cholesterol count. But what's even more important, soluble fiber lowers your LDL, which is considered to be bad cholesterol. Insoluble fiber is found in whole wheat, wheat bran, vegetables such as cauliflower and green beans and the skins of fruits and root vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps remove toxins from your colon and balance intestine acidity. It also helps move waste through your intestines and bowel, which is so important for over-all health and function! Fiber is fab-u-lous!!!
The recommended total daily fiber intake for adults is 30 to 40 grams!! Keep track of what you're eating and see if you're meeting your fiber intake....I was surprised at how low my daily fiber intake averaged!!