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Tag Archives: fiber

Fiber and the Facts

Posted on January 27, 2020 by

Fiber is good. There’s no doubt in my mind. Is it as good as some people claim? The best thing about fiber is all the nutrition that it carries with it. The best fiber comes from food. The best fiber foods have no labels on them. Basically it’s the vegetable/salad stuff we prepare ourselves.

Most people don’t get enough fiber. It can help with bowel function. The best fiber foods are from salad and colorful vegetables. A lot of nutrients in there like vitamins and minerals. Eating clean is basically purchasing the food and preparing it.

Fiber foods are usually a mixture between soluble and insoluble.  Soluble fiber means it dissolves in water. Insoluble doesn’t dissolve in water. It pulls water in. All plants have fiber. It’s the non-digestible part of the plant. We can only digest certain parts of plants. Fiber is everything else. I’ll give an example of carb blockers. Basically a carb blocker takes the digestible part of some of the plants, (carbohydrate), and makes the absorbable part non-absorbable.  It acts more like fiber because fiber is a non-absorbable carbohydrate. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and fruits. Some of them are still very high in carbohydrate. Just because it may be “healthy” and contains fiber, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to help you lose weight. Eating healthy and losing weight are two different things.  Fruit has a lot of fiber in it. Most of that is soluble fiber (mostly citrus fruits). Many vegetable have a lot of soluble fiber. They also have insoluble fiber.  Insoluble fiber is a whole wheat/whole grain type of thing.

Fiber can potentially help with weight loss. It does tend to make us feel full, especially insoluble fiber because it pulls water in and swells. There are things out there sold as weight loss products. They’re fiber tablets that swell. There is something new coming out on the market. They’re little tablets that have microfibers that absorb water. They swell up and make you feel full. They break down again, and you just pass them through. In theory that can be very helpful. It’s working on that same principle that fiber itself makes you feel fuller, therefore fewer calories.

Fiber is a misunderstood nutrient

People often “know” fiber is important, but not much more than that. Fiber is found naturally in plants. It’s the non-digestible part of the plants. It’s the part of the plants that don’t break down in your intestines. They pass through your system undigested and end up as stool. The average person gets about 15 grams a day (25-30 recommended).  Dietary fiber can be soluble or insoluble. Plants often contain both types. Both types are important and potentially have health benefits. The health benefit is probably the whole food that contains the fiber.  Whether you’re getting the health benefit from fiber itself has never actually been proven.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water. Because it absorbs water, soluble fiber becomes a viscous gel and may slow absorption of other carbs and cholesterol products. It can also be fermented by the bacteria along the intestinal tract. We can’t digest the fiber. The fiber itself can be a good source of nutrition to the bacteria that live along our intestinal tract. That means that certain plants can potentially cause certain individuals more “gas”, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Some of this is because everybody’s microflora is a little different. Subsequently, if you have more of the bacteria that cause this bloating and cramping, you’re going to be more susceptible.  Good sources of soluble fiber are: oats, dried beans, barley, flax seed, carrots, oranges, and apples. Again, a lot of these healthy foods don’t necessarily help you lose weight.

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It absorbs water which increases bulk and softens stools and shortens intestinal transit time. It swells up like a sponge. It aids in constipation and diarrhea. Food sources for insoluble fiber: leafy vegetables, fruit skins, whole grain products, bran products, seeds and nuts. There’s a question of whether it can prevent cancer. Early studies say potentially it can. Later studies show there may not be anything to that. That doesn’t mean it’s not healthy.

Fiber supplements are different from fiber in food. The best fiber comes from real food. Almost all the studies done on high fiber diets were done on fiber-based foods. The question is whether the benefit came from the fiber or the healthy foods containing the fiber? Studies done on people taking fiber supplements don’t really show any benefits. Although, it does help with regular bowel movements. But does it actually improve other health benefits? Doubtful. Fiber supplements are made from “functional” fibers from plants. The two that are often used are inulin and oligofructose. These can act as prebiotics (what the bacteria live on).  The prebiotics can stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics means supplying the healthy bacteria with a good food source. The hope is that they will grow more and help you. It actually makes a lot of sense. Some of these supplements are: psyllium, guar gum, pectin, and cellulose. Many products just have different amounts of the soluble and insoluble fibers. You have to watch for abdominal gas/bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Then the question is can it bind with other nutrients preventing their absorption? You should take your medications separate from your fiber supplements. Fiber supplements have never been shown to have the same benefits as fiber-rich food.

What’s the real “poop”?  Why did we think fiber was good to begin with? The original theory of fiber being good for us began in the 1960’s. Many disease processes were due not to the increase in processed sugar/carbs, but rather to the lack of fiber. Small studies supported this. In the 1970’s the “fiber hypothesis” became dogma, theorizing that fiber would prevent many of the world’s diseases: intestinal problems, weight, breast cancer, colon cancer, CHO, etc.… Between 1994-2006, long term studies involving over 180,000 people revealed NO beneficial effect on colon/breast cancer, heart disease or weight loss. The benefit is probably all the extra nutritional benefits come from high fiber foods, not the fiber itself. The belief that fiber is an intrinsic part of a “healthy diet” has been kept alive by factors that have little to do with science. The high fiber foods are nutritionally dense.

The best fiber comes from food: leafy greens and colorful veggies. Don’t worry about the “kind” unless you are seeking a specific health benefit.  Remember a few things if you’re taking fiber supplements. Start out slowly. Gradually increase the amount each day. Drink plenty of water. Some of the fiber pulls in the water. Spread the fiber out throughout the day. And, separate your fiber supplements from your medications. Realize that not all the implied “health benefits” are real.  Nutrition benefits can be very real; the whole foods.

 

We carry fiber supplements in our CFWLS Nutritional Store as well – you can pick them up onsite or order online!

Parmesan & Garlic Protein Orzo

Posted on June 05, 2019 by

A perfect meatless entrée for your busy nights! 

Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
2 packets of protein orzo
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lg shallot or 3 green onions, sliced
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup milk
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups fresh baby spinach

Directions

  1. Heat oil in skillet and add orzo (uncooked). Stir until slightly browned.
  2. Add garlic and shallots and cook until softened.
  3. Add ½ cup chicken broth until absorbed, then add another ½ cup of broth. Continue until all the broth is absorbed.
  4. Add ½ cup milk and cook until almost absorbed.
  5. Toss in the spinach, salt & pepper. Stir until wilted.
  6. Add ½ cup Parmesan and allow to start to melt.
  7. Divide into bowls and top with remaining cheese.

Makes 2 servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories                                 355
Total Fat                                 10g
Total Carbohydrates               13g
Dietary Fiber                           3g
Protein                                   41g

Print Recipe: parmesan garlic protein orzo

Greek Chicken Salad

Posted on August 24, 2018 by

An abundance of flavor and beautiful too! 

Ingredients

Salad:
4 (1 lb) chicken breast halves – shredded or chopped
1 avocado – sliced
½ red onion – thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives – pitted and quartered
6 oz. jar (oil packed) sun dried tomatoes – drained & sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup pine nuts

Dressing:Greek Chicken Salad
1/3 cup olive oil
½ cup Greek yogurt – plain & 0% fat
¼ cup reduced fat mayo
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried dill or ¼ cup fresh dill – chopped
1 Tbls white wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

  1. Combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk well and set aside.
  2. Combine all salad ingredients in large bowl. Pour dressing over the top and toss well to combine. If preparing in advance, add avocado just prior to serving.

 

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories                                 316
Total Fat                                22g
Total Carbohydrates          7g
Dietary Fiber                        5g
Protein                  28g

Print Recipe Greek Chicken Salad

 

Adapted from Allrecipes.com

What if I Lose Too Much Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?

Posted on May 28, 2018 by

mind over matterYou wouldn’t think this would be a commonly asked question but it is.  You may have heard a horror story about a “person who had weight loss surgery and lost so much weight that they look pale, weak and all of their skin sags”.   This is by far the exception and not the norm.

Weight loss after weight loss surgery is consistent and rapid (primarily with the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures and not as rapid with the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure).  Eventually, the body recognizes this rapid weight loss and as a protective mechanism, will slow down your metabolism and you will experience a plateau.  By following your prescribed eating plan (we make it as simple as possible) and incorporating fitness, you can work through these plateaus.  Once you get closer to your goal weight, the body naturally stabilizes at an appropriate weight even if you continue with a lower food intake (if it is the right combination of macronutrients and overall calories).  The industry commonly calls this the “set point”.  If you did continue to lose weight and appear as if you were dropping below your ideal body weight (rare), we can teach you how to use your “tool” to gain weight as well.

If you looked like the person described previously, you would need to be sure you were following up with your experienced bariatric surgeon.  Some things that can contribute to such a situation include poor nutrition, lack of an adequate amount of protein, not taking your daily vitamin, iron deficiency, smoking, depression or a physical malabsorption problem.  Again, this is a rare situation.  If you follow the prescribed post-operative comprehensive program set forth by your experienced bariatric surgeon/center this would be avoided.

CFWLS-Rhonda-04

Rhonda’s Opinion:  I actually did lose a little too much weight but worked with Dr. Clark and a trainer to gain back muscle.  The great thing is that now YOU have CONTROL!!!

Will I be Able to Enjoy my Favorite Foods Again after Weight Loss Surgery?

Posted on May 14, 2018 by

you chooseLife after weight loss surgery is not all about deprivation.  In fact, life after surgery is quite the contrary.  It’s about having an extra reinforcement so that you are better equipped to lose weight and keep it off long term.  As we have said over and over, surgery is a tool but you really need to know how best to use this tool for optimal long-term results.  Our society is focused on the here and now.  You will have an excellent tool that will help you quickly in the here and now after surgery.  More importantly it will serve you well for the long haul so you can fully experience your life in a rewarding and active way.  I see dreams come true each and every day!

Sure, there will be changes and I would be lying if we said they were all going to be simple. I am not trying to be vague here but the answer to the question “Will I ever be able to enjoy my favorite foods again after weight loss surgery?” depends upon a number of things.  These include the type of surgery you have and what is included in your favorite food list.   Not knowing exactly what those favorite foods are, I will include those that you will need to avoid altogether or enjoy in small quantities (we always like to focus on what you can have rather than what you can’t have).

The first category you will want to avoid or enjoy in small quantities is sugary sweets.  This can be in solid (i.e. candy) or liquid form (i.e. sweet tea).  After weight loss surgery, you should avoid food with >8 grams of sugar (5 grams if you are diabetic) because they can cause a negative reaction in your system, particularly if you have had a gastric bypass.  These foods can cause what is commonly called “dumping syndrome”.  Dumping syndrome occurs when there is a rapid passage of food into the small intestines causing a shift of fluid to the small intestine.  This usually occurs when you ingest foods that are too high in sugar or fat.  Symptoms include diarrhea, sweating, nausea, cold/clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, flushed appearance, and occasionally headaches.  You will need to stop and rest until the symptoms subside.  Remember to remain hydrated (water is best).  Take note of the food/foods that caused these symptoms so that you can avoid them in the future.

The second category you will want to avoid is alcohol.  Alcohol is full of empty calories, dehydrates the body, and has negative effects on the kidneys and liver.  In addition, because of the small size of your new pouch and the fact that food/liquid now empties more rapidly into the intestines, alcohol will be more toxic and cause a higher blood alcohol level than before surgery.  For these reasons, ingestion of alcohol should be avoided after surgery.  If you choose to have weight loss surgery and then ingest alcohol, please be aware that a small amount can affect you to a MUCH greater degree than prior to surgery.

After you are a month or so out from surgery, you can begin to experiment more with various foods.  Introduce raw fruits and vegetables cautiously.  Although many people do just fine, certain foods may be difficult to tolerate because your digestive system cannot n handle them.  The following may cause problems for you and may need to be avoided:

  • Tough meats, especially hamburger. Even after grinding, the gristle in hamburger is hard to digest.
  • Membranes of oranges or grapefruit
  • Cores, seeds, or skins of fruits or vegetables
  • Fibrous vegetables such as corn and celery
  • Hulls, popcorn
  • Breads – Fresh breads “ball up” in your stomach and can block your pouch. Try to avoid breads/crackers/cereals as much as possible.
  • Fried foods
  • Milk – If you are lactose intolerant you may use “Lactaid” products or soybean milk
  • Rice – tends to expand further once in your stomach and can cause pain

This list may seem daunting but realize that the further you are out from surgery, the more tolerant your system tends to be.  However, it is very important that especially throughout the first year you participate in a comprehensive program which should be available with any experienced bariatric surgeon/center.  A comprehensive program should include:

  • Follow-up visits with your surgeon
  • Individualized coaching with a nutrition specialist who understands the needs of the weight loss surgery patient
  • Personal trainer/fitness center that eases you into appropriate exercise activities in a safe and comfortable environment
  • Access to delicious nutritional products that support your need for 90+ grams of protein each day
  • An ongoing support group for you and your family/significant others.

All of this is provided on-site or online at the Center for Weight Loss Success and truly impacts the short and long-term outcomes of our awesome patients.  For those that live farther away, most services are very effectively provided online, via Skype, via webinars and other engaging ways.  Short and long-term comprehensive support is essential for optimal success.

CFWLS-Rhonda-09-

 

Rhonda’s Opinion:  Absolutely!  I enjoy food in moderation even more than before because it tastes so much better when you slow down to enjoy it.

Dr. Clark’s Jump Start Diet – The Results!

Posted on May 22, 2017 by

Dr C with tie croppedI just completed the two week Jump Start Diet!

This is the morning of day 15. I wanted to give you an update and tell you my results. I encourage you to give us a yell at the Center for Weight Loss Success and go to our e-store. I finished up this morning. I had my official weigh- in. I came over here to the office and got my body composition done. I was excited to get up and have breakfast. Over two weeks I lost 18 pounds which is more weight than I anticipated. I’m not going to try and lose more weight. I improved my body fat percentage by 3% points which I was surprised at too. So it’s been a good couple of weeks.

I feel great. I want to give you an update and an overview. I want to talk about how to get started if you’re interested in doing this because the concept is simple. But simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. It is a two week Jump Start Diet using 5 shakes a day. It’s 1000 calories, 145 grams of protein, and 70 grams of carbohydrates a day. For people who are especially carb sensitive, this can potentially be a little high but we have a low-carb option.

I encourage people to take vitamins. Some vitamins that can be helpful to add: extra magnesium (muscle function and regular bowel movements), essential fatty acids (muscle and nerve function and mental clarity), and extra B-vitamins. You might want to consider a stool softener if you’re prone to constipation. It’s a great way to get your weight loss jump started. Some people think two weeks is forever but it’s a short period of time. It’s not easy but the concept is simple.

If you’re interested in getting started you really need to get your mind right. You need to decide, “I’m going to do this!” I assure you “kinda” working on a weight loss program does not work very well at all. So, get your mind right. Pick that time-frame when you’re going to do it. Figure out what’s going on. Is it something you can practically do during that two week period? If you’re going on vacation or have some big event it probably won’t work well. There will be temptations. What I found is the week-ends were harder because typically that’s the time for socializing. We’re not in our normal routine and that does make it harder. Get your mind right. Set you mind to it. Commit to what you’re doing. Just like NIKE said, “Just do it!”

After the Jump StartIf you’re interested, go to our corporate web site at www.cfwls.com. Click on the e-store. We have a book in our store called, “After the Jump Start” which helps you when you’ve completed the two weeks. I appreciate you listening. I appreciate you following along with my two week journey. My journey is still going on just like yours is. This is not something that truly ends. We just change how we work on it.

 

Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

Posted on October 21, 2016 by

These can be flattened a bit as cookies too~

A seasonal treat!

A seasonal treat!

 

Ingredients

2 scoops vanilla protein powder (Leaner Living)

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

¼ cup rolled oats

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

½ cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp sugar-free maple syrup

 

Directions

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Stir to blend.
  2. Add canned pumpkin and syrup. Stir to blend.
  3. Form small (walnut-sized) balls by rolling in in your palms.
  4. Place on plate or tray and chill for 30 minutes until more firm.
  5. Enjoy!

 

Makes 12 balls

Nutrition Facts: (each ball)

Calories 40

Total Fat 2g

Total Carbohydrates 3.5g

Dietary Fiber 1g

Protein 3.5g

 

Print Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls

Crunchy Almond Chicken

Posted on March 18, 2016 by

Great crunch without the carbs!

crunchy almond chickenIngredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup almonds
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup almond flour
2 tsp water
2 eggs

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line large baking sheet with parchment or aluminum.
3. Crush almonds in food processor to a fine mix. Pour into shallow dish.
4. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder and almond flour to crushed nuts and blend well.
5. Whisk eggs and water in shallow dish.
6. Dip each chicken breast into egg mixture and dredge in crushed nut mixture. Coat each side evenly.
7. Place each piece of chicken on lined baking sheet.
8. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes (until juices run clear).
Makes 4 large servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories 383
Total Fat 33g
Total Carbohydrates 13g
Dietary Fiber 7g
Protein 39g

Print Recipe Crunchy Almond Chicken

Mexican Chicken Bake

Posted on September 25, 2015 by

low carb mexican chicken bakeServe with a side salad or green vegetable for a complete meal!

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red or yellow bell pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded Colby-jack cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spray baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Place chicken breasts in bottom of dish and sprinkle with seasonings.
4. Cut pepper into thin strips and scatter on top of chicken.
5. Sprinkle entire contents with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories 245
Total Fat 9g
Total Carbohydrates 4g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Protein 42g

Print Recipe:  Mexican Chicken Bake

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Posted on September 18, 2015 by

cfwls low carb pad thaiAll of the flavor you love in this low carb pad thai recipe!

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large spaghetti squash
1 cup shredded carrot
1 red sweet pepper, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
½ cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
2 Tbls olive oil or avocado oil

Sauce:
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 Tbls lime juice
1 Tbls honey
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp pepper

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Split spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Lay cut side down on foil lined baking sheet.
3. Bake squash for 45-60 minutes. Remove and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Turn over and scoop out flesh with fork. Drain excess moisture if necessary.
4. While squash is baking, make the sauce. Put all sauce ingredients together in small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Simmer and keep warm.
5. Cook chicken and cut up into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add oil to large skillet or wok and heat to medium-high heat. Add chicken, carrots, pepper and garlic. Cook until carrots are crisp-tender.
7. Stir in cilantro and half of the peanuts. Pour sauce over entire mixture and stir.
8. Serve with remaining peanuts and additional cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges.

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories 263
Total Fat 11g
Total Carbohydrates 19g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Protein 20g

Print Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai