Listen up; it’s not just about exercising. So I’m going to let you in on one my biggest secrets on how I live a healthy lifestyle inside out. I’m known as the “Fiber Queen” with my friends, family, and coworkers. Literally, everyone knows this and will ask me for tips and advice on how to incorporate more fiber into their diets, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It may come as a surprise to people, when they realize that I tend to have in moderation, some sweets everyday. Love Dark Chocolate Edamames, Red Velvet cupcakes, Rainbow cookies/cake, and Ralph’s Ices!

However, I wasn’t always known as the “Fiber Queen”. This all came about back when I was a senior in college. In Respect & Honor Your Inner-Neurotic Quirky Self, previous blog article, I shared how I’m obsessed with fiber, how this happened, and how I make sure to get enough fiber while traveling. Long story short, back in college and after going to a doctor, she diagnosed me with what I was experiencing as IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, caused by emotional stress and anxiety, as well as insufficient water and fiber intake. I literally had to change my lifestyle, and am so thankful I did!

Nowadays, my daily goal is to get about 25-30 grams of fiber a day and make sure I get 10 glasses of water/tea a day as well – maybe even more water on hot humid and/or workout days. I had to work up to this daily intake of fiber. I plan ahead, and it works for me. I don’t leave home without fiber snacks in my pocketbook or in my carryon luggage when I’m traveling. I also bring along extra, just in case, for my friends. Someone’s got to look out for my friends and teach them about a High Fiber lifestyle!

So to get you started or have you become more aware of how to incorporate more Fiber in your diet, let me share with you some of my favorites for maintaining a High Fiber Lifestyle.

High Fiber Lifestyle Go-To Checklist

Eating a high fiber diet has literally changed my life, and as I mentioned earlier I wasn’t always this committed to this lifestyle. It’s not just about detoxing/cleansing from the inside out, one obvious benefit from this lifestyle, but also about all the health benefits it provides.  It helps maintain my glucose/insulin level at a steady rate so I don’t get the hungry shakes or dizziness, I feel fuller with less amount of food consumed and therefore I eat less calories overall, it lowers the risk for diseases – heart disease and diabetes, and I’m able to maintain my weight easier.  I’m definitely more in tune with when I’m really hungry, and how certain foods make me feel when I eat them on this plan. Since college, I’ve basically eliminated fast foods, fried foods, soda, and white rice, as I don’t like how it makes me feel internally – heavy, sluggish, bloated, and just unhealthy. However, I have to confess that I occasionally indulge in French Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Pizza – not necessarily all at the same time! When I’m on the go, I enjoy eating at Chipotle, Panera Bread, Cosi, and Wendy’s, as I find they have some great high fiber choices!

Start simple and start small with making the switch to a High Fiber lifestyle. Gradually increase your fiber intake over the weeks and see how your body adjusts to the change. Maybe start with 10 – 15 grams of Fiber a day, if you aren’t really getting much now. Of course, check with your doctor about what he/she recommends for your health and what’s the best approach for you. You’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll notice immediately especially if you only change your Fiber intake as that one factor in your routine. Being Healthy from the Inside Out is part of the fit lifestyle, so embrace it!

How’s your High Fiber lifestyle? Where can you make some improvements starting today?