Eat Fiber To Fight Fat

• For maximum fiber, eat lots of raw fresh fruits and vegetables. Adding fiber to the diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is important in avoiding diabetes, metabolic disorders, and unwanted weight gain. Eat the skins of your fruits and vegetables if they are organic and unwaxed; the greatest fiber and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties are in the skin.

• The recommended fiber intake per day is 25-30 grams. Do not forget to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day--this is vitally important--especially because increased fiber can cause constipation if you don't drink enough water.

• Fiber can help prevent gallstones and kidney stones as well as high cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods slow down the digestive process, preventing a rapid release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream.

• Fiber can offer protection from certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.

• Fiber can help prevent heart disease. Soluble fiber, which is found in oats, for example, can exert a positive effect on cholesterol, triglycerides, and other particles in the blood that influence the development of heart disease.

Pro-Inflammatory Foods To Avoid

A simple rule of thumb is to consider the following: if it contains flour and/or sugar or another sweetener, it will be pro-inflammatory. For the most part, avoid the following foods: