Is fibre your secret weight loss weapon?

Trying to lose weight? Here are three reasons why fibre could be your secret weapon

Is fibre good for weight loss? If you want to drop a few pounds, then eating fibre-rich foods is one easy way to get results.

Why is fibre good for weight loss?

Fibre is the carbohydrate or starch our body can’t easily digest. It can help us feel fuller, which can contribute to weight loss and weight management, and it can slow us down by taking longer to chew. Plus, it’s low in calories.

There are two main types of fibre – insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre is found in the stringy part of celery and the skin and pulp of plant-based foods.

Soluble fibre absorbs water and expands like a sponge, slowing down digestion. Find it in oats, potatoes, berries and dried beans.

How is fibre good for weight loss?

First up, to lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit – where you eat less than you burn.

Fibrous foods can help with this because they require more chewing and are extremely filling. So if you’re nice and full, you’re less likely to overeat or give into cravings.

Studies have found that eating just 30g of fibre a day, without making any other big dietary changes, could help with significant weight loss.

Other research found that a certain type of fibre, called viscous fibre, could suppress appetite – find it in apricots, asparagus, oats, beans, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Which foods are full of fibre? 

Insoluble fibre can be found in:

Beans

Lentils

Berries

Whole grains

Green peas

Spinach

Coconut

Apples with skin

Pears with skin

Avocado

Almonds

Walnuts

Soluble fibre can be found in:

Black beans

Brussels sprouts

Sweet potatoes

Broccoli

Turnips

Kidney beans

Figs

Nectarines

Apricots

Carrots

Apples

Sunflower seeds