Maintaining a healthy diet during the winter months can be challenging, because it’s often much easier to reach for tempting holiday treats or other comfort food. However, you need to pay attention to your intake of key nutrients such as fiber, in those long chilly months. Are you wondering – Do I need to increase or decrease my fiber intake in the winter to maintain a healthy body? This article examines that important question.
Fiber is a very important nutrient and has numerous health benefits, so boosting your fiber intake is a great way to improve your health. Fiber plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. A diet high in fiber not only keeps you fuller longer, but it also supports heart health, and aids in weight loss.
Dietary fiber is classified as soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water while insoluble fiber does not.
Do you need more or less fiber in winter?
Most people tend to become less active during winter, but they also end up eating more, because food is such a big part of winter celebrations. Since fiber helps to prevent weight gain and also boosts the immune system, it makes sense to increase fiber intake during the winter.
Fiber dense foods such as citrus fruits, winter vegetables, beans, peas, oats, lentils, along with nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts, are highly recommended in winter.
Are you interested in learning more about fiber and its importance during winter? Contact the Langdon Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Guilford, CT. Call (844-551-9880) to set up a consultation with Dr. Robert Langdon Connecticut.