Looking Good Inside and Out

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The Secret of Looking good Inside and Out

Summer has officially arrived and swimsuit season is in full swing. To look your summer best, you may want to take a closer look at your body to make sure it’s ready for summer activities - the inside of your body, that is.

Despite the fact that beauty has historically been viewed as an external attribute, part of looking good is feeling good on the inside. This includes taking a daily vitamin, exercising and, of course, eating right. In addition to ensuring you fulfil your daily intake of calcium, iron and other nutrients from foods, fibre is a vital part of a well-balanced diet.

In fact, according to the National Academy of Sciences, it is suggested that Americans consume 21 to 38 grams of total fibre each day. However, the average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams of total fibre each day.

“Fiber is important in your daily diet because of its benefits, which include helping you feel fuller longer, reducing heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol as part of a diet low in fat and cholesterol, and aiding in weight management,” says registered dietician Amanda Carlson of CorePerformance.com. “Although everyone wants a perfect body to magically appear in time for summer, it takes some work, and a great first step is adding a fibre supplement to your diet.”

Dietary fibre, also known as roughage or bulk, includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb. Fibre is often classified into two categories, insoluble fibre and soluble fibre, the latter of which is most important in a low cholesterol diet. Soluble fibre can be found in products that contain psyllium husk, like new Metamucil Berry Burst. Psyllium forms a gel in the stomach, entrapping cholesterol and fats before carrying them through the digestive tract. Good sources of soluble fibre include oats, beans, peas, many types of fruit and vegetables and psyllium husk.

Some easy ways to include fibre in your diet and “get gorgeous guts” this summer are:

• Substitute high-fibre foods (whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables) for low-fibre foods (white bread, white rice, candy, and chips).

• Try to eat more raw vegetables and fresh fruit, including the skins, when appropriate.

• Eat high-fibre foods at every meal. Bran cereal for breakfast is a good start. Also try to include some fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans in your diet.

• When food isn't enough, a dietary fibre supplement, such as Metamucil Berry Burst, can be taken. Metamucil contains 100 percent natural psyllium husk, regarded as one of the best forms of fibre by doctors.

Adds Carlson, “Be sure to increase your fibre intake gradually to give your body time to adjust, and drink plenty of fluids. This will ensure your body gets the most from the fibre being consumed.”

It’s not too late to get your body in beach-ready shape. By taking a daily vitamin, exercising, and eating right, including taking your daily dose of fibre, you’ll be well on your way to splashing in the waves this summer.

For more easy ways to add fibre to your diet, visit www.metamucil.com.

Beauty and Fashion