Let's talk about one of the latest trends making the rounds in the wellness sphere: "Fibermaxxing."
If you've been in this game as long as I have, you know that the fitness and nutrition world loves to repackage old truths in shiny new boxes. Often, this can lead to confusion, misinformation, or simply an overcomplication of what should be straightforward. And if you’re just now getting into prioritizing your health, it can be hard to decide what’s really helpful and what’s not.
Sometimes a trend emerges that, although coming off as gimmicky, can actually point back to foundational principles of health. "Fibermaxxing" is one of those, and it actually points to something that we’ve been saying is important for a while. (Like– I’m actually excited to hear people getting excited about fiber!!)
What Does “Fibermaxxing” Really Mean?
What does "fibermaxxing" really mean? It's the practice of optimizing your dietary fiber intake to enhance gut health, improve satiety, regulate blood sugar, and support overall well-being.
The concept behind fibermaxxing isn't new. (It's not some groundbreaking discovery that the nutrition industry has been hiding from you, I promise.) It's simply the latest iteration of what dietitians, doctors, and coaches have been advocating for decades: eat more fiber!
The only "new" aspect is the term itself, and while I often caution against blindly following trends, in this specific instance, the renewed focus on fiber is a welcome change. Why? Because the science backing the benefits of adequate fiber intake is extensive, and I’d love a good trend to be the reason you start paying more attention to what we often call “the fourth micronutrient” you should be concerned with in your diet.
Why “Maxxing” Your Fiber Intake is Good for You
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can't digest. Instead of being broken down and absorbed for energy like other carbs, it passes mostly untouched through your digestive system, while also helping your body out in a lot of other ways.
Digestive Health
Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass and preventing constipation. It also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to everything from improved immunity to better mood and nutrient absorption.
Satiety and Weight Management
Fiber expands in your stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer (satiety). This natural appetite regulation can be a game-changer for weight management, reducing the likelihood of overeating and unnecessary snacking.
If you’ve ever had a higher carb meal that lacked fiber, you’ve likely experienced that feeling of “Why am I already hungry again already?” Fiber can help stop that from happening.
Blood Sugar Control
Soluble fiber, in particular, slows down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. This helps prevent rapid spikes and crashes, leading to more stable energy levels and reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health
Soluble fiber can bind to cholesterol particles in your digestive tract and help remove them from the body, leading to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. This contributes to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Beyond heart disease and diabetes, a high-fiber diet is associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, too! Overall, all good things from higher fiber intake.
Common Fiber Sources for You to Start Incorporating
Fiber comes in two main forms: soluble and insoluble. Both are needed for optimal health! Here’s the difference:
Soluble Fiber
Dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. Found in oats, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and many fruits and vegetables.
Insoluble Fiber
Does not dissolve in water. Found in whole grains, wheat bran, and the skins of many fruits and vegetables.
Need help figuring out where to get fiber from in your diet? Here’s some of the most common sources. Try and pick one to two from each category to incorporate into your weekly meal plans, and you’ll be well on your way to maxxing out your fiber.
- Legumes: Black beans, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans (think soups, salads, chili).
- Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread/pasta, barley.
- Fruits: Raspberries, blackberries, apples (with skin), pears (with skin), bananas, oranges.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, spinach, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes.
- Nuts and Seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, pistachios.
Big Takeaway
Big takeaway? Fiber is good for you! And thai time, the trendy side of Nutritiontok got it right.
