Dietary Fiber

Fiber is the part of a plant that provides its structure. Pectins, gums, cellulose, hemicellulose, polysaccharides, mucilages, and lignins are all dietary fibers. The one thing that makes fibers important in our diets is the fact that we cannot digest them, so they slow down the absorption of glucose in the carbohydrates that we eat.

If you consume many protein shakes and meal replacements, chances are you're not getting enough fiber in your diet, and you should look to other natural sources. Vegetables that are high in dietary fiber include:

• Beans, Lentils & Broccoli

Fiber can also be found in oat bran, wheat bran, and other fiber supplements. You should try to eat 5 to 10 grams of fiber with each carbohydrate-rich meal, especially if you're trying to lose fat.