Yes, we all know what fiber does for us. It keeps us nice and normal so we can chug along with our day-to-day, but does all fiber work the same way?
Without making it too complex or scientific, there are two types of fiber to keep in mind: soluble and insoluble. Both are important in your diet.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber means it dissolves in water and becomes almost gel-like. Think of how oatmeal looks and feels when dissolved in water. This type of fiber slows down digestion, reduces cholesterol levels, and stabilizes your blood sugar.
Great examples are foods like:
- oatmeal
- beans
- blueberries
- lentils
- oranges
- oat bran
- nuts
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble Fiber means it does not dissolve in water and is responsible for increasing bulk in your intestines and preventing constipation.
Great examples are foods like:
- leafy green veggies
- broccoli
- carrots
- cabbage
- nuts
To help increase your fiber intake daily, experiment with this Easy Black Bean dip. It calls for a cooked pot of black beans and a few zesty additions to make it flavorful and Mexican-inspired.
Black Bean Dip
Ingredients
2 cups cooked black beans (recipe here)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup red onion, chopped
¼ cup green onion, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Juice from ½ a lemon
½ avocado, chopped
¼ cup raw goats milk feta cheese (or regular feta)
¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon pepper
Steps
- In a large saucepan heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic, salt, and pepper until onions are slightly translucent.
- Add the black beans and reheat for 3-5 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine the sautéed black beans with the avocado, green onions, cilantro, avocado, raw goat milk feta, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve with a sprinkle of feta on top.
Yields ~2 cups
Kale. All Day. Err Day.
