Prebiotic Foods & Fiber Rich Foods

Prebiotics are food for your healthy gut bacteria. They feed the growth of microbes that are beneficial in your gut. Ingesting prebiotic foods also falls into the category of eating fiber rich foods. I’ve gained much of this detailed knowledge from the book Eat Better by nutrition and fitness expert Shawn Stevenson. The book is an easy and fun read and it brings complex information and tons of scientific studies into down to earth information we can use to make better choices in the foods we eat.

“Eating prebiotic plant fibers from foods like asparagus, apples, leeks, onions, bananas, and polyphenol rich cocoa have been found to produce substantial gut protection and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have proven that certain nutrients found in these prebiotic foods provide energy and reduce inflammation in the large intestine.

This is why eating prebiotics to feed friendly bacteria is important. It goes beyond calorie management because it's addressing the things that control your metabolism in the first place.”

--Eat Better | Shawn Stevenson

You might have seen me talking or posting about the 'pink drink' from Plexus. One of it's main ingredients is a Grade A prebiotic that feeds the good guys in the gut. The drink can make a significant impact on your gut flora quite quickly. There are other secrets as to why it works so brilliantly if you're interested.

Eating prebiotic foods offer a similar and wonderful opportunity for gut healing and gut health.

Prebiotics fall under the umbrella of fiber.

When water and insoluble fiber meet, it forms a gel like substance that supports the integrity of our gut lining and gut bacteria, and can have profound effects on our metabolism. --Eat Better | Shawn Stevenson

Highest Sources of Soluble Fiber:

• avocados

• sweet potatoes

• brussels sprouts

• pears

• nectarines

• black beans

• broccoli

• apples

• flaxseeds

• carrots

Best Sources of Insoluble Fiber:

• berries

• beans

• lentils

• okra

• spinach

• cocoa

• whole grains

• raw walnuts

• raw almonds

*These foods help support fat loss by deactivating hunger hormones and triggering satiety.