Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial, especially during the colder months when routines shift, and activity levels may decrease. Here are ten practical ways to fuel a healthy lifestyle and keep your body energized and balanced year-round.
1. Get as Much Natural Daylight as Possible
Sunlight plays a key role in regulating mood and metabolism. Even in winter, try to step outside daily for some fresh air and vitamin D.
2. Stay Active – Stand Instead of Sit
If you work from home, make an effort to stand, stretch, or take brief walks throughout the day. Small movements add up and help maintain circulation and energy levels.
3. Hydrate Throughout the Day
Proper hydration is essential for digestion and overall well-being. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to support your body’s functions.
4. Swap Sugary Sweets for Fruits and Vegetables
Refined sugar can lead to energy crashes and cravings. Instead, opt for naturally sweet options like berries, apples, and carrots to satisfy your taste buds while providing essential nutrients.
5. Prioritize Lean Proteins
Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and plant-based alternatives into your meals. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling full longer.
6. Eat More Fiber for a Healthy Digestive System
Fiber supports digestion and promotes gut health. Both soluble and insoluble fiber play essential roles—soluble fiber helps manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber aids in bowel regularity. Sunfiber is an excellent source of soluble fiber that supports a healthy gut microbiome without excess bloating or abdominal discomfort.*
7. Practice Mindful Eating
Slow down and savor each bite. Eating too quickly can lead to overeating and poor digestion. Take time to enjoy your meals and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
8. Plan Balanced Meals
A well-rounded meal should include a mix of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Preparing meals ahead of time can help you make healthier choices throughout the week.
9. Limit Processed Foods
Highly processed foods often contain excessive sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives that can negatively impact health. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever possible.
10. Incorporate a High-Quality Fiber Supplement
If you're struggling to meet your daily fiber needs like most Americans, a fiber supplement like Sunfiber can help bridge the gap. It promotes digestive health, supports satiety, and helps manage blood sugar levels without unwanted side effects.*
Best Ways to Get Your Daily Soluble Fiber
In general, the best natural sources of fiber come from whole-grain foods, fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts.
Note that the more processed the food, the lower its fiber content may be. Refined foods such as white bread and non-whole-grain cereals undergo a refinement process that removes the bran from the grain, reducing fiber content. For optimal soluble fiber intake, make each meal count. Choose a whole-grain or bran breakfast cereal, use whole-grain flour for baked goods, and incorporate more beans and produce into your meals or snacks.
About Soluble Fiber Supplements
If you’re struggling to increase your fiber intake, some fiber supplements can be reliable alternatives.
Keep in mind that not all fiber supplements are the same. Not all have been evaluated in clinical trials to learn if they provide the same benefits as fiber from your diet.
If you’re interested in a soluble fiber supplement, choose one that is all-natural and has been extensively researched. This should help you get the best possible results, according to expert dietitians.
Look for supplements containing Sunfiber. It delivers clinically substantiated health benefits, is non-GMO, low-FODMAP certified, gluten-free, and meets the FDA’s definition of a dietary fiber.
Sunfiber vs. Other Soluble Fibers
Sunfiber promotes a healthy digestive balance without the excess gas or bloating associated with other fibers.*
Sunfiber is the world’s most-researched soluble fiber. Unlike many other supplements, Sunfiber is derived from the guar plant. The fiber-packed bean is transformed into an easy-to-consume powder without the side effects or unpopular taste/consistency of other soluble fiber supplements.
If you’re making a significant dietary change, be sure to drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to fiber increases. Both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber require water to function correctly.
By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can support long-term health and maintain a balanced diet all year long. Want to learn more? Read more about Sunfiber.