If you are focusing on your fitness in 2024, you may have many goals in mind. It’s likely that you are exercising more. You may also plan to start eating healthy. But what exactly does that mean?

For many athletes, diet is just as important to fitness as exercise is. When we say “diet,” we aren’t referring to a weight loss plan, but to the kinds of food you typically consume. These foods can significantly impact your progress and performance as an athlete.

Some foods are famously popular with athletes. For example, lots of bodybuilders consume protein after a big lifting session, as it helps with muscle recovery and growth. Runners “carb load” before marathons to help increase their endurance levels. Many athletes also have an especially fond place in their heart (and diet) for fiber—and for great reason.

In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of fiber, both in athletics and everyday life. If you have any questions about the importance of fiber or want more information relating to your specific needs, get in touch with our team. Our nutritional counselors have an incredible wealth of knowledge on this topic!

What Is Fiber?

Fiber is a nondigestible material in certain foods. There are many types of fiber, and it can be found in all sorts of plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans. Some fibers are highly beneficial and necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Much of this comes down to their positive impact on the gut and digestion—two crucial health factors. Many people take supplements on top of consuming high-fiber foods.

What Does Fiber Do for the Body?

So, what does fiber help with? Not all fibers are the same—depending on their type, they will react differently to your body. 

Some types of fiber are considered “fermentable.” They can be broken down and digested by the gut bacteria in your large intestine. This helps keep your gut bacteria healthy and plentiful—and that’s crucial to your overall well-being. Gut fiber produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential to your digestive system!

Other types of fiber are referred to as “viscous” due to their thickening reaction to water. This causes slower digestion and a “full” feeling that lasts longer. For this reason, many people rely on foods high in viscous fiber when trying to lose weight. Additionally, viscous fiber, which is also water-soluble, can help folks avoid harmful blood sugar spikes after meals. That means more energy throughout the day rather than a big post-meal crash.

Why Is Fiber Important for a Fitness Regimen?

Sure, you’re aware of fiber health benefits—but how does that impact your fitness routine? At first, it may seem like fiber doesn’t have as much to do with exercise and fitness as, say, protein does. Wrong! Sure, fiber may not directly interact with muscle cells in the same way. However, your body is a cohesive system. The health benefits of fiber make changes in your body, leading to an improved fitness routine. 

Fiber works with protein, carbs, and other important foods to enhance your fitness regimen. Viscous fibers provide energy and stamina to endurance athletes and help bodybuilders stay full and efficient when cutting. Fermentable fiber is also crucial to any athlete who maintains a workout-oriented diet. When consuming tons of protein and carbs, fibers are necessary to keep your digestive system moving. 

This is why a balanced diet is so important. It takes lots of pieces to complete a puzzle! 

Let’s Do This!

Now that you’re an expert on fiber function and fitness, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. At Jack City Fitness, we love helping Boise’s athletes learn all about fitness, nutrition, and feeling their best. That’s why we offer our Partners everything they need to meet their goals: professional fitness coaches and nutritional counselors, first-class equipment, a rotating schedule of heart-pumping classes, and a 24/7 facility available whenever necessary. We created our gym to support YOUR needs, and we can’t wait to see what your fitness journey holds. 

Ready to get started? So are we! Contact our team by calling (208) 999-1111 any time—we’ll invite you to our gym for a FREE fitness consultation and a chance to tour our facilities. Once you sign up to become a Partner, you can jump right in!

We can’t wait to help you crush all of your goals!

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/different-types-of-fiber