Get Ready to Show off Your Beach Body

(ARA) - Now that warm weather is here, it can mean only one thing: summer has officially arrived! But before breaking out your swimsuit and sunscreen this season, you may want to take a closer look at your body to make sure it's ready for summer -- the inside of your body, that is.

Despite the fact that beauty has historically been viewed as an external attribute, part of looking good is feeling good on the inside. This includes taking a daily vitamin, exercising and, of course, eating right. In addition to ensuring you fulfill your daily intake of calcium, iron and other nutrients from foods, fiber is a vital part of a well-balanced diet.

In fact, according to the National Academy of Sciences, it is suggested that Americans consume 21 to 38 grams of total fiber each day. However, the average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams of total fiber each day.

"Fiber is important in your daily diet because of its benefits, which include helping you feel fuller longer, reducing heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol as part of a diet low in fat and cholesterol, and aiding in weight management," says registered dietitian Amanda Carlson of CorePerformance.com. "Although everyone wants a perfect body to magically appear in time for summer, it takes some work, and a great first step is adding a fiber supplement to your diet."

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb. Fiber is often classified into two categories, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber, the latter of which is most important in a low cholesterol diet. Soluble fiber can be found in products that contain psyllium husk, like new Metamucil Berry Burst. Psyllium forms a gel in the stomach, entrapping cholesterol and fats before carrying them through the digestive tract. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, peas, many types of fruit and vegetables and psyllium husk.

Some easy ways to include fiber in your diet and "get gorgeous guts" this summer are:

* Substitute high-fiber foods (whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables) for low-fiber foods (white bread, white rice, candy, and chips).

* Try to eat more raw vegetables and fresh fruit, including the skins, when appropriate.

* Eat high-fiber foods at every meal. Bran cereal for breakfast is a good start. Also try to include some fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans in your diet.

* When food isn't enough, a dietary fiber supplement, such as Metamucil Berry Burst, can be taken. Metamucil contains 100 percent natural psyllium husk, regarded as one of the best forms of fiber by doctors.

Adds Carlson, "Be sure to increase your fiber intake gradually to give your body time to adjust, and drink plenty of fluids. This will ensure your body gets the most from the fiber being consumed."

It's not too late to get your body in beach-ready shape. By taking a daily vitamin, exercising, and eating right, including taking your daily dose of fiber, you'll be well on your way to splashing in the waves this summer.

For more easy ways to add fiber to your diet, visit www.metamucil.com. The Metamucil family includes new flavors and products to fit your active lifestyle. The National Fiber Council provides free brochures and downloads to teach you more about fiber. Log on to www.nationalfibercouncil.org.

Visit Athletes' Performance to find more healthy eating tips from registered dietician Amanda Carlson at www.athletesperformance.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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