CommonHealth’s Recharge Campaign: Fiber and Energy
Can eating high-fiber foods really give you more energy throughout your day? YES!
If we are meeting basic needs, getting adequate types of rest, and making daily healthy choices but still can’t seem to recharge, we may find energy through fiber rich foods. One reason we may have fatigue throughout our day is most of us are not eating enough fiber. The average adult only gets about 15 grams of fiber a day, but women need 25 grams and men need 38 grams every day.
There are two types of fiber – insoluble and soluble. We need them both, but they provide different benefits. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and helps bulk up stool through roughage fruits and vegetables. It keeps our gut happy and our bowels regular. Soluble fiber does dissolve and absorb water and aids in the digestive system. Soluble fiber can be found in oats, beans, lentils, vegetables, and fruits. These foods take longer to be absorbed and help keep blood sugar levels steady by slowing down the rate that sugar enters the cells. Keeping blood sugar stabilized at a constant level decreases the spikes and drops that can drain our energy throughout the day.
Yummy and filling, high fiber foods also keep you satisfied longer between meals and snacks. That means less hunger and more ability to focus on other tasks. When you consume enough calories and fiber, your brain will be able to focus on the present moment, and you will enjoy sustained energy throughout your day.
You can learn more amazing benefits from fiber by revisiting CommonHealth’s past campaign Focus on Fiber.
For questions regarding this week’s communication or the CommonHealth program, please reach out to your respective campus coordinator below:
- Alexandria – Kathy Clement (KClement@nvcc.edu) or Najeeb Baha (NBaha@nvcc.edu)
- Annandale – Matthew “Tank” McCarl (mmccarl@nvcc.edu)
- College Staff – Cecil “C.J.” Jackson (CeciJackson@nvcc.edu)
- Fairfax – Dahlia Henry-Tett (employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu)
- Loudoun – Tammy Wagner (TWagner@nvcc.edu)
- Manassas – ThuyTien Ngo-Nguyen (TNgoNguyen@nvcc.edu)
- Medical Education Campus (Springfield) – Beverly Tsikata (btsikata@nvcc.edu)
- Woodbridge – Amira Alexander (AAlexander@nvcc.edu)
Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, DHTett@nvcc.edu