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The Skinny On: Resistant Starches

"Feel full foods", developed by companies like Slim-Fast and Kraft, are scientifically proven to make you feel like you've eaten a large meal when you have, in fact, only eaten a 200 calorie snack.

How do they do that? They manipulate the fat molecules to stay intact until they reach the lower part of the small intestine. At that point, the manipulated molecules spark a whole bunch of hormones to send an "I'm full" message to the brain. These "resistant starches" act like fiber, but have the taste and texture of starch. They slow down digestion, so you feel full longer. Eating these kinds of food could decrease fat accumulation in the long-term. Wow.

Resistant starches can also be used to boost a product’s fiber level “label value” so the product can claim to be a “good” or "excellent” source of fiber, when it doesn't actually contain "natural" fiber, so be on the look out.

Eating good old fashioned real foods that actually contain fiber naturally are your best bet. Foods like beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will make you feel full naturally without the scientifically modified flare.

Fit's Tip: Eat fruit at every meal. Apples, bananas, oranges, pears and berries are good sources of fiber. Why not slice some into your dinner salad?


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