First published in 1982, The F-Plan Diet plan almost immediately became a popular success as it is based on low-fat, high carbohydrate principles. This is still supported by many nutritionists so read our simple review.
The theory behind the F Plan diet plan is that fibre fills the stomach, quells pangs of hunger and reduces the desire to overeat. It also recommended restricting daily calories to 1000 so if followed strictly it represented a healthy weight loss plan.
As can be seen, the F plan diet plan placed great emphasis on the amount of fibre consumed. In weight loss terms this is useful because as the body doesn't use fibre as source of energy it is never stored away as fat if we eat too much. However, it is also essential to general wellbeing because it slows down the digestive system and is another important way of introducing water into our bodies.
Since the 1980s research has made scientists more aware of the important role it play in the maintenance of health - particularly the heath of the bowel.
For the bowels to work properly, we need a minimum of one ounce of dietary fibre a day. There are two types: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre is good for keeping bowel motions regular: it is found in wholegrain and wholemeal breads and cereals, and fruit skins. Soluble fibre is good for lowering cholesterol: it is found in beans, pulses, oats, and bananas. Many vegetables and fruits contain a mixture of the two, which is one of the reasons it makes good nutritional sense to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
