When Yara Blake was told her cholesterol numbers were creeping into the “high” range, she was shocked. She was already vegan. She exercised. She didn’t smoke or drink excessively. So what was going on?
“My doctor asked about fiber,” Yara recalls. “And that’s when it clicked—I wasn’t eating nearly enough.”
Like many plant-based eaters, Yara had assumed that cutting out animal products automatically made her diet heart-healthy. But processed vegan foods, refined carbs, and lack of fiber can still impact cholesterol levels.
Determined to take control of her health, Yara began focusing on fiber—real, plant-powered fiber. She swapped white rice for quinoa and barley, replaced crackers with raw veggies and hummus, and added legumes to nearly every meal.
“I didn’t want to be obsessed with numbers,” she says. “I just wanted to feel confident in how I was caring for my body.”
Within three months, her cholesterol dropped significantly. But more than that, she felt lighter, more energized, and less sluggish after meals. Her digestion improved, her skin cleared, and she finally felt in sync with her body.
“Fiber doesn’t sound exciting,” Yara laughs. “But trust me—it’s powerful.”
