Tips for Getting More Fiber in Your Diet

Tips for Getting More Fiber in Your Diet

Veggies, Cereals, High Fiber Grains, and Chia Seeds

Fiber ranks as one of the top all-natural health foods that must be included in your daily diet. When many think of fiber, they think of Metamucil and other supplements that aid with constipation. The stigma of fiber only being helpful for those who are constipated is extremely false. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps people maintain a healthy weight and helps maintain colon and digestive tract health. The benefits of increasing fiber in your diet are almost never ending. Here are some ways to increase your fiber consumption on an everyday basis:

1. Eat your veggies. Many vegetables are a great source of fiber. Simply including at least one vegetable in every meal can be an easy, enjoyable way to increase your daily fiber intake and also your overall health.

2. High-fiber cereals. High-fiber cereals do not taste like cardboard like many of them used to. Although a bit processed, these cereals are a great source of good-quality fiber. One high fiber cereal that is delicious and does not even taste like a health food is Fiber One Honey Clusters. This cereal is so good that I have a hard time eating only one bowl at a time.

3. Chia seeds. Chia seeds are a new very popular source of fiber that can be included in almost any food you can think of. You can add them to yogurt, top oatmeal with them and experiment to your hearts content. You can purchase Chia seeds from many health food stores and websites. An added bonus is that Chia seeds can be used to create an egg substitute that can be used in cooking and baking. This is great for vegans who love to cook and bake.

4. Other healthy grains. Oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta and whole grain breads are great sources of fiber. Always check the label of breads to be sure they are truly made of whole grains; some bread labels can be deceiving. A hot bowl of healthy oatmeal is a great, affordable way to get a boost of morning fiber on a cold winter morning.