High Fiber Foods

Fiber is a key nutrient for a healthy body. It keeps things moving, so to speak. Fiber can naturally lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and help avoid hemorrhoids. Since it adds bulk to the diet, it can help you achieve fullness faster, thus aiding in controlling weight & cravings.

On average, people get about 15 grams of fiber a day. In reality, you want to get your intake up to about 35-40 grams a day. But take it slow, the body needs time to adjust – if you experience bloating or gas, take it down a notch for a few days, then ease back into things.

Check out this handy online calculator to determine how much fiber you’re getting each day.

It’s best to consume fiber-rich whole foods. Get your fiber naturally from fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, legumes and whole grains. And always opt for whole wheat… over white… every time.

Avoid processed foods with claims of high fiber on the front of the box. Think about it. You can’t force an apple to have more fiber than it does naturally, but if you add fiber to it, you can. Unfortunately, this “added fiber” is actually wood pulp – while edible, not really natural for humans. After all, we don’t have the teeth of a beaver.

Never rely on a fiber supplement, which are just purified cellulose (wood pulp).

Strive to incorporate a combination of these high fiber foods into your daily diet to kick your fiber intake into high gear.

High Fiber Foods

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/high-fiber-foods.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/27/fiber-foods_n_1167897.html#slide=571023

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20553010,00.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000193.htm