We are all aware of the many health benefits of fiber in your diet. But, do you really get all the dietary fiber you need?
Sadly, most adults get less than 15 grams of fiber per day, far below the recommended 20 to 40 grams per day.
This is cause for concern. Why? A low-fiber diet can increase the risk of some cancers, particularly colon cancer. It can also help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and prevent constipation.
How can you go about adding more fiber to your diet to get these wonderful health benefits? Here are some ideas:
1. Skip the fruit juice and eat more whole fruit
When you drink a glass of juice, you get the health benefits of the antioxidants in the fruits, but you miss out on all the healthy dietary fiber. Enjoy an apple or a pear in its whole state and get all the amazing benefits of fruit.
2. Skip the white bread and choose whole-grain
Stop and study the label when you choose bread at the grocery store. Make sure that whole grain or whole wheat is listed as one of the first ingredients on the label. You can boost your fiber intake by replacing white bread and rolls with healthy grains.
3. Reconsider your choice of cereal
Check the label on your favorite cereal and see how many grams of fiber it contains. Many fiber-based cereals can be as high as 15 grams per serving, which takes care of more than half your daily fiber requirements. If your cereal is weak in dietary fiber, consider a high-fiber cereal such as All Bran or Fiber One.
4. Add some nuts or flaxseed to your cereal
Nut and flaxseed are both high in fiber. Plus, they give your cereal a deliciously nutty flavor.
5. Replace white rice with brown rice
It is more nutritious, has more dietary fiber, and is less likely to raise your blood sugar level rapidly.
6. Replace your regular snacks with high-fiber snacks
Some good choices are popcorn without butter, whole-grain crackers, nuts, and whole-grain pretzels. Yes, popcorn is actually considered a whole grain.
7. Add veggies to everything you can
Having pizza for dinner? Add some spinach, broccoli, and other vegetables that appeal to you. If you’re having a sandwich at lunch, pile on the veggies and eat it with a side salad. Do this consistently, and you’ll greatly increase the fiber in your diet.
Getting more fiber in your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of making healthy substitutions. Why not make your next meal a fiber feast and reap the health benefits?
