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How to Add Fiber to Your Diet and Like It

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By Semira J
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Add Fiber to Your Diet and Like It
Add Fiber to Your Diet and Like It
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We keep hearing that we are supposed to get 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, but really we only get 12-18 grams on a really good day. We get tricked into buying muffins for more fiber, but they are loaded with fat and sugar. Here are some no nonsense ways to add fiber to your diet and a smile to your face.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • this article
  • a desire to live longer and healthier
  • a small notebook
  1. Step 1
     

    Make salads a meal instead of something we eat before a meal. When I make a salad I make it a celebration. I start with lettuce. Iceberg is acceptable, but romaine or something dark and leafy is better. Add celery, raisins, sunflower seeds, carrots, red cabbage, sprouts or walnuts. You may even add black beans or apples. Don't be afraid to get creative.

  2. Step 2

    Next, reform the sandwich. Add tomatoes(the skin has fiber), bell peppers, leafy green lettuce or sprouts. Always, always, always opt for multi-grain wheat bread instead of white or Italian style.

  3. Step 3
     

    Give oatmeal a make-over. While the pre-packaged oatmeal does say that it contains fiber, the old-fashioned oats are a better option. I like the steel cut. (They do take longer to cook). Then add raisins, dry dates, pecans, walnuts, bananas, apples, berries or barley. If oatmeal isn't your thing, try whole wheat bagels, Cream of Wheat or a high fiber cold cereal for breakfast. Quaker has a good one called Oatmeal squares.

  4. Step 4
     

    Change the way you snack. Grab a bowl of grapes and whole wheat crackers or make a grilled cheese on whole grain bread. Sometimes you just need something sweet-try Kellogg's All-Bran Rolled Fiber Wafers have 10 grams of fiber per serving and they taste delicious!! Most Fiber One products are tasty and high in fiber. I like their yogurt and cereal snack bars. Kashi also has some tasty products worth looking into.

  5. Step 5
     

    Lastly, you can even add fiber to side dishes. Instead of plain white rice, choose brown rice. Then add beans, nuts or finely chopped brocolli. I keep my chopper handy and add veggies to any unsuspecting dish I can get my hands on. Switch out pasta for whole wheat pasta, and leave the skin on your potatoes.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep a small notebook handy to record how many grams of fiber you are getting. After a while, you won't need it.
  • Keep the water handy!!! It is suggested you drink 1/2 oz per pound that you weigh.

Comments  

shasha10 said

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on 6/18/2009 Yum - Sounds good. Excellent ways to add fiber to your diet. I love eating healthy. Add a sweet potato now and then with cinnamon (no sugar).

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