High fiber foods can help prevent constipation and they can lower your LDL cholesterol levels. We need approximately 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories we eat. So, for someone who eats 1,800 calories per day, that’s about 25 grams of fiber. Are you getting enough? If not, you can easily add fiber by switching your pasta, rice, and bread to whole grain varieties. In addition, try adding at least one fruit or vegetable serving to every meal. Here are a few more of my favorite tips:
– If you are making protein shakes, throw berries in there.
– Switch up your cereal by adding high fiber cereal to your dish (you can mix cereals you know). My favorite has always been All Bran (yes, I loved this cereal even when I was a kid!) but, other high fiber cereals include Kashis, Fiber One and granola.
– “Hide” vegetables. There are a few cookbooks out there that tell you how to sneak veggies into your child’s food. Do the same thing with your own if you have to. Stews and soups are easy but you can also add processed carrots to your pasta sauce; dried fruit to your oatmeal and onions and celery to meatloaf. The key is thinking creatively.
– Use oatmeal as the base of your meatloaf
– Buy a new cookbook, choose a different recipe and try it!
High Fiber Foods I love:
– Fruits and Vegetables
– Renew Life Organic Fiber Bars (these are fruit based so they fulfill sweet cravings)
Even if you are on the go, you can get all the fiber you need if you snack on cereal, choose whole grain dishes when eating out and incorporate fruits and veggies into every meal.