In simple terms, fiber is the amount of “roughage” in your diet.
Fiber is important in lowering your risk of certain cancers and digestive
disorders. It also helps in managing your weight and cholesterol.
If your diet is “typical,” you’re
probably shortchanging yourself when it comes to fiber. It is recommended
that adults
get 20-35
grams of fiber per day.
It doesn’t
take much to fit in fiber.
- Breakfast: Include a high-fiber cereal, fruit, or whole grain toast.
- Morning Snack: Think fruit or a whole grain bagel.
- Lunch: Add a salad, or cup of vegetable or bean soup
- Afternoon Snack: Curb your appetite with high-fiber crackers, cut up
veggies, seed or nuts
- Dinner: Switch to whole grain brown rice and pastas in recipes, and add
a small dinner salad and vegetable
You don’t have
to give up your favorite foods. But, by adding some color and texture to
your plate, you can improve your health.
For more information on fitting in fiber, visit www.eatright.org.
