FIBER

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, pre-cut veggies, seeds or nuts
• Dinner: Switch to whole grain brown rice and pastas in recipes, and add a small dinner salad and vegetable.

For more information:
www.eatright.org