We have all heard of the benefits of eating more high-fiber foods. But what are they, and where can you find more information on the topic? These foods have been proven to promote better digestion, regular bowel movements, and a healthy body. Eating more fiber has also been shown to decrease cholesterol and help in weight loss. Here are some of the foods that should be consumed more often by dieters.
Psyllium is a plant fiber that is high in fiber content but only relatively low in bulk. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types of fiber at the same time. Psyllium husk is the husk that you will find in fiber bars and other forms of preparations. There is also a pill form of Psyllium called Metamucil that can be taken once or twice a day with your daily vitamins.
Fruits and vegetables are other groups of foods that should make up a portion of your diet when it comes to high-fiber foods. Because fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, this means that you will need fewer calories overall. Carrots, for example, have a fairly low amount of calories per serving and are packed with other nutrients like potassium and iron. One of the most delicious ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables is by juicing them. If you purchase the fruits and veggies in their whole forms, your serving will be much larger and more nutritious. If you want to enjoy the fruit’s nutrient benefits but not feel as full as you would if you ate them raw, consider a smoothie.
Of course, one of the most high-fiber foods available is the type of cereals that you can buy at your local grocery store. There are several different kinds, so be sure to check out the list and choose from among them. If you have trouble digesting gluten, which is found in many kinds of wheat, a gluten-free or wheat-free product may be your best bet. Many people who follow the gluten-free diet have had great success with using cereals as a high-fiber food source.
Some fruits are considered high-fiber foods, too, including apples and pears. They have a high level of fiber, but they are not as rich in nutrition as some other fruits. You should be able to consume about half an apple or pear and still be fully satisfied. There are many delicious ways to prepare these fruits and vegetables for snacking or for use in other high-fiber food choices.
Other high-fiber foods include beans, such as Lima beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and pinto beans, and whole grains. You don’t have to be a fan of whole-grain bread or cereals to enjoy a hearty snack. Try popcorn, for example, which has a surprising amount of healthy fiber in its cornmeal. If you’re not a fan of crackers, there are plenty of options for making nut butter that has high-fiber benefits. There’s no need to eat them plain; try spiced nuts or flavored nuts that you can add to a salad or spread on bread.
For snacks, try peanut butter on crackers or use peanut butter as an ingredient in baking recipes. There are plenty of other easy ways to incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet. In fact, once you get used to them, there’s no reason you can’t start eating more high-fiber foods. There are dozens of books and websites devoted to teaching you how to replace those traditional foods with more fiber-rich ones. Instead of junk food and ice cream, you’ll find yourself wanting to indulge in more fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Even if you’re trying to eat high-fiber food to lose weight, it doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbs at all costs. Most diets can benefit from some carbs. You just have to make sure that you’re getting the fiber you need along with the carbs.