Fiber Question
 

If I'm not getting enough fiber in my diet, is it okay to take a fiber supplement pill, or is that something to consult with my doctor about?

What are some good fiber-rich foods?

There are a lot of foods that are fiber rich, and you can completely avoid taking a supplement in most cases with some dietary changes. Small switches like:

~Eating more fiber rich fruit like strawberries, rasberries, apples (with skin) etc. Other produce like bananas, cantalaupe, etc. are very good for you nutrientwise, and should be included in your diet, but you want to be sure that you are getting a couple servings of more fiber rich fruits each day to up the fiber content of your diet.

~Whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta, or white or regular wheat bread. Look for breads that have at least 2-3 grams of fiber a slice.

~Brown whole grain rice instead of white

~Whole grain cereals like Kashi, bran flakes, oatmeal, etc. are rich in fiber.

~Beans and legumes of all kinds

~Fiber rich vegetables like broccoli, or a baked potato or sweet potato with skin-where most of the fiber lies.

There's a great fiber thread - called Fiber Fanatics. Check it out for lots of good ideas!

wal-mart sells a tortilla on their tiny little bread aisle called "X-Treme Fiber" tortillas. here's the stats:
1 serving is one 10" tortilla
cals / serving: 72
fat: 2g
protein: 8g
fiber: 12g

I stuff mine full of veggie burrito stuffings or chile. tasty stuff! :)

I like Fiber One Honey Clusters cereal. It has 14 grams of fiber, and it doesn't taste like twigs :)

I've read that fibre pills are not that effective, and rather it is better to take a fibre powder mixed in water. In the UK, the common one is isaghula husk (tastes disgusting).

I realised this week, that while I was eating loads of fruits and veggies, I was virtually eating no other high fibre foods - bread, cereals, wholewheat, potatoes etc. So I have been eating 2 shredded wheat (217 cals) and low cal brown bread everyday and feel much better!

Have you tried those Fiber One breakfast bars? They come in a few flavors - chocolate and peanut butter are two, and theyr'e really good :)

Originally Posted by blueberry3:
Have you tried those Fiber One breakfast bars? They come in a few flavors - chocolate and peanut butter are two, and theyr'e really good :)

Hi,

While the fiber one bars do taste wonderful... Look at the back and read ALL the ingredients.
They have Shelac in them! Google The word Shelac. You might not want to eat them again. :(
I do like them bunches, but not THAT much.

here is a link to explain it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shellac

Shellac is a brittle or flaky secretion of the lac insect Coccus lacca, found in the forests of Assam and Thailand. Freed from wood it is called "seedlac".
Once it was commonly believed that shellac was a resin obtained from the wings of an insect (order Hemiptera) found in India. In actuality, shellac was obtained from the secretion of the female insect, harvested from the bark of the trees where she deposits it to provide a sticky hold on the trunk. There is a risk that the harvesting process can scoop the insect up along with the secretion, leading to its death. The natural coloration of lac residue is greatly influenced by the sap consumed by the lac insect and the season of the harvest.

Ugh!!!! Just read the article! Now I'm going to be checking for yet ANOTHER ucky additive in my foods! Makes you wonder WHERE they come up with additives for foods...and WHY!

Thanks for the eye-opener!!!

Why? Why must manufacturers put these kinds of things in our food? I love those bars, but like you said littlered, not that much. I don't think I can force myself to eat the last one I have.

Originally Posted by athenac:
Why? Why must manufacturers put these kinds of things in our food? I love those bars, but like you said littlered, not that much. I don't think I can force myself to eat the last one I have.

Athenac,
I still have 3 boxes! it was on sale 2 @ $4. and I had a good coupon for them.
So I stocked up :(

hubby said he does not care... he will eat them..;)
So I don't have to throw them out after all.

Thank you all for your input!
I am making a grocery store run tomorrow, so I will be sure to read labels more carefully and stock up on fiber-y foods.

And I don't think I will be getting any Fiber One bars LOL :)

Claire, I can't find the Fiber Fanatics thread.
I may just be slow LOL

Do you mind posting the link for me? Thanks!