Fiber CAN help with weight loss - not those fakey fiber pills that are supposed to 'fill up your stomach' presumably so you can't eat much (gotta love (not) those tacky ads that tout their fiber pills as "gastric bypass surgery pills"
).
What I'm referring to is getting fiber in the FOOD YOU EAT - such as fresh veggies, fruits, oatmeal, high-fiber cereals, etc. THAT's what helps with weight loss.
Rather than buying those pills...why not follow this advice:
Quote:
Tips for Adding Fiber to Your Diet
Pat Baird, MA, RD, FADA
http://www.nationalfibercouncil.org/fiber_tips.htm
Health professionals recommend adults consume about 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber per day. That's far more than the typical American diet's average fiber intake of only 15 grams per day. Those on low-carbohydrate diets consume even less. Here are some simple tips to add fiber to your diet:
Eating vs. Drinking
Eat your fruits and vegetables rather than drinking them. Instead of juices, use the whole item. Cut up an orange, eat a half of grapefruit, and tuck tomato slices into a sandwich.
Variety is Key
Choose a variety of fiber each day. For instance, have some "soluble" fiber items like berries, citrus fruits and oatmeal along with "insoluble" fiber foods like whole-wheat flour, root vegetables and whole grains.
Veggie Additions
Keep poly bags of frozen vegetables in your freezer. Add a few handfuls to soups, sauces, casseroles or pasta dishes; lightly defrost in the microwave and add to salads.
The Thrill of the Grill
Grill extra batches of vegetables and fruit when the grill is fired up. Asparagus, peppers, corn, squash, onions are great candidates; pineapple, peaches and nectarines are also enhanced on the grill (use these as a side dish or dessert).
You Made Your Bed, Now Eat It!
Serve entrees like sliced steak, chicken or fish on a "bed" of grilled zucchini, sautéed spinach or sliced onions.
Cabbage = Roughage
Finely shred cabbage and toss into soups or salads.
Supplement with Psyllium
Natural psyllium fiber is a good source of soluble fiber. Fiber from psyllium husk is used as an active ingredient in certain fiber supplements.
Add Modifiers
Order pizza with vegetable toppings. Broccoli, spinach, mushroom and onion toppings are widely offered; "salad" pizza is frequently available.
Snacks Full of Fiber
Snack on fiber: air-popped popcorn, dry-roasted nuts and seeds, and even your favorite whole-grain cereal are satisfying, fiber-filled snacks.