[CAR73]

Hi Everyone,

I need to both lose weight and lower my cholesterol. I've heard that increasing fiber to 35+ grams a day can help with both. Do any of you eat that much fiber and if so, have you noticed any changes in your weight loss "flow"?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can give me.

Cathy

[rockinrobin]

Yes, I eat that much fiber iin a day, sometimes much more. I eat an enormous amount of vegetables, some fruit and high fiber cereal. Fiber is great stuff. Besides all the benefits it brings about to the intestinal tract, it really helps keep me full and satisfied, which in turn helps me to stay on plan, thus losing the weight. Make sure though when increasing fiber in your diet that you do it gradually, too quickly and you can have stomach rumblings. Also make sure to drink lots of water, because fiber absorbs a lot of it.

Though fiber has played a huge role in my weight loss, it wouldn't have happened just on it's own. I also count my calories, as it's the only way for me to keep my portions in check. I exercise as well.

Good luck to you.

[mom2mollie]

The other nice thing about high-fiber foods is that the are almost always lower in calories because of the fiber. 1/2 c of Fiber One with 1/2 c skim milk is only 100 calories! (I add some berries for flavor, too).

[CAR73]

Thanks to both of you and yes, I'm counting calories too. I'm at about 1200 right now because I have a desk job and for the bulk of the day I have to be sedentary. I'm sure it would work but my big thing is staying on track for more than 3 or 4 days at a time!

Thanks again~Cathy

[Heather]

I have found since I started trying to eat more fruits, veg and whole grains etc, that I naturally get more than 35 g of fiber/day without having to focus on it, which is nice.

However, I have no idea if increasing fiber changed anything. The addition happened over time while I was actively losing. Maybe it helped, maybe not. As Robin said, veggies are a nice way to add bulk for few calories, and that seems to help.

[SkiniJeni]

I am a big believer in the high fiber diet, but counting calories is also important. I've tried to lose weight before and never been this successful. This is the first time I've focused on fiber while dieting. I'm sure there's a connection.

I've read some reports about the high fiber diet also helping your body to fight off infection and disease. I don't know if that's true, but I haven't been sick once, not even a cold this year. This might be TMI, but I'm also very regular now.. something I've never been before.

If you want a yummy treat try Fiber One Chewy Granola Bars. They are delicious and have 140 calories and 9 fiber! AWESOME!!

Good luck!

[CAR73]

Oooooh yeah I'm LOVING the fiber one bars!! And the best part is I can get my kids to eat them too because they are so yummy......when I feel like sharing, that is! Thanks everyone and Jeni I think that is exactly what I needed to hear. I think I'm at home here.....