We've all heard that we need to eat more fiber, but by the time we've added up all the calories, fat (saturated, trans, etc.), carbohydrates and sugar, who has time for fiber?
If anything, fiber is one thing we definitely need to take account of.
Fiber is best known for keeping our bowel movements regular, as our bodies don't digest it and it pushes food through the digestive system; but fiber also lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and (I know you'll like this one) aids in weight loss.
In my quest to up my daily fiber intake, I came across Target's Market Pantry fiber bars (the cheaper alternative to Fiber One bars). These bars have only 140 calories, 4 grams of fat and a whopping 9 grams of fiber. Since I'd never tried a fiber bar before, I was a bit worried it would be dry and have the stomach appeal of cardboard.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The oats and chocolate bar (there are several other options, such as oats and caramel) is a good-sized chewy oat bar filled with mini chocolate chips -- and it has a tempting drizzle of chocolate across the top. As far as snacks go, the bar isn't overly sweet; but it's just sweet enough that in my book it could pass as a healthy dessert option.
Yeah, I could grab an apple or heat up a bowl of oatmeal to boost my fiber quota for the day -- and those are definitely tasty options -- but munching on a chocolatey bar of chewy goodness sometimes seems a bit more appealing.
If you're looking for easy ways to add some fiber to your diet, the Market Pantry fiber bars are a simple and tasty way to go.
But don't shy from other fiber-rich foods. Men under the age of 50 need about 38 grams of fiber daily (over 50: 30 grams); women under 50 years old need about 25 grams of fiber (over 50: 21 grams).
With all that fiber you add to your diet, don't forget to drink lots of water. Fiber can help your body best when it has water to absorb (and if you don't get enough liquids, you could become constipated).
If anything, fiber is one thing we definitely need to take account of.
Fiber is best known for keeping our bowel movements regular, as our bodies don't digest it and it pushes food through the digestive system; but fiber also lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and (I know you'll like this one) aids in weight loss.
In my quest to up my daily fiber intake, I came across Target's Market Pantry fiber bars (the cheaper alternative to Fiber One bars). These bars have only 140 calories, 4 grams of fat and a whopping 9 grams of fiber. Since I'd never tried a fiber bar before, I was a bit worried it would be dry and have the stomach appeal of cardboard.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The oats and chocolate bar (there are several other options, such as oats and caramel) is a good-sized chewy oat bar filled with mini chocolate chips -- and it has a tempting drizzle of chocolate across the top. As far as snacks go, the bar isn't overly sweet; but it's just sweet enough that in my book it could pass as a healthy dessert option.
Yeah, I could grab an apple or heat up a bowl of oatmeal to boost my fiber quota for the day -- and those are definitely tasty options -- but munching on a chocolatey bar of chewy goodness sometimes seems a bit more appealing.
If you're looking for easy ways to add some fiber to your diet, the Market Pantry fiber bars are a simple and tasty way to go.
But don't shy from other fiber-rich foods. Men under the age of 50 need about 38 grams of fiber daily (over 50: 30 grams); women under 50 years old need about 25 grams of fiber (over 50: 21 grams).
- Looking for something fruity?
- Grab a cup of raspberries, which boasts a hearty 8 grams of fiber. Or a pear, which will give you 5 grams of fiber, a banana (3 grams) or an orange (3 grams).
- Looking for something a bit more filling?
- Cook up a cup of whole-wheat spaghetti for about 6 grams of fiber. For something easier, pour yourself a bowl of bran flakes, which will provide you with 5 grams of fiber.
- Looking for something snacky?
- Air-popped popcorn (not the extra-butter, extra-salt kind) will give you 3 grams of fiber for every 3 cups. Nuts are also a great source of fiber: 22 Almonds (3 grams), 1/4 C of sunflower seeds (nearly 4 grams) or 49 pistachio nuts (2.9 grams) will all satisfy your munchy cravings.
- Looking for something fresh?
- Vegetables like broccoli are known for their high fiber content (5 grams per cup). But did you know you can get nearly 9 grams of fiber from a cup of peas? Artichokes, too, will give you 10 grams of fiber, while a cup of corn provides just about 5 grams of fiber.
With all that fiber you add to your diet, don't forget to drink lots of water. Fiber can help your body best when it has water to absorb (and if you don't get enough liquids, you could become constipated).
