So the gastro guy wants me to get more fiber into my diet.* I did a bit of searching and there are dozens of lists of dozens of “high fiber” foods. However, checking the nutrition labels leaves me confused. Some of the lists say “potatos” but the average potato has 1-2 gm fiber. A slice of the high fiber bread has 5 gm. One of the lists says stay away from popcorn, but my microwave popcorn has 5 gm per serving, and I usually eat the whole bag: 2.5 servings = 12+ gm fiber.
Also, how much do I need before my diet is “high” in fiber? From the nutrition labels again, it appears that 25 gm or so is about right. Am I close?
*I just had my colonoscopy; prob’ly TMI to say more.
An easy way to increase your fiber intake is to just use good old Metamucil. You should also be able to find psyllium husk in the bulk-foods section of your local hippie grocery. There are also other types of supplements such as Benefiber.
Popcorn does seem to be recommended as a good source of fiber. The other common recommendations are beans/lentils/peas and whole grains.
Rolled oats are good too. If you don’t like oatmeal use them to make oat bread, scones or oatmeal cookies instead.
On a personal note-I love popcorn. It’s about one gram of fiber per cup. The microwave stuff has too much fat in it for me so I make popcorn on the stove using a Whirley-Pop and only a tablespoon or less of oil. (No butter added either.) Starting last year, every time I would usually go out and get nachos, burgers or other fast food I just made popcorn instead. A year later I’m 20 pounds lighter and my cholesterol is 30 points lower.
Flax seed is a great thing for fiber (and other goodies). I like to combine it with oatmeal. You can also grind it and put it in things including on a salad.
Beans are good sources. If you ever make chili, use canned black soybeans and you’ll get your week’s supply of fiber!
I just eat a high-fibre cereal for breakfast three or four times a week. There are plenty of cereals that give you 5+ grams a serving, so you can probably find some you like.
umm, high fiber diets are really good for you but you should ramp up your intake slowly. Don’t go from eating 10 grams of fiber a day to suddenly eating 30. You will be most uncomfortale otherwise. read your bread labels if your eat sandwiches you can find bread that is 7 grams for 2 slices. If you are going to eat crackers, eat Triscuits. Check your cereal labels, Kashi has some tasty high fiber cereals. You can add flax seed to just about anything for a little more fiber boost. Lots of peas and beans, veggies and fruits. If you do have some “intestinal distress”, Beano is very good and I can tell you from personal experience it does work (at least for me)