10 tips for eating more fiber each day

2016-10-03

Fibers? The active role that they play in maintaining proper digestive system function is just one of many roles that fibers play in maintaining overall health. But we’re eating less and less fiber.

Lists Weight Management

Fibers are indigestible polysaccharides (which form carbohydrates) that are found in plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes). Fibers are essential to our health because they stimulate intestinal transit, boost the immune system, rebalance intestinal flora, lower cholesterol, help us feel sated, and stabilize blood sugar. We can distinguish between two types of fibers: soluble fibers dissolve in water and form a “gel,” while insoluble fibers do not dissolve, but swell, accelerating intestinal transit. Each type of fiber plays different, but complementary roles. Foods rich in fiber contain both soluble and insoluble fibers, but in varying proportions. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes, for example, are richer in soluble fibers, while whole grains have more insoluble fibers.

It’s therefore best to combine both types of fibers (consuming more soluble fiber) to meet our needs for fiber. That, however, isn’t as easy as it sounds, and we’re not consuming enough fiber (about 15 g per person per day, although recommendations specify 25 to 30 g of fiber per day, 10 to 15 g of that amount as soluble fibers). Here are 10 tips for ensuring you get enough fiber.

Eat fruits and vegetables with their skins

Potatoes, pears, zucchini, and cucumbers: whenever you can, eat fruits and vegetables with their skins, which are rich in fiber. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, or buy organic produce.

Eat fruits and vegetables whole

Fruits and vegetables are by definition fiber-rich foods. But they provide more fiber if you prepare them whole instead of stewed, pureed, or in a soup.

(Re)discover legumes

Lentils, chickpeas, fava beans, and split peas: legumes, are especially rich in fiber, but we too often ignore them, to our detriment. Try to include legumes in your menu at least once a week.

Eat fruits and vegetables at every meal

Eating fruits and vegetables with every meal is essential for meeting our need for fiber. But it’s equally essential for ensuring that we get enough vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget the recommendations of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS in French): 5 fruits and vegetables per day!

Choose whole wheat bread

Forget about white bread, and be sure to buy whole wheat bread, which is rich in insoluble fibers. You can find whole wheat bread at any bakery or prepare it at home.

Prepare cakes with less-refined flour

Refined flour (T55) has little nutritional value as it contains very little fiber. Replace refined flour entirely or partially with semi-whole or whole flour (T150) when you prepare crêpes, cakes, or pies (you can mix several flours).

Snack on dried fruits

Instead reaching for fatty or sugary snacks or other foods without nutritional value, think of dried fruits (apricots, figs, pears, dates) when you feel a little hungry.

Mix nuts into salads or other foods

Nuts (such as almonds) provide fiber. You can grind nuts and add them to cakes or eat them whole with cheese, fruits, and other healthy foods.

Try whole wheat pastas and whole grain rice

Paradoxically, modern supermarkets now offer more and more traditional whole wheat pastas and whole grain rice, which provide healthy amounts of fiber.

Consider rolled oats, wheat germ, or bran

These three items are all rich in fiber and you can use them in almost anything: in salads, yogurt, smoothies, soups, and vegetable stir fries.

Keywords

Weight Management Lists

Comments

You must be connected to your account to leave a comment

Be the first to review this article

Our selection of articles

Secure Payment

34 Years of Experience

Returns

Fast Shipping

FREE delivery on orders over $25

10 tips for eating more fiber each day

Eat fruits and vegetables with their skins

Eat fruits and vegetables whole

(Re)discover legumes

Eat fruits and vegetables at every meal

Choose whole wheat bread

Prepare cakes with less-refined flour

Snack on dried fruits

Mix nuts into salads or other foods

Try whole wheat pastas and whole grain rice

Consider rolled oats, wheat germ, or bran

Comments

What foods should you eat to lose weight?

Abura method: principles, typical menus & dietary supplements

Does chromium help to reduce body fat?

Excellent

EXCELENTE TODO

EXCELENTE TODO

EXCELENTE TODO

Productos de excelente calidad!

Productos de excelente calidad!

Productos de excelente calidad!

Suplementos de calidad

Suplementos de calidad

Suplementos de calidad

High quality vitamins!

Siempre muy conforme

Siempre muy conforme

Siempre muy conforme

Productos excelentes

Productos excelentes