Thursday, August 02, 2007
High Fiber Cereals: Smart Choice
Fiber has an image problem. It is not trendy like omega 3 fats or phytonutrients. Chances are, unless you are irregular, you don't even think about it. You should. Most Americans get only about 15 grams of dietary fiber a day - not even close to 25 to 30.
To get that much fiber, a daily bowl of high fiber cereal is almost a must.
High Fiber Highlights:
1. Be aware of serving sizes, when selecting a cereal. some, like granola, are concentrated, so it takes less to get the amount of fiber (and calories) listed on the label.
2. If you are watching your sugar consumption, stick to the basics. The more clusters, yogurt bites and dried fruit added to a cereal, the higher the sugar content - and calories.
3. Boost your nutrition with skim milk and a handful of berries, or sliced fruit to perk up the flavor. Berries also add lots more fiber.For snacks, top a low fat yogurt with a handful of high fiber cereal.
4. If you are new to the high fiber life, take it slow. Your taste buds may take some time to adjust, as will your gastrointestinal tract. Try mixing a high fiber cereal with your favorit lower fiber brand, gradually upping the high fiber proporftions. And do not foreget to drink plent of fluids, so all that fiber will move through you and not just plug you up.
