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Sure, fiber isn’t a glamorous food. It’s all about protein, or antioxidants, or healthy fats, right? Well, fiber is just as important as any other nutrient, especially for keeping you full, lowering your cholesterol and blood glucose, and reducing your risk of stroke and heart disease. And, of course, making sure your digestive system operates correctly.
How much fiber do you need on a daily basis? Women should be eating around 25 grams of fiber per day, slightly less if you’re over 50. Luckily, lots of delicious food contains plenty of fiber. Here are some of the best sources to make sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet.
- Beans and legumes—lots of them. Lentils, black beans, and lima beans all have anywhere between 13 and 16 grams of fiber per cup. They’re tasty, nicely textured, and full of complex carbs and proteins.
- Raspberries and blackberries. Versatile and sweet, these berries are a perfect way to get your fiber fix while taking care of your sweet tooth at the same time.
- Artichokes, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. These three greens are delicious in salads and recipes, and are rich in fiber. Cooked the right way, even the most picky eaters can enjoy these fibrous veggies.
- Avocados. There’s no end to the good news for avocado lovers. Avocados are loaded with fiber, among its many other benefits, and as any avocado enthusiast knows, they can be eaten alone or added to basically anything.
- Bran flakes and oatmeal. These popular, healthy breakfast foods are full of fiber, and will leave you full and satisfied after your morning meal. Plus, they’re super-versatile. Add bran flakes to a smoothie or use oatmeal for any number of breakfast recipes.
With these foods, you can keep up your fiber intake and keep your body working right!
How do you get your daily dose of fiber?
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