These days, it seems like everyone is hopping up on the fiber bandwagon. Fiber bars, fiber added to childrens’ cereal, fiber added to yogurt, fiber, fiber, fiber, fiber. I’ll be the first to admit that fiber is super important in your diet. It keeps you full and regular, if you know what I mean. It is a major factor in weight loss and weight maintenance.
The point that I am trying to make with this article is that just because you throw fiber in something doesn’t mean that it is magically healthy. First I will begin with fiber childrens’ cereals. Apple Jack’s - NOW WITH FIBER. 1 cup of Apple Jack’s cereal has 3g of fiber and 13g of sugar. When the sugar content is 4x that of the fiber content, it is not a superfood nor is it any healthier than beofre,
The next thing is one of the biggest misconceptions ever - Fiber Bars. They are everywhere lately. Fiber Plus, Fiber One, Fiber One Brownies, Quaker Bars with Fiber the list goes on. Just because these bars contain fiber doesn’t mean that you should eat 2 of them instead of a meal and now your on your way to awesome health. Fiber one bars have 29g of carbs, 9g of fiber, and 10g of sugar. Yes, that is a lot of fiber, but why should you have to eat all of those empty carbs just to get some fiber. They also have 1.5g of saturated fat. Now that isn’t a crazy amount of fat, but wouldn’t you rather get your fat content from nuts or olive oil or anything that isn’t a sugary bar + fiber.
Bottom line is that these bars should be used as special treats not multiple daily snacks unless you literally have no better option.
It’s not secret that Fiber One is throwing fiber into anything to increase consumerism. Fiber Cottage cheese… seriously?! Does it seem natural at all that there would be fiber in cottage cheese? No. So here is a list of NATURAL ways to get fiber that are delicious and not loaded with unnatural sugars…
1. broccoli - 1 cup gives you 5g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g protein
2. apples - 1 medium one packs 5g or natural fiber
3. pears - 1 medium has 5g of fiber
4. Whole Wheat Bread - The amount of fiber varies per brand, but as long as you know it’s 100% whole wheat, you’re gonna find a substancial amount of fiber.
5. Fat Free Refried Beans - These are awesome. They are completely versatile and can be made into a salad topper, a dip, anything! 1/2 cup has 4g of fiber.
6. raspberrries - 1 cup has 8g of fiber… throw some on your yogurt or cereal!
7. peas - 1 cup has 8.8g of fiber
8. cereal - I know the low sugar cereals can taste bland, but they are packed with fiber and you can spice it up by adding fresh fruit or a drop of honey.
So be smart about it, ladies and gentlemen. If I threw fiber into a hot fudge sundae would you fall for it? Think about what you’re eating past the headlines on the front of the box!
P.S. 25-30g of fiber is a great target for your daily fiber needs!
-http://teenhealthblog.tumblr.com/post/8485108344/exposed-fiber
I disagree about the oatmeal bit, but i like the post
