5 Ways to Increase Your Fiber Intake

Getting an adequate amount of fiber in your diet is vital for your overall health and wellbeing. A high-fiber diet appears to reduce the risk of developing various conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, constipation and colon cancer. Fiber is also important for the health of your digestive system and in lowering cholesterol levels. Although you know the benefits of fiber you may not know how to increase your fiber intake but don’t worry because we have your back!

Make a Fruit Salad

A fruit salad makes an excellent addition to a meal or even being served as a dessert. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated or extravagant, just combine some of your favorite fruits and a little fruit juice or yogurt as a dressing. You can also mix in a few nuts and seeds for even more fiber! Not that you need a recipe for this but just incase you want one this is our favorite here. 

Don’t Peel Your Potatoes 

The edible skin of fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, zucchini and potatoes actually contain valuable fiber. Who would’ve thought that the bits that you might normally toss into the bin are good for you. Much of the fiber in a potato is in the skin and there is no reason the skin cannot be worked into your dish. Our favorite way of doing this is part boiling baby potatoes, roasting them in the oven and them slightly smashing them with a fork, drizzled in olive oil, salt and pepper. Delish! 

Buy 100% Whole Grain Bread

Traditional refined white bread has been a thing for decades because people usually prefer the lighter flavor and texture in comparison to whole grain bread, which is heavier in taste and texture. However, the brain that is removed during the flour making process actually takes a lot of the fiber with it. In the beginning, whole grain bread may be a bit of an acquired taste but trust us… in no time you actually won’t care for plain old white bread anymore. 

Switch to Brown Rice

Rice has become such a staple in our homes and for good reason. It literally goes with everything! Want a more fulfilling salad? Add some rice! Having a creamy curry? Add some rice! Protein and vegetable plate missing some carbohydrates? Add some rice! However, brown rice is a better choice than white rice because it retains the high-fiber bran. It has got a nuttier flavor and firmer texture compared to white rice but it is worth the health benefits. If you really aren’t a fan of brown rice then we recommend trying wild rice or quinoa! 

Swap Fresh Vegetables for your Chips

I don’t know about you but at my parties, chips and dips are a very popular snacking option. However, as we all know they are high in fat and usually low in fiber. So instead, dump the chips and serve crunchy fresh vegetables such as sliced cucumbers and carrot with a delicious hummus dip.