Here’s a list of high fiber, high-taste (and convenient) treats to help you get the most out your food and on the road to good health.
- Popcorn – It’s crunchy, it’s salty, it’s filling and just one cup contains more than one gram of fiber – not to mention only 30 calories.
- Dates – Not only are these rich in dietary fiber along with B vitamins, minerals, dates are a good source of antioxidants, which have been linked with prevention of cancer.
- Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds – These are rich in dietary fiber, and are believed to reduce cholesterol, enhance the immune system and decrease the risk of certain cancers.
- Pita Pockets - Spread a whole wheat pita with hummus and stuff it with your favorite vegetables. This is a super snack that’s loaded with fiber.
- Fruit Smoothie - Choose your favorite fruit (most fruits are high in fiber) and blend with non-fat yogurt. You’ll also get a boost of protein and carbohydrate with this one.
Snacking is important because you need to be refueled every two to four hours if you feel hungry. When you’re on the go, like most of us are these days, the normal tendency is to turn to something quick and easy, usually from a vending machine, convenience store, or fast food restaurant – mostly because we don’t prepare for the inevitable snack attack.
Those snacks may curb your hunger for a little while, but they’re also usually high in fats, sugar, and calories.
Remember, healthy can taste good, and you can get that same feeling of being full from foods that are lower in fat and higher in nutrients.
Low calorie fiber-rich snacks also include rice cakes, carrots, apples, and other fresh fruits. Whole grains also provide additional fiber and should be included in the diet where possible.
Experts recommend intake of 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Little additions of fiber throughout the day in the diet can contribute to the daily total. |