Weight-Loss Is anyone else a fiber freak?

Weight-Loss
Until recently, I wasn't really aware of how much fiber I really eat.

In a normal day, I'll eat a few high-fiber granola bars (most claiming to provide 20%+ of the daily fiber needed), a few helpings of either soybeans or a few soyburgers (about 12% of daily fiber needed per serving), fruits and veggies, etc. I know I definitely meet and exceed the fiber I'm supposed to take in...does anyone else eat fiber like I do? What are your normal foods for fiber intake?


Sami
 
Fitday says I average about 40g of fiber a day, but it counts a ton of fiber for raspberries. When I was losing, I averaged about 28g of fiber a day. Lots of fruits, lots of veggies, lots of nuts, lots of flax. Every now and then, a sawdust-and-guar-gum tortilla.
 
SarahL said:
Hey everyone..I've got a question. I know we in the US don't get enough fiber (or so my doctor told me) and we are supposed to get 25 grams or more a day. So, he has suggested Metamucil or Citrucel etc...to supplement...like some fiber before every meal etc.

Well, the question is...my mother told me yesterday that if you start drinking the fiber supplement drinks (metamucil etc) that your system will start depending on it and you won't be able to function without it.

So...I read the bottle of it..and it shows psyllium husk as the main active ingredient. Well, psyllium is a natural bulking fiber.

I don't know...I understand that if you took chemical laxatives everyday that your body will start to depend on them, but, a natural bulk fiber...?? I don't think ma is right, but...what do you all think?

I know that I have been extra 'bloated' since I have started the increase on fiber...but, I think that happens until you get used to more fiber in the diet and it probably shows that you haven't been getting enough before?

Also, what have you all heard about increasing fiber to aid in weightloss? My doctor wants me on 800-1000 calories a day and that is why he said to take the fiber before eating to increase your 'full feeling' before you eat...so you won't take in as many calories...

Thanks for reading this, it was rather long-winded!!! :rolleyes: :eek:
Click to expand...

The bloating isn't uncommon when people start increasing their fiber intake -- especially if you are doing it primarily through supplements like Metamucil.

It's actually not terribly difficult to get your fiber from whole food sources if you include some whole grains in your meals each day -- things like oatmeal, quinoa, 100% whole grain breads and my personal favorite: La Tortilla Factory Low-Carb Tortillas which have 12 grams of fiber per tortilla (or almost half of your daily RDA.)

You're body doesn't really become "dependent" on fiber when you increase your consumption. You need a certain amount of it just to assist with digestion and to keep you regular. The worst that happens is that you have to use the bathroom more often, but even that tends to self-regulate itself.

Also, it's important to distinguish between soluble fiber and insoluble (roughage), since they have different effects on the body. Insoluable fiber tends to create more gas in people than the soluble version. Good sources of soluble include barley and oats.

BTW, the gas that you get when you eat beans isn't from the fiber, but from chemicals in the beans. Many people also adjust to this after eating beans for a while.

Your doc is right that one of the benefits of eating more fiber is that it will make you feel fuller and more satisfied. But remember, you can get fiber from all kinds of whole foods -- apples, for example are great sources of soluble fiber.

I would, however, be careful about the timing of the Metamucil. Make sure you give yourself about an hour between drinking it and eating a meal, since psyllium fiber expands in your stomach as it absorbs fluid. If you eat a meal to close to taking the Metamucil, you can have some pretty severe stomach pain -- and sometimes this can lead to more serious issues.

I probably eat about 50 grams of fiber each day, and have no issues with bloating or gas. These symptoms tend to fade after a couple weeks of increasing your fiber intake. One trick is to do it slowly and gradually, so your body can adapt.

Best of luck!
 
Not sure if this has been mentioned as i didnt read the entire thread.

I eat around 3/4ths to 1 cup of dry fiber one cereal with cinnamon sprinkled on it around 10 am each day along with a 32 ounce bottle of water.

Its doing a lot of different things for me.

1. 1 full cup is 28Grams of fiber at about 120 calories.
2. Cinnamon is supposed to be hi in fiber as well
3. The 120 cal snack or meal makes it alot easier to eat 5-7 smaller meals per day
4. The fiber one combined with a bottle of water results in me feeling very very full! By noon im fine with a small cup of soup or small soup and salad combo. I rarely feel hungry
5. Both the cinnamon and fiber one fit nicely in a desk (or anywhere) and are easy to measure, mix and consume at work (or anywhere really)
6. I have a piece of fruit around 8am, 3pm, and with dinner usually around 7pm so im always confident that im getting enough fiber.

As part of a balanced diet and exercise plan, i feel the dry fiber one is a great tool to help lose weight. I have had very good results.

And last of all!!! I dont mind the taste at all! Its a little dry, but i dont mind eating it.
 
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