Everyone wants to look good and impress the people around them – and being healthy is one of the best ways to do it! But staying fit should extend further than that; allowing yourself to take up healthy habits can prolong your life, boost your immune system and improve your physical and mental well-being! Luckily, one of the easiest ways to do it is by getting enough fiber in your diet. So if you would like to start reaping all these benefits, read on for the best foods to get more fiber!
Contents
The Best Foods To Get More Fiber
Whole Grains
If you’re looking for a way to feel your best, Whole Grains are what you need! This superfood provides a wealth of benefits; with each bite, it’ll be like you’ve entered culinary paradise. Eating whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Whole Grains also provide energy, so you’ll feel less sluggish throughout the day as they contain complex carbohydrates! They also support your digestive health with lots of dietary fiber and help you manage weight. Bottom line: if you want to ensure your body runs like a finely tuned machine, Whole Grains must be part of your diet.
Apples
With something as sweet and satisfying as an apple, why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to fuel your body? Apples are high in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. They are a delicious source of quick energy and can also benefit your physical and mental health.
Three components can help reduce the risk of many illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. But that’s not all – apples also improve cognitive performance, keeping your brain sharp and alert throughout the day. Plus, including them in your diet is a great way to squeeze some extra fruit servings into your day-to-day – on top of being an easy snack so you can feel good about snacking!
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are like the superheroes of your diet – with their diverse range of health benefits, they make a fantastic addition to any meal. Packed with fibers and proteins, chickpeas help to keep one feeling fuller for longer periods, aiding in weight management.
Furthermore, some studies suggest chickpeas may also benefit digestive health and certain metabolic issues. But don’t forget about their flavor – vegans and non-vegans alike can appreciate the subtle yet satisfying taste chickpeas bring to salads, curries, and other dishes. So if you want to enjoy something tasty and healthy, look no further than the mighty chickpea!
Berries
Berries should be part of your daily diet – not just because they are tasty! Rich in fiber and antioxidants, these little powerhouses help to keep a whole host of bodily functions running smoothly. Fiber helps facilitate digestion, boost your immunity, and even reduce cholesterol.
The vitamin-rich antioxidants in berries also work to protect your skin from the aging process. But why limit yourself to one type of berry when so many options exist? Nature’s candy comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors – giving you an endless opportunity to explore taste without the guilt. So grab a handful of berries today for their flavor and fantastic health benefits!
The Worst Foods To Get More Fiber
Fruit Juice
You’ve been bombarded with countless ads claiming that fruit juice is healthy and packed with all the good stuff you need to meet your daily nutrient requirements, but don’t be fooled! Not only does it contain tons of sugar, but it also lacks other essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Drinking too much fruit juice can lead to some severe health consequences.
Consuming large amounts of sugar over a prolonged period can cause diabetes, thanks partly to the extra calories it can provide. Also, drinking fruit juice doesn’t make you feel as full as eating the actual fruit would, thus leading you to snack more throughout the day and pack on even more calories. So if you want to stay healthy, save yourself the headache and just stick to eating actual fruit – your body will thank you later!
Microwave Popcorn
When they say that popcorn isn’t the same when it doesn’t come from a theater, they really mean that you shouldn’t be making microwave popcorn. The biggest fallacy in snacking is the belief that you’ll somehow be content with an inferior substitute. The truth is that microwave popcorn does more than compromise on taste—it can endanger your health.
From diacetyl, a chemical that imparts a buttery flavor, to pre-popped bags of microwave popcorn, which can cause Alzheimer’s and other illnesses, to unhealthy artificial flavorings and preservatives, it’s better to stay well away from this snack altogether. Save yourself the trouble and put down the bag of popcorn; it’s not worth taking even a single puff of this health-jeopardizing snack.
Dried Fruit
Eating dried fruit can seem like a healthy snack, but it’s full of added sugar and calories. In some cases, dried fruit has as much sugar as candy! Dried fruit also lacks nutritional value compared to its fresh counterpart due to its concentrated state.
Overconsumption of anything is never ideal, and this is especially true for dried fruits. Eating an excess amount can lead to uncomfortable stomachache and bloating. It would be wise to choose other sources of natural sugars from things like fresh fruits! All in all, moderation is key when it comes to fresh and dried fruits; otherwise, you might just feel a little “dried up”!
Creamed Vegetable Soups
If you’re considering eating creamed vegetable soups, you better think twice! Not only are they dripping with oil, salt, and MSG, these packaged soups often contain unhealthy preservatives and artificial coloring. The heavy base of cream mixed with seasonings can easily increase your daily caloric intake with each cupful.
In the unlikely event, you find a healthier version without all the extra unhealthy ingredients, it’s still packed full of sodium which can be very detrimental to your health if consumed in large amounts. So if you’re looking for something nourishing that still satisfies your craving for a creamy soup base, skip the prepackaged soups and make one from scratch. Your body will thank you!
Start Eating The Best Foods To Get More Fiber Today!
The best foods to get more fiber include the ones listed at the beginning of this article. These foods are all rich in dietary fiber, a nutrient that plays an essential role in many aspects of health, including weight management, digestive health, heart health, cognitive function, and immune function.
In addition to packing a nutritional punch, these foods are delicious and easy to incorporate into your diet. So if you want to increase your intake of fiber-rich foods, start adding some of the best options out there and avoiding the worst ones!
