What is fiber and why is it important?
Fiber is an important nutrient and is an essential part of one’s diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It helps to get rid of toxins in the body and can contribute to weight loss if you are consuming the proper amount. Fiber can be categorized into two sub-categories: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which are different functions and are found in different foods:
- Soluble fiber can be broken down by good gut bacteria and is dissolved in water. This kind of fiber is found in oats, beans, apples, and carrots and is transformed into a gel-like material to helps with digestion and absorbing nutrients.
- Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. This kind of fiber is commonly found in whole grains like flour, bran, nuts, and different kinds of vegetables and helps movement through your digestive system.
Fiber is important because it helps your digestion and reduces the risk for chronic illnesses. It does not get broken down and regularly digested like other nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates, but it passes through the stomach, small intestine, and the colon to keep your gut in check. Remembering to eat fiber at every meal and with snacks is great for keeping your body healthy which can help increase productivity levels. Getting in a variety of fiber through different types of food throughout the day has great health benefits which in turn can help you with work, and everyday life. Choosing snacks foods with fiber is a great and easy way to increase or maintain your fiber intake to prioritize digestion and a healthy gut.
What kinds of Kellogg’s snacks have fiber in them?
Kellogg’s products are commonly found in office breakrooms, schools, and restaurants for quick snacks throughout the day. To make sure you are getting fiber into your body, be sure to check the nutrition label for the amount of that is in the snack. Examples of Kellogg’s snacks with fiber in them are:
- Raisin Bran high fiber cereal has 7 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Whether you eat it as a breakfast when you get to work or as a mid-afternoon snack, Raisin bran has whole grains and bran which gives you a great serving of fiber.
- RX Bars have about 5 grams of fiber per bar. The nuts that are in the bars are to credit for most of the fiber that you see on the nutrition label. Nuts and seeds are high fiber foods and give great benefits to our health.
- Frosted Mini-Wheats Original cereal has 6 grams of fiber per serving. Made from 100% whole grain, this is the perfect snack to increase your fiber intake, with or without milk.
When you need a snack with fiber, look for these popular Kellogg’s products. These are quick and easy snacks that can be eaten at your desk in the office, during your prep work if you are a teacher, or before a shift at a restaurant for maximum energy. These items are great to keep on hand at school just in case students need a snack during the day. Fibrous snacks are beneficial for children as well and can be kept in a teacher’s lounge, behind the teacher’s desk or in the nurse’s office.
Which foods are high in fiber?
There are so many foods out there that have fiber, whether you know about it or not. Similar to the Kellogg’s snacks with fiber, most fruits and vegetables and foods with whole grains have fiber in them. Kellogg’s has the best snacks with fiber since so many of them contain nuts and seeds, which are high in fiber as well. Beans, oats, whole wheat products and some cereals have great amounts of fiber in them to help reach your daily fiber goal.
Why is fiber important to consume each day?
Regularly consuming fiber and making it part of your lifestyle can be a great way to do good for your health. Getting enough fiber throughout the day can help tremendously with keeping your digestion in check and can reduce the risk for other types of illnesses and diseases.
Being conscious about the foods you eat and the nutritional value they have can help change your perspective on the choices you make. Prioritizing important nutrients like fiber and trying to get your daily recommended amount can do such great things to your health and can make you feel great. Choose a snack with fiber to help your body stay on track whether you are at the office or on the go!
How much fiber should you consume per day?
The amount of fiber to consume per day is different based on age, gender, and other health concerns.
- For women under the age of 50, it is recommended to get at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
- Women over the age of 30 should aim to eat 21 grams of fiber per day.
- For men under the age of 50, it is recommended to get at least 38 grams of fiber per day.
- Men over the age of 50 should try to get at least 30 grams per day.
If you have other health concerns such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or have issues with digestion, your doctor may suggest a different amount of fiber in order to solve the problem at hand. If you have questions or concerns about the amount of fiber to consume, talk with your doctor or another medical professional.
What are some tips for getting proper fiber into your diet?
If you are having trouble finding ways to get the proper amount of fiber into your diet, here are some easy tips to follow:
- Start your day with a healthy amount of fiber with foods that have more than 5 grams per serving. Things like non-sugary cereal, oats, or whole grain items would be best.
- If you don’t already eat beans and legumes, try adding some into your diet. They have great sources of fiber and can be incorporated into lots of dishes.
- Go for whole grains when choosing things at the grocery store. Switching to items with whole grains and whole wheat bread, wild rice and whole wheat pasta can make a difference when it comes to the amount of fiber that is consumed.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. It’s easier said than done but having a serving of fruit or vegetables with every meal is an easy way to increase your daily fiber intake. For more convenience, wash, cut, and prep your produce ahead of time so it’s easier to sit down and enjoy your snack.
- Prioritize your snacks. Making sure to add in a fruit or a vegetable to pair with something else. Next time you are in the break room at work, reach for a Kellogg’s product that already has fiber in it.
What health benefits come with getting proper fiber?
There are many health benefits to getting the proper amount of fiber each day. Some of the major health benefits are that it:
- Helps lower cholesterol.
- Helps lower and control blood sugars.
- Increases regular and normal bowel movements.
- Helps with reaching and sustaining a healthy weight.
- Increases your lifespan and keeps you healthy.
Fiber Snack Ideas With Kellogg’s
Getting the right amount of fiber per day is important, similar to the importance of getting enough protein and greens in your diet. Kellogg’s makes it easy to eat good snacks with fiber due to the many options that are available. Between high fiber cereals, granola bars and protein bars, Kellogg’s offers so many options to keep your fiber intake in check throughout the day.
References
Healthline. Why is Fiber Good For You? The Crunchy Truth. (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-is-fiber-good-for-you) Accessed September 20, 2022.
Mayo Clinic. Nutrition and Healthy Eating. Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art) Accessed September 20, 2022.
Study.com. What is Soluble Fiber? (https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-soluble-fiber-definition-sources-examples) Accessed September 20, 2022.
Written By: Elizabeth Ednie
Sponsored by Kellogg’s