More Fiber: Better for Health

I wrote on September 4th about how I was trying to introduce more fiber into my diet. And a big part of that change was getting a big push in the morning by eating a fiber-full bowl of cereal.

I finally got around to trying all four of Fiber One's cereals. Tastewise, three out of four were great. Ironically (or understandably), it's the original cereal I didn't care for that much. Yep, the one that had the most fiber, 14 grams, tasted the most like cardboard. However, the Fiber One original cereal is still better tasting than the Bran Buds I had tried.

Remember: We're trying for 25 grams of fiber a day.

The other three Fiber One cereals -- Honey Clusters (13 grams of fiber), Raisin Bran Clusters (11 grams of fiber), and Caramel Delight (less than 11 grams) -- all tasted great. In fact, I thought Honey Clusters and Caramel Delight tasted almost the same. Interestingly, all three of these cereals have more sugar than the original cereal, but then that's probably why they tasted better.

The Raisin Bran Clusters, for instance, have 13 grams of sugar in one serving as opposed to 6 grams in Honey Clusters. To a diabetic like me, that's important even though the Fiber One website doesn't talk about sugar content.


My favorite is Honey Clusters. Almost as much fiber as the original cereal at 13 grams of fiber. And half the sugar as the others.

Compare this to Cheerios, the cereal I was on before I switched to Fiber One. Cheerios' ads tell you that your cholesterol will be lowered if you accept the Cheerios "challenge." A bowl of whole wheat Cheerios has 3 grams of dietary fiber. But it has only 1 gram of sugar.

I think with a bowl of Fiber One Honey Clusters, and with a banana on top for potassium, I'm getting a good start in the morning.

Here's some information on the benefits of fiber from the Fiber One webiste:

"Digestive Health

* The most recognized benefit of fiber is its important role in keeping the digestive system running smoothly by promoting regularity. Fiber adds bulk to help move food through the digestive tract.
* Along with regular exercise and plenty of water, fiber plays an important part in maintaining digestive health.

Heart Health

* Fiber – specifically soluble fiber – may also help lower blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk for heart disease. Fiber appears to lower cholesterol by interfering with its absorption in the digestive tract.

Diabetes

* Fiber may also be important for people who have diabetes. Diets high in whole grain and fiber have been shown to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Weight Management

* Getting enough fiber can also help curb your hunger and help you feel satisfied, which can help with weight management. Research suggests that people who have higher intakes of fiber tend to have healthier body weights.
* High fiber foods, like Fiber One cereal and Fiber One Honey Clusters®, may help with managing caloric intake.

That funny, rumbly feeling:

* One of the side effects of increasing fiber intake is an increase in intestinal gas. But don’t let this be a deterrent! Over time the body will adjust to increased fiber levels.
* Top tips for increasing fiber:
o Increase the level of fiber in your diet slowly
o Drink plenty of water to help the body adjust. Aim for eight 8-oz glasses of water each day."

Also, Parade magazine today had an article called "Tips for Digestive Health," including a paragraph on fiber. I liked this part: "A common misconception is that you can get fiber from eating any salad. The best sources of dietary fiber are actually whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, and whole oats, along with beans, peas, nuts and seeds, then fruits and vegetables."