Fill up on fiber!

You’ve probably noticed that fiber is being infused into every product from water to pancakes these days. You may not know why exactly, though, and that’s where we come in. Fiber is the indigestible part of a carbohydrate that contains zero calories, acts as a natural detox, and since it fills you up quickly, helps naturally suppress your appetite. Depending on its form, its function may vary, but health benefits extend way beyond weight loss — it can help reduce cholesterol levels and decrease your risk for certain types of cancer.

Fiber is so important, in fact, that we’re supposed to get at least 25 grams a day. Yet most Americans get less than half that! Chances are, you’re one of them.

How can you stock up? Get fiber naturally from fruit, veggies, and whole grains, or look to fortified foods. One of my favorite fiber-focused brands is the aptly named Fiber One. Their products include nutrition bars, cereal, muffin mixes, bread, cottage cheese, even toaster pastries. Of course, their biggie, and my favorite, is Fiber One yogurt: One 80-calorie serving gives you 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, meaning you hit 20% of your fiber needs without even noticing (the delicious strawberry, peach, vanilla, and key lime pie flavors betray nothing). Make your own parfait with one serving of this yogurt, ½ cup of their cereal or another fiber-enhanced cereal, and ½ cup blueberries, and voila, you’ve just met 100% of your fiber needs before lunchtime. I can’t think of a better way to jumpstart your metabolism and stay on your game during a hectic morning.

Tanya’s Tip: Speaking of games, test your fiber knowledge (we gave you some major hints in this article!) at Fiber One’s fiberfriendfaceoff.com before April 11th, and you could win a luxury spa trip to Arizona or lots of other prizes.

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