Consistently hitting above fiber target

_rowan

Hey guys, so I’m consistently hitting at or above if not substantially above the 25g of fiber max. I eat high protein and everything else is basically fruits or veggies since I removed breads from my diet. Since I’m eating such high fiber I do deal with bloat and I am trying to find that balance but ultimately I am pleased with my diet.

But I’m wondering if there any negatives to eating a high fiber diet that I’m not aware of? Besides the obvious bloat, going more, and the downfalls with not drinking enough water to compliment the fiber increase. Where did you find as the balance between a higher fiber diet and a comfortable gut?

JeromeBarry1

There are none. You're doing well.

After a few weeks of eating like that your gut biome will optimize to handle the fiber. That may help with the feeling of bloat.

workinonit1956

I find that I at least hit my fiber goal, if not go over daily. I think it’s a good thing, and my digestive issues have been pretty much nonexistent eating this way. My fiber all comes from food, as opposed to a supplement. As long as you feel well, I don’t believe there’s a downside. The bloating should ease up as your system gets used to the increased fiber.

Edited due to typo

nickssweetheart

Don't worry. I stopped tracking my fiber because I was so consistently over target. I just checked and on the 1st of May I was at 119 grams with no ill effects. LIke others said, I've been eating this way for a while and my body has adapted. I think of the fiber as a minimum target, that's all.

kimny72

The fiber goal is not a max. It is a goal to reach. If you are eating a high fiber diet you just want to make sure you are getting enough water and fat to keep all that fiber moving.

Unfortunately, mfp doesn't differentiate between goals that are maxes and goals that are minimums. Either way it looks red and angry when you go over. Many folks here look at protein, fat, and fiber as minimums to exceed. :drinker:

AnnPT77

It's fine to eat above the fiber goal, and your body is likely to adapt. Be sure you're drinking enough water (or equivalent) and getting enough fat (around 0.35-0.45g per pound of goal weight is good). Those will help move things smoothly through your system.

For some people, probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir, raw/unpasteurized sauerkraut, kombucha, that sort of thing) may also help, and/or exercise (especially exercise that mobilizes the midsection).

I eat over 25g of fiber pretty much every day. Way over (50+) isn't unusual.

vallary14

That’s a minimum not a maximum. More people fall short on fiber intake so you’re doing your body a favor. As long as your not having any digestive issues there’s no need to worry.

Noreenmarie1234

It’s fine if you eat high fiber. Your body adjusts. The only issues are for people who have other health issues like malabsorption or who can’t tolerate high fiber. I used to eat 150g a day for years, but now that I don’t eat as many quest bars I eat around 120 and no issues. I know some people like my boyfriend can’t eat above 50g or he has terrible gas and stomach pain, but it really is different for everyone.