Dr. says, "Fiber, Fiber, Fiber" Looking for advice (Food/Supplement/Etc)

Justin741

I saw a gastrointestinal specialist today and her treatment plan going forward for me was FIBER, FIBER, FIBER.

I can always Google "Fiber rich foods" but I am curious what are some of your favorites or go to foods for increased fiber? Or what strategies do you have for getting more fiber into your diet?

Finally, I think I will have trouble getting enough fiber added to my diet so I'm considering a supplement. Any tips on that would be great as well.

#writingmycomebackstory

Justin741

P.S. I love the MFP community so feel free to add me. I'm trying to lose 86lbs.

kommodevaran

Plenty of fruits, veg and whole grains, in as great a variety as possible.

Kdp2015

Fibre one chocolate brownies 87 calories 5g fibre lots of yum

bpotts44

Not sure what your condition is; however, there is different kinds of fiber. If you have a intestinal condition you are going to want to do an experiment with the different supplements to make sure you don't irritate anything. I would suggest veggies and lots of them along with the higher fiber fruits including avacado.

Also, you could try IF with some resistant starch as you break fast. This has helped some people with gastro issues. Basically you starve then feed the gut microbioata.

Cinner29

All-Bran for breakfast. One cup is 28g of fiber, so you don't have to worry about the rest of the day. Fruit and veg is the cherry on the top, if you want even more fiber. Apples with peel are good. Bananas with peel are not good

kimny72

Justin741 wrote: »

I saw a gastrointestinal specialist today and her treatment plan going forward for me was FIBER, FIBER, FIBER.

I can always Google "Fiber rich foods" but I am curious what are some of your favorites or go to foods for increased fiber? Or what strategies do you have for getting more fiber into your diet?

Finally, I think I will have trouble getting enough fiber added to my diet so I'm considering a supplement. Any tips on that would be great as well.

#writingmycomebackstory

Whole grains (especially oats), beans and lentils, Fiber One brownies. I know there are a few fruits that are unusually high in fiber but I can never keep them straight!

Justin741

bpotts44 wrote: »

Not sure what your condition is; however, there is different kinds of fiber. If you have a intestinal condition you are going to want to do an experiment with the different supplements to make sure you don't irritate anything. I would suggest veggies and lots of them along with the higher fiber fruits including avacado.

Also, you could try IF with some resistant starch as you break fast. This has helped some people with gastro issues. Basically you starve then feed the gut microbioata.

I had a bout of diverticulitis and also seem to have IBS.

MikePfirrman

My wife had IBS for years. She now probably takes 30g of fiber a day between supplements and eating mostly whole foods. She never has an issue now. We eat a lot of veggies, lentils, beans, whole grains, fruit, air popped popcorn, etc. She does take both Inulin with her Vegan protein drinks and also Psyllium. She has an Inulin powder. Also, Trader Joes has an amazing product - Just Coconut. It's exactly that. Frozen coconut chunks is the only ingredient and it's naturally one g of fiber every chunk. Her favorite lunch is SunWarrior (Warrior Blend) Berry Protein powder, non dairy milk, frozen berries, frozen bananas, inulin, frozen Trader Joe's Coconut and she adds in whatever berry powder from Nuts.com she wants (like Tart Cherry or Cranberry, etc.). Great for both inflammation and fiber (and protein). Plus, it's not that high in calories. Likely 20g right there of fiber the way she makes it.

Start slow with the fiber though. Work your way up.

PloddingTurtle

My fiber count is easily double the MFP default recommendation without trying. I eat predominantly fresh foods in simple combinations and recipes. My average day includes at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables because I enjoy them and like to eat this way, and because the added volume fills me up. I add 1 to 2 servings of whole grains daily, and I've also taken to adding beans/lentils to my soups (soup is a go-to lunchtime favourite for me). Feel free to send me a friend request. My diary is public. I have a long journey ahead too.

My doctor recommended this fiber product, Ultra Fiber (100% natural tablets made of compressed psyllium and dried plums). I find that I don't need this product because I'm getting adequate fiber from my daily food consumption.

Warning: Go slowly. Increasing your fiber dramatically can cause bloating and constipation. Be prepared for that. If you have typically not eaten a diet that included much fiber, you might want to increase it gradually.

successgal1

Metamucil, orange flavor, sugar free. Few calories, mix in a glass quickly and drink. Tastes like Tang.

hesn92

Fiber one cereal. The plain one. 1 cup has 28 g of fiber and only 120 calories.

lorrpb

I would ask the doctor if you for sure need a supplement and what he recommends for your diagnosis. You could also ask for referral to a registered dietician.

somethingsoright

Chili is the bulk of my fiber intake. Also good for protein, iron, calcium, etc. Recipe lasts a few days, is easy to prepare, and has a lot of kick.

- 2 cans of Amy's black bean chili (13g fiber per cup)
- 1 can of hot chili beans (10g fiber per cup)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (2g fiber per cup)

I also like to add nutritional yeast in place of cheese, which adds another 3g of fiber per 1/4 cup serving (and a bunch of vitamins).

Evelyn_Gorfram

Oatmeal. Especially the kind made from steel-cut oats. I like to mix them with water or milk the night before, in the pan I'm going to cook them in, and let them soak in the fridge overnight. Even more fiber (and even tastier) with raisins or other dried fruit.

Sarahbethany89

quest protein bars

ChelleDee07

One thing you could possibly add to your diet is Thomas English Muffins - the Whole Wheat Lite Version. 100 calories, 8 grams of Fiber. I cut it in half, toast and add a little Natural Peanut Butter and some Cary's Sugar Free Syrup.

nowine4me

I easily eat 75g of fiber a day from whole plant foods. No supplements, powders, bars or packaged junk. Lots of leafy greens, potatoes, beans, corn, peppers, squash, whole grains, and tons of fruit, nuts and seeds.

Please give it a shot with whole plant foods before you resort to processed crap. I’m pretty certain that’s what intended when prescribed by a medical practitioner.

L1zardQueen

Join here, life changing for me. Honestly. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10521320/10-a-day-800g-veggie-fruit-challenge-participants-check-in#latest

happytree923

kimny72 wrote: »

Justin741 wrote: »

I saw a gastrointestinal specialist today and her treatment plan going forward for me was FIBER, FIBER, FIBER.

I can always Google "Fiber rich foods" but I am curious what are some of your favorites or go to foods for increased fiber? Or what strategies do you have for getting more fiber into your diet?

Finally, I think I will have trouble getting enough fiber added to my diet so I'm considering a supplement. Any tips on that would be great as well.

#writingmycomebackstory

Whole grains (especially oats), beans and lentils, Fiber One brownies. I know there are a few fruits that are unusually high in fiber but I can never keep them straight!

For fruits, raspberries are the highest in fiber in ratio to the calories. I wish they weren't also one of the priciest!

Also when pets have poopy issues I've been told to give them pumpkin puree for the fiber. I don't see why that wouldn't translate for humans as well.

kam26001

Ripe bananas clean me out pretty good without causing distress. Hydration is also key when eating a lot of fiber.

jgnatca

I suggest logging all your foods and diarizing the effects. I found potatoes did not agree with me, and that Kefir did me worlds of good.

Try both soluble and insoluble fiber. I do best with soluble; oatmeal and soaked chia. Popcorn works great but YMMV.

MelanieCN77

Pears!
Popcorn.

shakachewbacca

Split pea soup is an easy fiber option.

pzarnosky

Plants. Eat plants. Eat them at every meal. Eat a variety of them.

hikinggal11

I am sure you already know this, but with your diverticulitis please avoid seeds, nuts, and fruits with small seeds i.e. strawberries unless your doctor told you different. I am sure that they sent you home with educational materials for your conditions. Best of luck!

789D789

1 cup old fashioned oats, add small handful of nuts (walnuts or almonds), half cup of frozen cherries or blueberries - cook in water for about 15 mins (or use for overnight oats). Milk or soy milk, maple syrup or honey...

French green lentils cooked with onions and chicken broth, served with chicken thighs.

Chickpea and chicken curry (I make this with curry paste + coco milk) served with whole grain basmati.

I find these grain sources of fibre easier to digest than a lot of fruit. And second the comments on hydration. The curry in particular works well frozen for food prepping/portion control.

cowleyl

I used to follow a diet called the F Plan, and lost quite a bit. I now just watch calories in and out, but not because I had a problem with that diet. From memory, F Plan was probably fairly high in carbs but it worked. One of my go to meals was jacket potato with baked beans. I used to make up a cereal (their recipe) which I had twice a day. I was never hungry.

bpotts44

Justin741 wrote: »

bpotts44 wrote: »

Not sure what your condition is; however, there is different kinds of fiber. If you have a intestinal condition you are going to want to do an experiment with the different supplements to make sure you don't irritate anything. I would suggest veggies and lots of them along with the higher fiber fruits including avacado.

Also, you could try IF with some resistant starch as you break fast. This has helped some people with gastro issues. Basically you starve then feed the gut microbioata.

I had a bout of diverticulitis and also seem to have IBS.

I think you should try to keep your diet very clean, lean meats veggies, eggs.

My IF and resistant starch suggestions I think are sound. Try tubers (potato, sweet potato etc) and white rice for your carbs.

Make the fasts as long as you can tolerate. Start with 16/8 then maybe go longer between carb feedings.

789D789

It sometimes seems like a challenge to have high protein/lower carb OR higher fibre 'natural' foods.

What I have seen before is people using supplements (metamucil/laxatives etc.) both for weight loss and for fibre sources. They can be difficult to quit using once started, so I avoid them.

Do you have a numerical goal for the day?

paperpudding

bpotts44 wrote: »

Justin741 wrote: »

bpotts44 wrote: »

Not sure what your condition is; however, there is different kinds of fiber. If you have a intestinal condition you are going to want to do an experiment with the different supplements to make sure you don't irritate anything. I would suggest veggies and lots of them along with the higher fiber fruits including avacado.

Also, you could try IF with some resistant starch as you break fast. This has helped some people with gastro issues. Basically you starve then feed the gut microbioata.

I had a bout of diverticulitis and also seem to have IBS.

I think you should try to keep your diet very clean, lean meats veggies, eggs.

My IF and resistant starch suggestions I think are sound. Try tubers (potato, sweet potato etc) and white rice for your carbs.

Make the fasts as long as you can tolerate. Start with 16/8 then maybe go longer between carb feedings.

OP has a diagnosed medical condition for which he is seeing a gastroenteroligist.

Telling him to fast for as long as he can tolerate seems very poor advice.

OP, people have given good suggestions of fibre rich foods - and natural supplements like Metamucil could be good for you too.

Do not follow any other advice unless your doctor approves it first.