We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

New here & saying hello

2016jbenedict
2016jbenedict Posts: 1 Member
in Introduce Yourself
My doctor recommended I use this application to monitor my current diet in an effort to increase the protein and fiber in my diet. So here I am.
I am retired and just a bit overweight so if I lose a pound or two that will be great. Mostly I am trying to get my gut healthier.

Replies

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,497 Member
    Hello!

    Can I make a suggestion? I'd recommend gradually increasing fiber by incrementally changing your eating habits over a small number of weeks, rather than trying to go from too-low to high quickly. A quick increase can trigger digestive distress, because both our digestive system and gut microbes need time to adjust.

    Varied, colorful veggies and fruits are a good way to add fiber (and micronutrients), along with whole grains. Beans are particularly good, having both fiber and protein.

    Alongside gradually increasing fiber intake, it's important not to cut fat too far. Fat is calorie dense, but we need some for various reasons, one of which - a biggie with the fiber - is smooth digestive throughput. Also, be sure to get enough fluids. No need to go crazy with it, but drink enough (or get fluids from food) to the point where your urine stays a light yellow color. (If you get a lot of certain water-soluble vitamins, it could turn bright yellow, but it shouldn't be dark yellow or beyond.)
    r
    The other adjunct that can help is getting some probiotics. Some people use supplements, but I prefer to get probiotics from tasty foods like live-culture yogurt or kefir, kombucha drinks, raw/unpasteurized sauerkraut or kim chi, etc.

    I concur that protein is really important, particularly so as we age. (I don't know how old you are, but I'm 67.) There's a good thread here that can help you identify protein sources you can put in your regular rotation to improve your protein intake:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also

    Betting you can find some higher protein foods you enjoy eating on the spreadsheet linked in that thread.

    Another tip for protein is to think not just about one big protein source per meal - which is important - but also about getting additional bits of protein from sides, snacks, beverages, flavorings, etc. Those little bits add up through the day to a good contribution.

    Best wishes for success!

Categories