More filling, fiber or protein??

Sandytoes71 · October 2013

Hi, I was wondering which would be more filling gram for gram, fiber or protein?

cdahl383 · October 2013

That's a good question. I'm not 100% sure, but it seems like from what I eat in my diet, the higher fiber foods are more filling than the higher protein foods. They both keep you pretty full though. One thing is for sure, switching your diet and going from low fiber intake to high fiber intake in a day or so results in some pretty wicked consequences haha!

Love4fitnesslove4food2 · October 2013

Depends on the person I'd say. For example, I find vegetables really filling but my husband finds them bloating/unfilling and would prefer to eat meat because it's more satisfying for him.

Akimajuktuq · October 2013

Fat, then protein. Fibre has no nutrients. Unless you subscribe to "bigger volumes of food are always more filling". I don't.

gk03ub · October 2013

It's all relative to each specific person! For me, high-fibre starches like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and sweet potatoes are staples because they fill me up super-well and do not bloat me. Too many fibres from fruit and veg bloats me a lot though and do not keep me feeling full for long. High-protein foods are much less filling for me. However, many people would disagree with this. It's important to experiment to see what works best for you!

Francl27 · October 2013

Protein for me, fiber doesn't do me much. Fat even less.

lynn_glenmont · October 2013

I think you need to experiment and see what works for you, but don't boost your fiber drastically in a short amount of time, for reasons already stated, and don't drop your fiber drastically for more than a couple of days, because you could end up constipated. For me fiber is more filling, but I don't think of it as "per gram" but "per calorie" for any given type of food or meal -- if I eat 200 calories that include 5 grams of fiber -- e.g., a good sized banana and a slice of whole grain bread-- I'm going to feel full, or at least "not hungry" for a lot longer than than if I eat 100 calories with zero grams of fiber, even if the calories are mostly protein--say, 3-4 oz of low-fat deli chicken slices and a cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt. YMMV. You could try that as an experiment -- figure out two snacks with similar calorie counts from foods that YOU eat, one with at least 1 gram of fiber for ever 40 to 50 calories, and one with most of the calories from protein, and eat at them at similar times that you already typically have a snack (e.g., mid-afternoon cravings, before or after workout, etc.) and see which gives you better results.

issyfit · October 2013

For me I like to fill up on fiber from veggies because it keeps the calories down, but when I am low on calories I try to add more protein and good fats. I don't think the fiber in whole grains fills me up very well because the high carbs if eaten without fats or protein make me hungry a few hours later.

Sandytoes71 · October 2013

Yes, I guess there isnt a concrete answer. Thx for all of ur help everyone. I was wondering if I should eat a fiber bar or protein bar alittle while ago for snack. But, I wasnt thinking about the bars not being equal in cals and macros. So, that wouldnt be a fair test anyway. I had some apple and cheese instead lol. Combined fiber and protein. Im deciding that apples dont feel very well on my stomach tho.