Getting all your fiber

smae1980

So I've been studying nutrition and I find the subject of fiber interesting. I've learned all about the differences between the two kinds of fiber and the benefits of each and the food sources of each kind of fiber. Statistically the average American gets only about 10 grams of fiber a day (or less) and the recommendation is 15-20, and that's on the low side. I started tracking my fiber to see where I fell and I average between 25 and 40 grams a day. Now to be fair I am a vegtarian so all my food has fiber, for the most part, even my protein sources, but I just wonder how it could be that so many people have a hard time meeting the requirement for fiber? What are they eating, only meat? Do any of you guys have that problem or are you like me and are typically way over? I'm usually over before I even eat dinner. Just wanted to see if anyone else was interested in this topic and hear your thoughts.

cmriverside

I hafta admit, I thought you were going to ask how to increase your fiber, that's why I read your post. You may not get very many replies on this question!

Most overweight people don't have very good eating habits. Think McDonalds, pizza, chips, frozen dinners, mac n cheese, and as you said - lots of meat n potatoes.

I have no problem with getting enough fiber - like you I go way over always.

I think the problem people have is eating too many processed foods, and let's be honest: it's way easier to live in today's busy world eating processed foods than to eat whole foods.

It took me quite a while to make the switch to whole foods. Take a peek at some random members' food diaries. It is crazy what people are eating on 1200 calorie (or restricted calorie) diets.

Instant Quaker Oats paks.
Sweetened yogurt
Pretzels
Lean Cuisine
Microwave popcorn
Energy bars
Bakery goodies

Mostly excuses to eat more sugar and not eat foods with real nutrition. It is a recipe for failure IMO.

courtney_love2001

The Western diet is composed mainly of carbs = no fiber. I aim for 25g a day at least, and I always buy high fiber grain products. It would probably be hard for me to meet that goal if I didn't, but I am not a veggie! I really do need to eat more fruit and veg :blushing:

smae1980

The Western diet is composed mainly of carbs = no fiber. I aim for 25g a day at least, and I always buy high fiber grain products. It would probably be hard for me to meet that goal if I didn't, but I am not a veggie! I really do need to eat more fruit and veg :blushing:

Actually carbs doesn't equal no fiber, which is why I'm usually over. I eat a ton of vegetables and veggies have carbs and fiber.

hooah_mj

I'm a true fiber fiend....

I've never really counted before, tho. Just supplement on a daily basis.
It's pretty obvious, to me anyway, how most don't come close to their #....meat & junk heavy. All I have to do is watch my teenagers choose what they want for any meal....

We've all gotten much better, but only bec' I'll ask if they've had "that stuff" already today....It reminds me of the OLD Richard Simmon's Card Meals! I know, I know you have no idea...way older than you...anyhow, once you've had a certain food group, you discard that card and you can only have what's left in your hand....

It really works for our fam....we keep mindful of fruits, veggies, and diary.

I'm curious what fiber fantastic foods you focus on.............................

jaylu

i go over a lot as well, its easy for me im not a veggi but i do LOVE fruit and veg along with healthy lean mean meats such as fish and chicken. my love of causes me to over in the sugar department everyday as well though but ive been told its not that bad because its coming from fruit and no candy bars etc...

smae1980

I'm curious what fiber fantastic foods you focus on.............................

It just adds up, I guess. 1/2 cup artichoke hearts has 4 grams, an avocado half has 7 grams, my bread has a couple grams, you know a little here, a little there. You can look at my diary to see if you want to

MacMadame

I aim for 25 g but am lucky to get 20 g in on average. I think what that other poster meant is that the typical american diet consists of carbs that have no (or little) fiber, not that carbs have no fiber. If you eat white bread, white pasta and hardly any vegetables or fruit, then it's a lot harder to get your fiber in.

sblim

I try to eat 20-30g a day and usually don't have a problem. When I used to have bad eating habits it was probably more like 5. Most processed foods have little or no fiber and that's what most people eat so it is easy to see why there is a deficiency with most people.

mzmoonlight

When I joined this site and looked into my nutrition a bit more closely I - surprisingly - found I was getting very little fibre. I was surprised because contrary to the majority of thoughts on this post about other peoples diets, I was eating very cleanly. Initially I was at a loss at how to improve it as I always cooked from scratch, ate protein and complex carb rich diet with plenty of fruit and veg but over time my intake has gone up - its around 30g now.

If you do a random search of peoples diets you will find some that eat very poorly (nutritionally speaking) but I dont think its helpful to judge them. We all have to lose weight in whatever way works for us and if eating Lean Cuisine is what gets someone to a healthier weight then I am up for supporting that (even though I wouldnt touch it myself). They are certainly not going to be any worse off because they would still be eating processed food if they were not trying to lose weight, and the chances are once they lose weight they will take more interest in nutrition and make better choices in their own time.

Yurippe

It's not unusual for me to be over 40. I've actually been trying to figure out if I should find a way to cut it down.

questionablemethods

I typically get about 30 grams, which I think is pretty good considering I only eat about 1400 calories/day. I've noticed it going up as I've really focussed on getting veggies and fruit in wherever I can (a handful of spinach in my protein shake, a half cup of blueberries in my yogurt, etc.). But I can easily see how some people get a lot less. I mean, if you make a mock diary entry of Poptarts and fast food, it isn't going to be very high at all.

hooah_mj

I'm curious what fiber fantastic foods you focus on.............................

It just adds up, I guess. 1/2 cup artichoke hearts has 4 grams, an avocado half has 7 grams, my bread has a couple grams, you know a little here, a little there. You can look at my diary to see if you want to

Thanks, I'll check it out....I could use a few good ideas, esp for the kids.
Great workout @ the gym...the kids came along and that's ALWAYS a great thing...couldn't pry the hubs from his NASCAR, tho!