A healthy diet includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. In fact, those trying to eat healthy can sometimes feel overwhelmed by medical advice that suggests an endless list of foods, making it hard to fit everything in without overeating. Luckily, there are many simple ways to get enough of what your body needs, including fiber. 

The Mayo Clinic notes that a high-fiber diet supports a healthy body in many ways. A high-fiber diet can lower the risk of constipation, help people keep low cholesterol levels, promote bowel health, and slow sugar absorption, which can improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. With so much to gain from adding fiber to your diet, the following strategies can help you do just that. 

  • Start the day with fiber. One of the best ways to get enough fiber is by choosing the right breakfast cereal. Many cereals are high in fiber, and the Mayo Clinic recommends selecting one with five grams or more of fiber per serving. Although this isn’t always the case, and shoppers are encouraged to check nutrition labels before buying a new cereal, products with descriptions like whole grain, bran, or fiber often contain plenty of fiber. 
  • Add fruits to your cereal. A simple way to boost your fiber intake in the morning is to include berries or sliced bananas in your cereal bowl. Blueberries (about four grams per cup) and strawberries (around three grams per cup) are high in fiber and can also enhance the flavor of your breakfast. The USDA National Database for Standard Reference shows that a medium-sized banana contains roughly 3 grams of fiber, making any of these, or a combination of them, a great addition to your cereal.
  • Swap white bread for wheat bread and traditional pasta with whole-grain options. Verywell Health notes that wheat bread is generally considered healthier than white bread, partly because of its higher fiber content. The same applies to whole-grain pasta compared to traditional pasta. Traditional pasta is made from refined flour with the bran removed during processing, while whole-grain pasta keeps the bran. It might take some getting used to, but choosing whole-grain pasta and wheat bread over less nutritious, more traditional options can be a good way to increase fiber in your diet.
  • Eat healthier snacks. Nacho lovers might be surprised to learn that modifying their nachos recipe can be another way to increase fiber intake. When preparing nachos for the big game, use whole-grain tortilla chips, beans like black beans or red beans, and fresh vegetables such as diced bell peppers. Another way to boost fiber while snacking is to choose whole-grain crackers, dried fruits without added sugar, or a small portion of nuts instead of processed snacks like traditional potato chips.

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, and there are many tasty and simple ways to add more of it to your daily meals.