Any suggestions for increasing fiber in your diet? « Back to Group Discussions

[eastkygal]

I try to eat mostly a traditional foods diet, but it is very hard to do where I live.  We are very rural and there are no health food stores anywhere near us.  Anyway, I'm craving foods with flavor.  Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican... I'm craving rice and veggies, humus, etc... Things that I have to make myself or can't find at all.  Because I'm not able to eat what I would like, I think it has messed my stomach and digestion up quite a bit.  I'm cramping alot, but there isn't anything that will relieve it.  I'm wondering if fiber will help.  I don't do lots of fruits, and I prefer most of my veggies cooked, so I'm not really sure what to do to increase fiber.  Any suggestions? 

[BigMamaBear]

Do you do grains? Whole grains are good. And legumes for sure. A nice big bowl of lentil soup with some whole wheat bread dipped in?

[MaerynPearl]

If nothing else, benefiber works for me. Even on the highest fiber diet I still don't get enough at times (bowel issues, not a pregnancy thing) so I have to supplement. Out of all the supplements I've liked benefiber the most because I can mix it with literally anything and it just "disappears"

[DecemberSun]

I second the lentil soup, lots of water, and Raisin Bran.  :)   

[eastkygal]

I do eat grains, but I try to do only soaked or sprouted grains.  That is hard to do around my neck of the woods as I don't have a hand mill and I don't have a place to buy Ezekiel bread.  I have to travel about 2 hours away to find it.  I've been eating some whole wheat from the local Mennonite bulk foods store, but it is too sweet.  They add honey a little much I think and it isn't sprouted.  Raisin bran sounds awesome.  I have had a time finding an unsweetened version though.  I'll look next time I go to the store.

[BigMamaBear]

psyllium husk is a good source in supplement form too. You can order it online.