17 Fiber-Rich Foods to Keep You Regular
You may not think much about how regular you are until you’re not. Fiber is the key to keeping your digestion and things moving along in your system.
What is fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible by the body. Instead of being broken down into sugar molecules like other carbohydrates, fiber pushes through the body, acting as a broom to sweep waste from the digestive system. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and keeps hunger at bay.
Pick up these fiber-rich foods on your next grocery trip.
- Whole grains: oats, whole wheat, barley
- Beans: chickpeas, edamame, lentils
- Berries
- Pears
- Artichoke hearts
- Chia seeds
- Brussels sprouts
- Avocados
- Apples
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
- Russet, red and sweet potatoes
- Popcorn
- Bananas
- Quinoa
Note: If you’re not used to eating fiber, introduce it slowly into your diet as too much too quickly can cause bloating and cramping. Also, drink plenty of water to move the fiber along.