Fiber is one of the most important and beneficial components of your diet. Fiber can do everything from regulating your digestive system to lowering bad cholesterol and stabilizing your blood sugar. Fiber is especially helpful when you're attempting to lose weight. It can help you feel full so you're less prone to overeating. Men under 50 should get at least 38g of fiber per day and women of the same age group get at least 25g of fiber per day. Sneak in more fiber by enjoying daily healthy high fiber snacks.
Vegetables and Hummus
Vegetables like cauliflower and carrots each pack two to three grams of fiber for each half cup serving, and beans and legumes can have as much as six grams of fiber per serving, making hummus and vegetables a fiber-packed snack. Hummus may seem difficult to make, but it's actually simple. Pour one can of chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil and one to two cloves of garlic into a food processor and grind until smooth. Serve with a variety of fresh vegetables for dipping and store the excess in an air tight container.
Bran Cereal
While bran cereal is traditionally thought of for breakfast, you can eat it any time of the day as a quick and fulfilling snack. Bran cereal can have as much as 10g of fiber per half cup serving. You can amp up the fiber content and the taste by adding a half cup of your favorite berry or fruit. Purchase a one-serving size box to eat when you're stuck for time -- just add a carton of milk and you can satisfy a sweet tooth and get more fiber while sitting at your desk.
Apple Bagel
Whole grains are some of the best ways to get your daily requirement for fiber and a whole wheat bagel and apple make for a quick and easy snack at home. Slice the whole wheat bagel and place a few thin slices of your favorite type of apple on the cut surface. Add a couple of slices of low fat cheddar cheese and a dash of cinnamon before you place the halves on a baking sheet. Place in a 350 degree oven until the cheese melts for a quick snack that boasts five grams of fiber.
Trail Mix
You may not always have time to stop and nosh on a fiber-filled snack, so packing items that can be eaten on the go can help you curb your appetite for sugary snacks while getting you closer to your daily fiber requirement. Since nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, a hearty trail mix can be prepared ahead of time for quick, on-the-go snacking. Twenty-five almonds packs five grams of fiber so add in some cashews, sunflower seeds and pepitas for a well-rounded trail mix.
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