Bite This, Not That

Fiber-Fortified Foods

If you're a savvy consumer and label reader, you've probably noticed a lot of fiber being added to foods. Suddenly, yogurt has fiber, bread has double fiber, and even ice cream now has fiber. I have to say, what's up with that?

Here's the deal. The whole grains trend is in full force. Just like low carb was a big deal 5 years ago, food manufacturers know Americans don't meet their daily fiber needs, and they want to "help". The result: fiber-fortified everything!

While we all know dietary fiber is a good thing (helping to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, manage weight, and keep everyone 'regular'), the type of isolated fiber being added, to say, ice cream, does not have the same health benefits as the natural fiber you'd get from fruits, vegetables, beans and oatmeal.

So if you think you can meet your daily fiber needs by eating yogurt with fiber, or chewy granola bars with added fiber, think again. Aim to consume 2-4 servings of whole fruit, 3-5 servings of vegetables and a minimum of 3 whole grains (such as bulgur, shredded wheat and whole wheat bread) daily. Foods containing fiber in the form of maltodextrin, polydextrose and inulin will not have the same glorious health-effects of 'real' food. Mea culpa.

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