According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some 34 million Americans—approximately one in 10—have diabetes, a debilitating disease that can cause major health issues with your eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.
Medical experts remind us to eat more of the high-fiber foods that help to regulate gut health, better manage blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Apples – Here’s a low-maintenance snack you can throw into your lunchbox or keep in your desk drawer to munch whenever you want a crisp, satisfying chew. Eaten cold or at room temp, dipped into a bit of peanut butter or taken straight, they are a top performer when it comes to providing fiber.
- Barley – Is it soup and stew season? Look online for a myriad of easy recipes using this chewy, nutty-tasting and gut-healthy grain.
- Carrots – Another winner for lunchboxes, snacks or cooked into soups and stews, crunchy carrots in a variety of colors are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins in addition to fiber.
- Oats – A beloved staple this time of year, oats are high on the list of satisfying and fiber-rich foods long promoted by doctors and by savvy Moms everywhere.
- Peas – Not only can peas add color and flavor to so many dishes, but dietitians remind us that one cup of peas contains an impressive seven grams of fiber. As a bonus, peas may also help to lower bad cholesterol.
- Psyllium – You may never have heard of psyllium husk powder, but this popular if relatively tasteless supplement available at most health food stores is a superstar when it comes to fiber. Toss some in your smoothie. Add it to your oatmeal, or even your oatmeal cookies. Any way you use it, your gut will thank you.
