Eat more fiber - your body will thank you

Fiber is often called “your body’s broom.” Eating enough fiber helps bowels function properly, can alleviate symptoms of chronic constipation and diverticular disease and may lower your risk for heart disease and some cancers.

Here are some quick and easy ways to add fiber to your eating plan:

• Look at fiber-rich fruits as ingredients in a meal as well as snacks: pears (4 grams of fiber), apples (3 grams), strawberries (3 grams per cup) or a banana (2 grams). Add these fruits to salads, cereal, yogurt, salsas or as a topping for any dessert.
• Read the label when buying cereal and choose those that provide at least two grams of fiber per serving.
• Try the rich, nutty flavor of short-grain brown rice (4 grams of fiber per cup).
• Vegetables are a great natural source of fiber, so add them to your meals whenever you can: soups, pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more.

Remember, March is National Nutrition Month. Check back frequently for more healthy eating strategies.