Fibre

Why do you need fibre in your diet?

• Fibre is an important part of a healthy balanced diet.

• It can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

• It can improve bowel health.

• It can fill us up, so we feel fuller for longer.

• The recommended intake is 30g a day but most of us only eat about 18g a day.

Where do we get fibre from?

Fibre is found in plant food i.e., anything grown naturally from the ground. Wholegrain cereals are the richest sources of fibre, but you can also find it in vegetables and fruit.

How can fibre aid weight loss and energy balance?

• High fibre foods tend to be bulky and have a low energy density.

• Eating foods high in fibre will help you feel fuller for longer. This can therefore play a role in the control of energy balance and might help to reduce the intake of other foods in your diet.

• When increasing your intake, do so gradually, as a sudden increase can have side effects.

• Don’t forget to drink enough water to help the fibre do its magic.