Why Fiber is so Good for You

Adding Fiber to Your Family's Diet

The benefits of fiber described above are important for both you and your child. The entire family should eat a diet rich in fiber. To add fiber to your family's diet, include the following foods. Check the food label for the grams of dietary fiber to find breads, cereals and other foods high in fiber.

• Whole grain breads with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Choosing whole wheat bread is not enough, as many varieties of whole wheat bread have very little fiber. Make sure to check the fiber content by reading the nutrition label.

• Cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. To find high-fiber cereals look for those made from whole grains, bran and rolled oats. Check the nutrition label to make sure it has enough fiber.

• Brown rice is brown because it still has the husk, which is the fiber. White rice does not have any fiber because the husks have been removed.

• Beans and legumes are a great source of both fiber and protein.

• Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber. This is another reason that eating fruit is much better for you than drinking juice, which does not contain fiber.

More Information:

• Childhood Obesity
• Healthy Diet Tips
• Get Active

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.