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What is a High Fiber Bar?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
A high fiber bar is a snack or meal replacer that is often eaten as part of a weight loss diet or just a general healthy diet. There are a number of benefits to consuming high fiber bars. They can assist in the weigh loss process because foods high in fiber help people to feel full for longer. They can also assist with general regularity and colon health because they are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
It is common for a high fiber bar to be made with cereal grains such as oatmeal. They may also contain nuts, flax seeds, and other high-fiber grains. A high fiber bar may be flavored with dried fruits. Dried cranberries, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds are often added to flavor the bars. This kind of fruit-flavored high fiber bar can double as a source for anti-oxidants as these kinds of berries are high in anti-oxidants.
Sometimes a high fiber bar is flavored so that it tastes almost like a candy bar. This is done to help dieters cure their cravings for sweets. While the bar is still made of healthy grains and high-fiber ingredients, the exterior may be drizzled in chocolate. Sometimes this kind of high fiber bar is made with small chunks of chocolate or peanut butter inside of the bar. An even healthier alternative to this kind of high fiber bar is one that is made with carob chips instead of chocolate.
It is common for a high fiber bar to be part of a complete system of dieting foods that includes packaged entrees, breakfast cereals, and even shakes. In these sorts of dieting systems, high fiber bars are used as a snack for in between meals, often between lunch and dinner. High fiber bars are also sold separately to be incorporated into self-directed diets.
In some cases a high fiber bar is formulated to serve as a meal replacement. In many of these cases, the bar is also a high-protein bar. This is because fiber and protein are the nutrition sources that are key in dieting. Protein is important to many of the body's functions, especially the development of new muscle. Therefore, protein is important to people who are working out and developing new muscle mass. The fiber helps to both keep the digestive system healthy while also helping the dieter to retain a sense of fullness, which helps to cut down on snacking.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![High-fiber bars may contain flax seeds.]()
By: spline_xHigh-fiber bars may contain flax seeds. -
![Some high fiber bars are made to taste like candy bars.]()
By: stieberszabolcsSome high fiber bars are made to taste like candy bars. -
![Nuts, fruits and vegetables are all natural sources of dietary fiber.]()
By: millefloreimagesNuts, fruits and vegetables are all natural sources of dietary fiber. -
![Fiber bars can be an important part of a diet for someone who wants to lose weight in a healthy way.]()
By: Sergio MartínezFiber bars can be an important part of a diet for someone who wants to lose weight in a healthy way.
Discussion Comments
I find that if I choose a snack that is high in fiber that I don't get as hungry between meals. I have also read that if you eat something that is high in fiber or take a fiber supplement with a glass of water 30 minutes before eating, you will not eat as much because you feel full.
Even drinking a glass of water before eating can help you feel full, but by adding fiber to that it can make a big difference. It can be hard to find ways to get 30 grams of fiber in your diet in a day - especially if you are trying to count calories too.
I found a great recipe in a natural health cook book for granola. It is full of oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries. I add some carob chunks and coconut along with some honey and maple syrup. This makes for a great snack or bowl of cereal.
I then take this granola and make high fiber granola bars with it. Just by adding a few more ingredients and baking in the oven, I can have a healthy bar that is easier to pick up and eat if I am in a hurry.
If I have these already made up, I will go for one every time over something like chips or crackers and know it is much better for me.
I have become an expert label reader on energy bars and high fiber snack bars. Because I have such a busy lifestyle I often don't take the time to sit down to a nutritious meal. Many of my meals seem to be on the run or in the car. I know that is not the best for me, but I try to eat things that are good for me instead of going through the fast food drive through restaurants.
I have tried several different kinds and buy those that have the highest amount of fiber and protein in them. Some have quite a bit more than others - sometimes twice as much with about the same amount of calories. They don't make up for a great meal, but better than some choices you make on the run.
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