An easy way to level up the fiber content in your meals is to swap out white rice and white pasta for whole grains. While they take a little longer to cook, brown rice and pasta contain more essential nutrients and have a delicious nutty flavor! This is your sign to make the switch.
What is Fiber and Why is it Important?
Fiber is the indigestible parts of plant foods that your body does not break down or absorb. It passes relatively intact through your system, supporting your digestive health. Fiber is found in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes.
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, and many of us aren’t getting enough of it. Fiber helps to keep us regular and support bowel health, promotes healthy digestion, decreases cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, and may support healthy weight loss.
Why Brown Rice & Brown Pasta?
Brown rice and brown pasta are made with whole grains. This means the bran and germ have not been removed (as in white rice and regular pasta). These parts of the grain are packed with more vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and of course, fiber.
Brown rice and brown pasta are great because you hardly have to switch up your go-to recipes to accommodate them. Simply leave a little more cooking time for your carb and you’ve got yourself a healthier meal without even trying!
You can even try mixing things up with pasta made from spelt, rye, or quinoa, or experiment with wild rice, black rice, or red rice!
