Question: Am I getting enough fiber from my fruit and vegetables?
I know it depends on which fruits and vegetables I eat, but if I eat two cups of each daily, am I also getting enough fiber?
Steve - About.com User
Answer: That depends upon which fruits and vegetables you eat, but it also depends on if you eat peelings or not. You should be getting from five to nine servings per day of fruits and vegetables. Serving sizes differ, but one serving of a fruit or vegetable is usually about one-half cup.
According to the Institute of Medicine, most men need about 38 grams of fiber each day and most women need about 25 grams of fiber each day. In most cases, two cups of fruits and vegetables would not be enough to supply that much fiber.
Whole grains and legumes also are good sources of fiber. Most dry beans contain large amounts of fiber and protein, too.
In order to get enough fiber every day, you should eat at least three servings of whole grains each day to go along with your fruits and vegetables.
Read more about fiber:
- High Fiber Foods
- High Fiber Foods for Weight Loss
- How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet Without Really Trying
Institute of Medicine. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids." September 05, 2002.
