Fiber, and I don't mean yarn

OK, it just really amused me to title this blog "Fiber."  It is, actually, somewhat about fiber, I swear.  But still...

So the fiber I'm talking about is the kind that goes into the mouth and through the gut.  We all need it, we all know we need it, but it's not high on anyone's list to discuss.  That's not quite as much the case these days due to the winds of change blowing through the dieting community.  Now everyone is waking up to the fact that fiber is not only good for old people with digestive issues, but plays a part in GI health for all of us, especially those attempting to eat healthier and/or lose weight.  There's probably not a woman alive who doesn't feel at least of twinge of alarm at the beginning of the summer swimsuit season.  Thus the googling of weight loss and exercise options and the pantry purging of the junk food.  For me, good intentions can only take me so far.  I DETEST feeling hungry or deprived.  (Those of you who have witnessed my visceral excitement over pizza, ANY pizza, can attest to this)  I've tried, people....I have.  The food journals, the South Beach, the cleanses, those ridiculous one-square-of cheese diets--nothing ever lasts long.  Besides, like most sane people, I realize that healthy eating and maintaining one's weight really needs to be more of a lifestyle change than a white-knuckled multi-week endeavor each summer.

Being on a tight budget these days, I've been trying to find the most economical options. But finding options to put decent quantities of food and drink in my mouth, feel good about it, and on a budget....those are hard to come by.  So I felt pretty jazzed by my haul at Big Lots the other day.  Here are two options, specifically designed to up the fiber quota and help keep you feeling satisfied.  Good for your gut function, too, of course.  And CHEAP!

Having recently tried the Special K powdered drink in Tea flavor (BLECK!!), I was only semi-hopeful about this.  But it was YUMMY!  (This is what I was guzzling in my water bottle at WWKIPD, by the way)

Then there are these crackers.  Living alone, I have a hard time getting through a loaf of bread before it starts becoming questionable.  A lot of snack crackers are just empty calories, and not that healthy, or economical.  But these crackers are crispy and satisfying, and stay good a long time in an airtight container.  With a generous dollop of peanut butter, they give me a little protein and fat to tide me over.

Happy snacking!!