Fiber Friendly Breakfast You Don't Even Have to Cook!

What are your bowels like? Well, that will tell you a lot about what you're eating and if you're getting enough fiber (and water) in your diet. Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant-based foods. Think about an apple - the skin is insoluble fiber, while the flesh is soluble. We need both types in our diet, which is why a variety of raw fruits & vegetables are key.

Whole grains provide fiber as well. Refined grains have had the fiber stripped off the grain before it's processed into your white bread, rices and pastas. We need that fiber!

Fiber helps us stay full for a longer period of time, helps with regular bowel movements and can help reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and many more conditions.

Overnight oats are a great way to prepare a breakfast ahead of time and ensure you are getting adequate fiber. Just combine equal parts of old fashioned oats or 3:1 liquid to steel cut oats. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight and soak up the liquid. Throw in fruits, nuts, seeds or other nutrient dense foods for an easy breakfast.

Constipated? Assess how much fiber you're getting in your diet. Water is also key here. Think about eating dry, uncooked oats. Hard to swallow, right? That's how the food in your gut feels - can't move through easily without the liquid. This can easily cause constipation or bowel movements that look like pebbles.