You can barely pick up a health magazine without reading an article about how wonderful fiber is.

Yet, many people struggle to consume the recommended amount of fiber. 

Learn why eating fiber is so beneficial, how athletes should add fiber if they need more and what foods are rich sources of fiber. 

Benefits of Fiber

Besides keeping you “regular,” why should you make sure that you’re eating enough fiber?

Fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease in the overall population.

Gaining and losing weight is really about math.

In order to lose a pound, you must burn or cut out 3,500 calories per week (500 calories a day).

Unfortunately on the other side of the equation, if you consistently overeat an extra 500 calories each day ... well ... that's how you end up not fitting into your pants.

Calories add up, and here is a simple breakdown to illustrate how easy it can be to eat an extra 500 calories in one day.

Do this over the course of seven days, and you are bound to see the scale jump up one pound.

Breakfast

With all the artificial sweeteners available, you may find it challenging to separate fact from fiction.

In fact, so many new sweeteners have made their way to market.

With all this sweet talk, it’s no wonder that you may be confused about which sweeteners to use.

Artificial Sweeteners vs. Sugar

Are foods that contain artificial sweeteners in some ways healthier than those that use natural sugar?

Consuming products that contain artificial sweeteners instead of pure sugar can help lower calorie and sugar intake for people with diabetes.

We should be eating more whole grains on a daily basis, according to the latest federal dietary guidelines.

The good news is that manufacturers are introducing a cornucopia of unfamiliar whole grains into the marketplace to entice health-conscious consumers.

Here’s a look at some "exotic" whole grains (or grain substitutes) to consider next time you are shopping for your family: