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- I’m a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet. Here are 10 things I buy at Costco when I’m trying to eat more fiber. (businessinsider.com)
Local Dietitian Shares Costco Secrets for “Fibermaxxing” Your Diet
[City, State] – For many Americans, getting enough daily fiber can feel like a daunting task. But thanks to a popular new TikTok trend, “Fibermaxxing,” and the savvy shopping habits of local dietitian Cassandra Padula Burke, upping your fiber intake just got a whole lot easier and more delicious.
Burke, who adheres to the Mediterranean diet, is a big proponent of the “Fibermaxxing” movement, which encourages individuals to meet or exceed their recommended daily fiber intake. “Fiber is absolutely crucial,” Burke states, “It’s vital for digestive health, helps you feel full, supports a healthy gut, and can even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”
Her secret weapon for achieving these fiber goals while sticking to the whole-grain and fresh produce-focused Mediterranean diet? Costco, the bulk-buying paradise. “Costco is my go-to for stocking up on fiber-rich staples that fit my diet perfectly,” she explains.
Here are some of Burke’s top Costco finds that help her “fibermaxx” without compromising on taste or convenience:
- Frozen Riced Cauliflower: A versatile, low-carb alternative to rice, Burke adds this to smoothies for an undetectable fiber boost and mixes it into grain dishes for extra bulk and antioxidants.
- Kirkland Signature Sunsweet Dried Plums (Prunes): These fiber powerhouses are a sweet and convenient snack.
Burke eats them straight, stuffs them with nut butter, blends them into smoothies, or chops them for salads.
- Good Foods Organic Avocado Mash: Each single-serve container offers 4 grams of fiber.
Burke swaps it for mayo in sandwiches, adding creaminess, heart-healthy fats, and a significant fiber boost.
- SunGold Kiwis: These sweet and juicy fruits contain about 2 grams of fiber.
Burke enjoys them sliced over Greek yogurt or, for a quick fix, bites into them like an apple – skin and all!
- Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal: While advertised for protein, this cereal delivers an impressive 9 grams of fiber per serving.
Burke uses it as a yogurt topper, mixes it with other cereals, or snacks on it plain.
- Kirkland Signature Three-Berry Blend (Frozen): An economical and nutritious choice, this mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries is packed with antioxidants and fiber.
Burke adds them to breakfast bowls, smoothies, or snacks on them straight from the bag.
- Actual Veggies Black-Bean Veggie Burgers: A fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional beef burgers, each patty boasts 6 grams of fiber.
Burke relies on these for quick weeknight meals, serving them on whole-grain buns with veggies and avocado mash.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are fiber champions, providing about 10 grams per serving, along with beneficial omega-3s.
Burke sprinkles them on yogurt, blends them into smoothies, or makes chia pudding.
- Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Mix: This mix allows Burke and her family to enjoy a weekend treat with 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving – a significant upgrade from most pancake mixes.
She often tops them with chia seeds and frozen berries for an extra fiber punch.
- Organic Mushrooms: Burke adds mushrooms to dishes like beef tacos or Bolognese, replacing half the meat with chopped mushrooms.
This not only adds fiber and antioxidants but also makes meals more cost-effective.
With these smart choices, Burke demonstrates that achieving your fiber goals doesn’t have to be a chore. Thanks to Costco’s bulk options, “Fibermaxxing” can be both delicious and convenient for busy families.