We all know that fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. We also know that fiber is likely our closest ally when it comes to feeling full in between meals and snacks, which can ultimately assist with weight loss and weight maintenance. Since more than two-thirds of people in America are overweight or obese, increasing fiber intake should be encouraged to help combat this scary statistic and the multiple consequences that are associated with being overweight or obese. However, the majority of Americans fall short on the recommended amount of daily fiber intake. According to the American Dietetic Association (recently renamed the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), the average fiber intake for people in America is about 14-15 grams per day, which is only about half of the recommended 20-35 grams needed for optimal health.

While fruit, vegetables and whole-grains are well-known sources of fiber, many people are still unaware that beans are one of the best sources of hunger-squelching fiber. Fiber has been shown to increase satiety and slow the rate at which foods pass through your digestive tract. Some studies have demonstrated that large intakes of fiber can help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels, thereby keeping your appetite in check. In addition to being full of fiber, beans also provide protein, iron, folate, and some minerals.

Not only are beans a nutrition powerhouse, they are also easy to prepare, whether you choose dried, canned, or frozen. Beans are also very cheap, especially when compared to other protein-rich foods such as meats, seafood, poultry, and dairy products - all of which can put quite a dent in your wallet. Beans can easily be used in place of meats in most recipes.

Unsure about how to incorporate more beans into your diet? It's best to start off slowly. There are many types of beans, each with a different texture and flavor. Experiment with using different types of beans in your recipes to find which ones you like the most. Try adding beans to foods that you already enjoy. Add beans to your favorite soup, or top your salad with a quarter cup of your favorite beans. Stretch your meat dishes by substituting half of the ground meat called for in a recipe for mashed kidney beans (if you do this, you'll up the fiber content while slashing the fat). Add beans to your salsa, or puree beans with a little olive oil in a blender or food processor, and use this as a sandwich spread or dip for fresh vegetables.

To minimize some of the unpleasant side effects beans can cause, be sure to rinse canned beans well before incorporating them into your dishes. Rinsing beans will help eliminate the gas-producing compounds as well as nearly half of the sodium.

A word of caution: You need to gradually increase your fiber intake. Adding too much fiber too quickly can cause some gastrointestinal distress. It will take your body some time to adjust to higher intakes of dietary fiber. Also, be sure to drink extra fluids as you increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation.