Coaches spend plenty of time discussing protein.

But dietary fibre is another part of everyday nutrition worth understanding.

For active people, the starting point is still food.

Fruit, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds all contribute dietary fibre.

How much fibre is enough?

The Australian adequate intake figures for adults are:

• Women: 25 g daily
• Men: 30 g daily

These figures refer to total dietary intake, not a required quantity from supplements.

Start with ordinary meals

A useful approach is to review a typical day’s eating.

Is there fruit at breakfast?

Are legumes included regularly?

Do vegetables appear at lunch and dinner?

Small, practical food changes may be easier to maintain than adding a complicated new routine.

Understanding psyllium

Psyllium is a plant-derived fibre.

Its distinctive characteristic is that it forms a gel when mixed with water.

That makes preparation instructions important.

Propel Health Australia’s psyllium husk powder contains only psyllium, without added flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.

Its label directs users to mix one tablespoon with at least 240 ml of water or juice and drink immediately.

Understanding inulin

Inulin is another plant-derived fibre.

It doesn’t form the same gel-like texture as psyllium.

This difference can matter when someone is choosing a powder to incorporate into food or drinks.

What about blends?

Fibre blends combine multiple ingredients.

Their texture and preparation requirements depend on the formulation.

A blend isn’t automatically preferable to a single-ingredient product.

What coaches should explain

A fibre supplement shouldn’t be viewed in isolation from the person’s diet.

It’s useful to understand what they’re already eating before discussing additional fibre sources.

The Propel Health Australia fibre supplement guide explains the differences between psyllium, inulin and blends.

The related Gut Health Supplements website provides additional information about fibre ingredients.

The coaching takeaway

Don’t overcomplicate fibre.

Start with a variety of plant foods.

Read nutrition panels when comparing products.

If someone chooses a fibre powder, encourage them to follow the label directions, increase their overall fibre intake gradually and drink plenty of water.

The best nutrition habit is usually the one a person can maintain consistently.