extended visit with in-laws who eat no fiber; how to supplement?
December 24, 2019 11:25 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for a strategy to keep pooping when I transition from eating lots of fiber to no fiber whatsoever for a week. Ideally, this would be a fiber supplement which I can buy in NYC, carry a week's worth in my personal item (no carryon) through TSA, and eat without additional preparation.
I'm used to a diet which is relatively high in fiber by American standards. Lots of pulses, vegetables, and whole grains. E.g., yesterday started with yogurt and a quarter-liter of berries; at mid-day, two fist-sized wads of sauteed spinach, a liter of sauteed green beans, a fist-sized scoop of beans, and a chicken thigh; in the afternoon, an apple, a pear, a couple of oranges, and a cheddar sandwich on wholemeal bread; in the evening, a liter of pease porridge, thick enough to stand a spoon upright. This lets me produce a nice, easy poop every day or two.
By contrast, my in-laws eat mostly meat and dairy on a little bit of white bread or pasta. Over a week-long visit, I got a single leaf of lettuce one day and a few green beans on another. They cooked a pound or two for eleven people. When I finally pooped at the end of the week, it hurt so much I was concerned I had torn something.
I don't really know how much fiber I'm usually getting. Google thinks my liter of porridge alone would be 64g. But let's assume the RDA of 30g. I'm scratching my head as to how to get even that much.
- My first thought was Metamucil, but that would be 3L of Metamucil, and the directions warn against taking anywhere near that amount on pain of intestinal and esophageal blockages.
- I found some fiber bars that promise 6g each, and have no warning against eating five of them a day. But a week's worth would be a tight fit in my backpack, and I'm not wild about getting half my calories from fiber bars.
- I could borrow my in-laws' kitchen and make myself some dal, but it's a bit socially awkward to turn down your hosts' cooking in favor of lentil gruel.
- Fiber one cereal is 15g/cup, and would work well socially. Cold cereals soaked in milk is a standard breakfast in their household, so I could just eat my pint of fiber and get on with the day. But I don't know where to buy it.
- Carrots are 33g/kilo and only 400 calories, so I would still be able to share their meals. And they have carrots there, so I wouldn't have to fit them into my bag. But I've never tried to chew and swallow a kilo of carrots every day for a week straight.
Stool softeners containing docusate didn't do much for me last time. Osmotic laxatives like PEG would work, I'm sure, but...well, I don't like my in-laws enough to be happy about doing bowel prep just to visit them.
Ideas?
I'm used to a diet which is relatively high in fiber by American standards. Lots of pulses, vegetables, and whole grains. E.g., yesterday started with yogurt and a quarter-liter of berries; at mid-day, two fist-sized wads of sauteed spinach, a liter of sauteed green beans, a fist-sized scoop of beans, and a chicken thigh; in the afternoon, an apple, a pear, a couple of oranges, and a cheddar sandwich on wholemeal bread; in the evening, a liter of pease porridge, thick enough to stand a spoon upright. This lets me produce a nice, easy poop every day or two.
By contrast, my in-laws eat mostly meat and dairy on a little bit of white bread or pasta. Over a week-long visit, I got a single leaf of lettuce one day and a few green beans on another. They cooked a pound or two for eleven people. When I finally pooped at the end of the week, it hurt so much I was concerned I had torn something.
I don't really know how much fiber I'm usually getting. Google thinks my liter of porridge alone would be 64g. But let's assume the RDA of 30g. I'm scratching my head as to how to get even that much.
- My first thought was Metamucil, but that would be 3L of Metamucil, and the directions warn against taking anywhere near that amount on pain of intestinal and esophageal blockages.
- I found some fiber bars that promise 6g each, and have no warning against eating five of them a day. But a week's worth would be a tight fit in my backpack, and I'm not wild about getting half my calories from fiber bars.
- I could borrow my in-laws' kitchen and make myself some dal, but it's a bit socially awkward to turn down your hosts' cooking in favor of lentil gruel.
- Fiber one cereal is 15g/cup, and would work well socially. Cold cereals soaked in milk is a standard breakfast in their household, so I could just eat my pint of fiber and get on with the day. But I don't know where to buy it.
- Carrots are 33g/kilo and only 400 calories, so I would still be able to share their meals. And they have carrots there, so I wouldn't have to fit them into my bag. But I've never tried to chew and swallow a kilo of carrots every day for a week straight.
Stool softeners containing docusate didn't do much for me last time. Osmotic laxatives like PEG would work, I'm sure, but...well, I don't like my in-laws enough to be happy about doing bowel prep just to visit them.
Ideas?
Raisin Bran is fairly easy to get and rather fiber full. Maybe insist on buying it yourself - you might want the kind without sugar encrustation on the raisins.
You can also offer to make an appetizer tray on day 1, put a bunch of celery and carrots on there (along with some brie and whole wheat and white crackers), some other veggies, and then snack on the leftovers all week.
Also - considerate guests often cook for their hosts. Maybe you could whip up a "Summer Vegetable Gratin" (excellent recipe available from Cook's Illustrated) or something involving sweet potatoes and/or roasted brussels sprouts. Maybe your in-laws would actually enjoy the right recipe.
posted by amtho at 11:41 PM on December 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
You can also offer to make an appetizer tray on day 1, put a bunch of celery and carrots on there (along with some brie and whole wheat and white crackers), some other veggies, and then snack on the leftovers all week.
Also - considerate guests often cook for their hosts. Maybe you could whip up a "Summer Vegetable Gratin" (excellent recipe available from Cook's Illustrated) or something involving sweet potatoes and/or roasted brussels sprouts. Maybe your in-laws would actually enjoy the right recipe.
posted by amtho at 11:41 PM on December 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
Personally I would try to eat as many vegetables and fruit as you can while you’re there (more than you eat at home)—carrots are a good idea, so is celery and apples and berries. Get Fiber One if you can. Keep an eye out for meals where everyone fends for themselves, heating up a can of lentil soup isn’t too ungracious (on preview, dump lentil chili on a sweet potato for even more fiber!).
And chew the meals they do prepare really, really well, especially the meat. If you’re used to eating beans/lentils/rice you might not be familiar with how much better meat digests when it’s been chewed into mush first.
posted by stellaluna at 11:45 PM on December 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
And chew the meals they do prepare really, really well, especially the meat. If you’re used to eating beans/lentils/rice you might not be familiar with how much better meat digests when it’s been chewed into mush first.
posted by stellaluna at 11:45 PM on December 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
GG crackers which taste like cardboard. But, lots of fiber. I take fiber pills from BJs house brand. They are actually the same as the CVS house brand of fiber pills. I put them in a plastic baggie when I travel. I take them every day. I have lowered my cholesterol and I am regular. Great thing that fiber!
posted by AugustWest at 11:54 PM on December 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by AugustWest at 11:54 PM on December 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
When I go on vacation, I bring a bunch of those small boxes of raisins and eat two boxes a day. I also try to buy Raisin Bran.
posted by gt2 at 11:58 PM on December 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by gt2 at 11:58 PM on December 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
A week? I'd stop by the store and buy a bunch of fruit, salad fixings and some snacking veggies. Fruit and veggies for snacks and make a salad to go with dinner. If anyone questions it remind them you're a grown up and can eat whatever you want. Or lie and say doctors orders. You know they've heard that too.
posted by fshgrl at 12:03 AM on December 25, 2019 [22 favorites]
posted by fshgrl at 12:03 AM on December 25, 2019 [22 favorites]
Best answer: One other idea—chia seeds are magical for me, maybe they’ll work for you too. You can buy these ready-made pouches in grocery stores near fruit snacks or applesauce, or you could make up some overnight oats with chia seeds for breakfast, which are super easy.
posted by stellaluna at 12:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by stellaluna at 12:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [5 favorites]
Oh also! I generally travel with a _lot_ of fruity/nutty granola bars. You can sneak eat them for breakfast or whenever, carry them as snacks, share them, and they're store really really well.
posted by amtho at 1:02 AM on December 25, 2019
posted by amtho at 1:02 AM on December 25, 2019
Psyllium/ispaghula husks are a good option. You stir a spoonful into a glass of water and then ideally drink some more, and they're flavourless and don't have any negative side effects - you can have as much as you need. You'd probably have to drink a lot to match the amount of fibre it sounds like you're getting now, but it would be a good complement to some of the other recommendations here. Dried fruit is also good, if a bit sugary. Dates are especially good as they're vaguely seasonal and you can bring some "to share".
posted by jglitter at 1:04 AM on December 25, 2019 [13 favorites]
posted by jglitter at 1:04 AM on December 25, 2019 [13 favorites]
Dried fruit can be a nice host gift, especially if you've got a variety and stick a bow on a pretty bag. Dates, apricots, figs, currants, prunes, all vaguely seasonal too. Bring them to share and end up eating the majority yourself. Of course they're a bit high in sugar but considering the time of year you're probably prepared for that.
I think that you are overthinking this though. A ton of people experience GI distress over the holidays. Expressing a desire to have something "high in fiber" for any meal other than whatever primary holiday meal you're celebrating is likely to be met with understanding and agreement from other parties. Unless your hosts are particularly possessive of their kitchen you can totally offer to cook a meal or two for everyone that is more in line with your way of cooking and also conveniently make some larger batches of things like lentils or fibrous starches for you to snack on the rest of your stay. It's also probably entirely fine for you to go shopping for a whole lot of extra fruits and veggies, especially since by your description I bet if you buy just enough for yourself it will look like you've brought enough to share with the whole household. Miraculously it'll all get eaten!
It is probably better to go with a combination of things to help you through this, rather than loading up on one trick like five fiber bars a day or whatever. Some supplements, being clear about needing a high fiber breakfast, bringing lots of produce into the house for "everyone who wants it" ie: you, dried fruits for small desserts and at tea time, and being confident about using the kitchen to make things that you need. Most folks these days know that different people eat in different ways and it's not an insult, just don't make them feel judged about what they're eating.
posted by Mizu at 1:53 AM on December 25, 2019 [8 favorites]
I think that you are overthinking this though. A ton of people experience GI distress over the holidays. Expressing a desire to have something "high in fiber" for any meal other than whatever primary holiday meal you're celebrating is likely to be met with understanding and agreement from other parties. Unless your hosts are particularly possessive of their kitchen you can totally offer to cook a meal or two for everyone that is more in line with your way of cooking and also conveniently make some larger batches of things like lentils or fibrous starches for you to snack on the rest of your stay. It's also probably entirely fine for you to go shopping for a whole lot of extra fruits and veggies, especially since by your description I bet if you buy just enough for yourself it will look like you've brought enough to share with the whole household. Miraculously it'll all get eaten!
It is probably better to go with a combination of things to help you through this, rather than loading up on one trick like five fiber bars a day or whatever. Some supplements, being clear about needing a high fiber breakfast, bringing lots of produce into the house for "everyone who wants it" ie: you, dried fruits for small desserts and at tea time, and being confident about using the kitchen to make things that you need. Most folks these days know that different people eat in different ways and it's not an insult, just don't make them feel judged about what they're eating.
posted by Mizu at 1:53 AM on December 25, 2019 [8 favorites]
2nding psyllium husks. They are the obvious solution for you. You can get them in individual packets, too, so you only have to bring the amount you need.
posted by mumimor at 1:55 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by mumimor at 1:55 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
Chewable fiber wafers and gummies (examples: Fiber Choice is one brand offering both, Metamucil has its more-cookie-like wafer version in a couple of flavors, VitaFusion has gummies) are pretty portable. You might have the Fiber One cereal shipped to your destination (along with popcorn and nuts/nutty granola bars), or make a quick grocery stop on your way from the airport to the in-laws for cereal, apples, and a loaf of whole-meal bread to accompany dinner. Drink a lot more water than you normally do.
If your normal bowel movement goes missing for a couple of days, try the 'extra strength' Senokote before bedtime. If that hasn't done the job by late afternoon the following day, take Milk of Magnesia or Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution and have no evening plans beyond watching TV and being in close proximity to a bathroom.
posted by Iris Gambol at 1:55 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
If your normal bowel movement goes missing for a couple of days, try the 'extra strength' Senokote before bedtime. If that hasn't done the job by late afternoon the following day, take Milk of Magnesia or Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution and have no evening plans beyond watching TV and being in close proximity to a bathroom.
posted by Iris Gambol at 1:55 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Psyllium/ispaghula husks are a good option
Metamucil is just ground psyllium husks with added flavouring, so if you have previous experience with Metamucil that would apply to the husks as well.
Pumpkin and squash have always been my personal go-tos for guaranteed comfortable excretion at low cost.
posted by flabdablet at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Metamucil is just ground psyllium husks with added flavouring, so if you have previous experience with Metamucil that would apply to the husks as well.
Pumpkin and squash have always been my personal go-tos for guaranteed comfortable excretion at low cost.
posted by flabdablet at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
powdered magnesium also helps not only with sleep but regularity.
you can find either tablets or powdered stuff that has no added sweeteners and it works well.
i find it helpful when i travel for work and have little say over my meals for most days and am in a similar situation of all pasta and cheese and meat and bread.
posted by affectionateborg at 2:22 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
you can find either tablets or powdered stuff that has no added sweeteners and it works well.
i find it helpful when i travel for work and have little say over my meals for most days and am in a similar situation of all pasta and cheese and meat and bread.
posted by affectionateborg at 2:22 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
I feel like you're over complicating this. Buy some Metamucil and put a week's worth in a baggie. Buy cereal at the grocery store when you're there; there are plenty if high fiber cereals, they aren't a specialty item.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:42 AM on December 25, 2019 [33 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 2:42 AM on December 25, 2019 [33 favorites]
They are in NYC proper? There are 14 Whole Foods stores in the city, bodegas (little grocery stores with something for everybody, and usually a cat - you can say hi!) on most corners, and lots of grocery stores. There are also a couple Targets. The proper grocery stores aren't necessarily as cheap as the 'burbs - especially for something like cereal, so be prepared. But all these bodegas usually have cut up fruit you can eat on a walk. Whole Foods, etc. have huuuuge salad bars (hot and cold). We also have Jamba juice and many look a likes, not to mention Trader Joes.
If you don't want to go the route of Metamucil, bring your ILs a big fruit basket 'in the season of the holiday', or go for walks to see the architecture of the city and grab some fruit or whatever for the walk. The weather is going to be pretty mild. Nothing below the low 40s for the next several days. Oh, and in case you didn't know, you can get a nice little bowl of oatmeal at Starbucks (which is on just about every corner). Maybe you can do overnight oatmeal. Tell them that you recently went to the doctor and you're working on your LDL/HDL numbers. TJ's steel cut oatmeal is nom!
posted by dancinglamb at 2:49 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
If you don't want to go the route of Metamucil, bring your ILs a big fruit basket 'in the season of the holiday', or go for walks to see the architecture of the city and grab some fruit or whatever for the walk. The weather is going to be pretty mild. Nothing below the low 40s for the next several days. Oh, and in case you didn't know, you can get a nice little bowl of oatmeal at Starbucks (which is on just about every corner). Maybe you can do overnight oatmeal. Tell them that you recently went to the doctor and you're working on your LDL/HDL numbers. TJ's steel cut oatmeal is nom!
posted by dancinglamb at 2:49 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
I think it’s perfectly acceptable for you to offer to make a side dish (of veggies) most/many nights. Take a big helping before passing it on.
Prunes! They are magical. Have like 5 a day and you should be good.
posted by DoubleLune at 3:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
Prunes! They are magical. Have like 5 a day and you should be good.
posted by DoubleLune at 3:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
Apples. Nothing clears me out like eating 2-3 apples a day. Golden Delicious specifically for some reason.
posted by Young Kullervo at 4:03 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Young Kullervo at 4:03 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Get the big bag of Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberries. You will poop like you've never pooped before.
posted by transitional procedures at 4:16 AM on December 25, 2019
posted by transitional procedures at 4:16 AM on December 25, 2019
ALSO once i went to my mom's house in another state for Christmas. she had made literally no vegetables for dinner. it was all variations of starches and meats. corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc.
we went to the grocery store for some last minute stuff and i got her to get some broccoli carrot frozen mix and some kind of bags of mixed salad. (very podunk grocery store with limited selection)
they were the only dishes completely gone at the end of the meal of about 10 people. so others might be grateful for your veggie-bringing.
posted by affectionateborg at 4:38 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
we went to the grocery store for some last minute stuff and i got her to get some broccoli carrot frozen mix and some kind of bags of mixed salad. (very podunk grocery store with limited selection)
they were the only dishes completely gone at the end of the meal of about 10 people. so others might be grateful for your veggie-bringing.
posted by affectionateborg at 4:38 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Eat Fiber One or oatmeal with raisins for breakfast, along with coffee, and plenty of prunes for snacks. Prunes will get you going, especially if paired with coffee! I would also bring some Metamucil for emergencies, since you know this is an issue for you.
Also, your in-laws aren’t going to be preparing every meal for you in the week (I hope). So eat a salad or something for the meals they’re not making. I also think that, in the name of hospitality, you can make a side dish of veggies or lentils or whatever for a shared meal, or a big thing of soup or bean chili for a family lunch.
posted by rue72 at 5:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Also, your in-laws aren’t going to be preparing every meal for you in the week (I hope). So eat a salad or something for the meals they’re not making. I also think that, in the name of hospitality, you can make a side dish of veggies or lentils or whatever for a shared meal, or a big thing of soup or bean chili for a family lunch.
posted by rue72 at 5:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Bring some dried figs in your luggage. Discreet, tasty, a couple of servings a day will help. (Figs are better for this purpose than prunes, actually.)
You can also get baked chickpeas as an off-the-shelf snack. They're very dry, but the salted kind are something you could pack and eat discreetly as long as you have a glass of water.
posted by Frowner at 5:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
You can also get baked chickpeas as an off-the-shelf snack. They're very dry, but the salted kind are something you could pack and eat discreetly as long as you have a glass of water.
posted by Frowner at 5:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
(I believe the OP lives in NYC and wishes to know of fiber supplements available there which will take up minimal space in a carry-on. OP is flying to visit in-laws elsewhere, in a place where shopping options are unfamiliar).
posted by bunderful at 5:15 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by bunderful at 5:15 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
TBH though I'd bring a tiny bottle of some PEG stuff. As you know, Bob, it's dose-dependent, so you can just take a half or quarter dose periodically rather than taking a full dose on a regular schedule. (I know this, funnily enough, because it's recommended for cats with digestive issues.)
posted by Frowner at 5:18 AM on December 25, 2019
posted by Frowner at 5:18 AM on December 25, 2019
Oatmeal might be a little easier to take in a carryon than cereal, if it comes down to it.
However, it seems like it's probably worthwhile to solve the grocery shopping issue. Are they located in a remote rural area, a food desert, a place with no/minimal public transit? With more specifics other mefites might have some ideas for you.
Can you or your spouse just tell your in-laws that you need some veggies because it's what your system is used to or whatever, and ask for a ride to the nearest grocery? If not, ask someone to take you shopping so you can buy something you forgot that they won't have on hand. Deodorant, a toothbrush, etc. Pick up a few cereals, fruits and veg while you're at it.
If you're a baker, baking a batch of oatmeal or bran muffins for everyone to share, perhaps with fruit/seeds/nuts, would be a nice thing to do for your hosts on a quiet day when no one else needs the kitchen. Ditto putting together a nice fruit basket (for the table) or a veggie tray (to live in the fridge for several days).
posted by bunderful at 5:39 AM on December 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
However, it seems like it's probably worthwhile to solve the grocery shopping issue. Are they located in a remote rural area, a food desert, a place with no/minimal public transit? With more specifics other mefites might have some ideas for you.
Can you or your spouse just tell your in-laws that you need some veggies because it's what your system is used to or whatever, and ask for a ride to the nearest grocery? If not, ask someone to take you shopping so you can buy something you forgot that they won't have on hand. Deodorant, a toothbrush, etc. Pick up a few cereals, fruits and veg while you're at it.
If you're a baker, baking a batch of oatmeal or bran muffins for everyone to share, perhaps with fruit/seeds/nuts, would be a nice thing to do for your hosts on a quiet day when no one else needs the kitchen. Ditto putting together a nice fruit basket (for the table) or a veggie tray (to live in the fridge for several days).
posted by bunderful at 5:39 AM on December 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
I’ve handled this for kids that were having issues. First, you don’t have to hit the same fibre, just keep things moving. Drink lots of water. I know it will be culturally dependent but most of my relatives are very open to me shopping for a treat/meal and I just always picked up some fibre stuff for us at the same time. A box of high fibre cereal should do you fine.
posted by warriorqueen at 5:44 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by warriorqueen at 5:44 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
I think for best bets you will want to go with variety - a bag of dried prunes, a water-bottle and sachets of metamucil to fill, shake and drink at the bathroom tap, some high fibre bars - check out the section in a huge grocery store where they sell food products for constipated people - there are specific cookies and such for people who need to eat food that helps them move that have more fibre than the ones in the granola bar section. If you have multiple choices you can squirrel them away in different parts of your luggage and you will not have to face the same rather icky fibre bar after six days.
You may not be able to take enough with you depending on the length of the stay, but if you take some it will be that much better. You may not be able to take enough fibre, to prevent discomfort but enough fibre to make it much easier on your body than it would be is still a win. In addition to the food you can take make sure you drink a ton of water - you'll have your own water bottle to fill if that is socially awkward and hopefully the water where you are going in potable. And then make sure you get some exercise if it's possible. Keep an eye out for opportunities. If their community is not walkable helping carrying the Christmas decorations upstairs is exercise and so is going out and walking for a few minutes around their yard even if it is just moseying from bush to bush pausing a lot - it's better than being on a chair in the living room watching movies.
Check on line and see if you can get a nice festive fruit tray delivered to your host's address. Failing that, a delivery of selected oatmeal cookies and other treats that have fibre in them would work. You probably don't want to order stuff like "Bowel Buddies" brand cookies but oatmeal raisin, granola and shortbread with cranberries. A fruit tray is a better idea because the basket of cookies may all get put into their pantry and you'll never get a crack at them, but the fruit tray will perish so they will have to share it instead of hoard it. Try to send perishables such as a tray of cookies if that is an option.
If it wouldn't be awkward a delivery for yourself would solve the luggage problem.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
You may not be able to take enough with you depending on the length of the stay, but if you take some it will be that much better. You may not be able to take enough fibre, to prevent discomfort but enough fibre to make it much easier on your body than it would be is still a win. In addition to the food you can take make sure you drink a ton of water - you'll have your own water bottle to fill if that is socially awkward and hopefully the water where you are going in potable. And then make sure you get some exercise if it's possible. Keep an eye out for opportunities. If their community is not walkable helping carrying the Christmas decorations upstairs is exercise and so is going out and walking for a few minutes around their yard even if it is just moseying from bush to bush pausing a lot - it's better than being on a chair in the living room watching movies.
Check on line and see if you can get a nice festive fruit tray delivered to your host's address. Failing that, a delivery of selected oatmeal cookies and other treats that have fibre in them would work. You probably don't want to order stuff like "Bowel Buddies" brand cookies but oatmeal raisin, granola and shortbread with cranberries. A fruit tray is a better idea because the basket of cookies may all get put into their pantry and you'll never get a crack at them, but the fruit tray will perish so they will have to share it instead of hoard it. Try to send perishables such as a tray of cookies if that is an option.
If it wouldn't be awkward a delivery for yourself would solve the luggage problem.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:14 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
My husband and I eat very differently than my in-laws and our solution has been to go to the grocery store the first day of our trip and supplement all of our meals with things we cook ourselves. It feels a lot easier because we do it as a team. If your spouse is even marginally supportive of a more fibrous diet, perhaps you can try shopping for yourselves this year? Just prepare side dishes and breakfasts/lunch that meet your needs! It’ll be easier for your spouse to tell their parents you’re going to do this together, than for it to be just you.
posted by amaire at 6:45 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by amaire at 6:45 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
I think the OP is probably living in NYC, then traveling to another location.
posted by amtho at 6:57 AM on December 25, 2019
posted by amtho at 6:57 AM on December 25, 2019
Are your in-laws American and you're visiting them somewhere in the US? Because if so I think you might be overthinking this, both on a practical and a cultural level.
But I don't know where to buy it.
I have literally driven all over this country and you have to be really really really isolated - by distance and/or terrain - before you're in a situation where you simply cannot get your hands on fiber-rich cereals (Raisin Bran, All-Bran, Fiber One, Grape-Nuts), or whole wheat bread or nuts. Most Americans will do their grocery shopping at some kind of large chain grocery store with multiple options for these kind of foods, and most "drug stores" (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreen's) will have a grocery/snack section where you can get at least some of these foods, and even tons of convenience stores incorporated into gas stations will have some options. (Large gas station convenience stores may well have lots of options, including pre-made salads and vegetable snack packs.) And then there are "everything stores" or "department stores" - Target and Walmart, for example - that will have fairly large grocery sections.
Also Metamucil or other fiber supplements are available in these places.
And culturally, unless your in-laws are (IMO) pretty far outside the norm of US hospitality, providing guests with foods that they like is totally normal. If they've ever asked you or your wife if there's anything they can stock up on before you arrive or while you're there, it is quite likely that they're not just asking for appearances, they will be willing to actually buy those things, especially if they're "normal" American foods like whole wheat bread or common brands of cereals. Or at the least they will allow you and your wife to buy these things for yourselves once you're there - they may not buy Raisin Bran or salad fixings or fruits and vegetables for themselves, but it would be a far stretch for them to, like, not allow these foods in their house for a week. (Especially if you've spent your own money on them.) You certainly don't seem to be looking for outrageously "weird" non-American food, you're just looking for higher fiber versions of "normal" stuff.
In short, unless you're in some kind of fairly extreme circumstances of location or in-law personalities, getting your hands on high-fiber foods and/or fiber supplements should really not be much of an issue once you're there; trying to figure out how to get more fiber in your diet by traveling with it by plane from NYC seems a bit overkill.
posted by soundguy99 at 7:08 AM on December 25, 2019 [7 favorites]
But I don't know where to buy it.
I have literally driven all over this country and you have to be really really really isolated - by distance and/or terrain - before you're in a situation where you simply cannot get your hands on fiber-rich cereals (Raisin Bran, All-Bran, Fiber One, Grape-Nuts), or whole wheat bread or nuts. Most Americans will do their grocery shopping at some kind of large chain grocery store with multiple options for these kind of foods, and most "drug stores" (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreen's) will have a grocery/snack section where you can get at least some of these foods, and even tons of convenience stores incorporated into gas stations will have some options. (Large gas station convenience stores may well have lots of options, including pre-made salads and vegetable snack packs.) And then there are "everything stores" or "department stores" - Target and Walmart, for example - that will have fairly large grocery sections.
Also Metamucil or other fiber supplements are available in these places.
And culturally, unless your in-laws are (IMO) pretty far outside the norm of US hospitality, providing guests with foods that they like is totally normal. If they've ever asked you or your wife if there's anything they can stock up on before you arrive or while you're there, it is quite likely that they're not just asking for appearances, they will be willing to actually buy those things, especially if they're "normal" American foods like whole wheat bread or common brands of cereals. Or at the least they will allow you and your wife to buy these things for yourselves once you're there - they may not buy Raisin Bran or salad fixings or fruits and vegetables for themselves, but it would be a far stretch for them to, like, not allow these foods in their house for a week. (Especially if you've spent your own money on them.) You certainly don't seem to be looking for outrageously "weird" non-American food, you're just looking for higher fiber versions of "normal" stuff.
In short, unless you're in some kind of fairly extreme circumstances of location or in-law personalities, getting your hands on high-fiber foods and/or fiber supplements should really not be much of an issue once you're there; trying to figure out how to get more fiber in your diet by traveling with it by plane from NYC seems a bit overkill.
posted by soundguy99 at 7:08 AM on December 25, 2019 [7 favorites]
My mom started a Christmas tradition when us adult kids got weird with food (I’m vegetarian, brother in law loves meat and is dairy free): each visitor makes a meal one night. It must meet everyone’s rules (veggie option, dairy free option, big slab of protein, lots of starches) but everyone has to agree to have their boundaries pushed (like once I made a sweet coconut Thai curry with tofu). It allows the hosts some time off of cooking and allows us to make food we like plus gives you A Thing Of Shopping To Do. We all make enough to have leftovers and everyone gets Their Own Leftovers. It won’t help with everything but might be a tradition to start at your place to give you a few meals that are better.
posted by holyrood at 7:38 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by holyrood at 7:38 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Fiber one cereal is 15g/cup, and would work well socially. Cold cereals soaked in milk is a standard breakfast in their household, so I could just eat my pint of fiber and get on with the day. But I don't know where to buy it.
I've seen it at CVSs in NYC.
posted by Jahaza at 7:51 AM on December 25, 2019
I've seen it at CVSs in NYC.
posted by Jahaza at 7:51 AM on December 25, 2019
Folks recommending Metamucil, OP has already stated the required amount is too bulky.* It only has 3g fiber per Tbsp.
Fiber One, available at any grocery store, is the way to go.*
*not sorry
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Fiber One, available at any grocery store, is the way to go.*
*not sorry
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Unless your in-laws live in rural New Mexico 100 miles from the nearest supermarket, you will have easy access to Fiber One.
posted by Automocar at 8:29 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Automocar at 8:29 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
the specific answer to your question of what small, TSA-ok, shelf-stable, no-prep, easy-to-eat-in-private item you can bring in your hand luggage to ensure reliable, easy pooping is: a bag of prunes. They are even available flavored now, and are genuinely tasty. There's a reason they're the punchline for every joke about regularity.
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
Take control of this! Go grocery shopping the day after you arrive. Plan to make your own breakfast and lunch that reflects your regular diet, plus salad or cut veggies for dinner, enough for everyone. If anyone comments, just don't reply. Literally just walk into the kitchen and do it. As long as you're eating around the same time as everyone, partaking of the family meals, and not getting in the way of meal prep, it's fine. If you don't have a way to get to the grocery store, rent a car. If your in laws freak out, then get an Air BnB next time.
Also, why are your inlaws cooking EVERY meal? You and your wife should be cooking at least one meal.
Will this be perceived as rude or eccentric? Maybe. But being miserable every time you visit your in-laws is not a tenable long -term plan. After you establish that "this is what Mary's husband does" nobody will question it.
posted by schwinggg! at 10:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Also, why are your inlaws cooking EVERY meal? You and your wife should be cooking at least one meal.
Will this be perceived as rude or eccentric? Maybe. But being miserable every time you visit your in-laws is not a tenable long -term plan. After you establish that "this is what Mary's husband does" nobody will question it.
posted by schwinggg! at 10:02 AM on December 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
(Also ... I'm not sure that prunes or Fiber One cereal are going to help OP's problem, and may even make it worse. They are used to eating a LOT of fresh veggies, beans, and fruit, which is not reflected in processed cereal or dried prunes. And it's not just constipation - if you're used to eating this way and switch to an all processed/all meat diet, you just feel gross. For a whole week! Edited to add: this is also a money issue. Eating all that produce can be expensive, so OP should not expect their in-laws to supply it for them. They need to go get it themselves.)
posted by schwinggg! at 10:05 AM on December 25, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by schwinggg! at 10:05 AM on December 25, 2019 [5 favorites]
Best answer: My current food obsession is No Cow protein bars and the lemon meringue bar has 18 grams of fiber and 190 calories. You can usually find these at a Walgreens or order off Amazon.
posted by katinka-katinka at 10:14 AM on December 25, 2019
posted by katinka-katinka at 10:14 AM on December 25, 2019
Be careful about cooking a your-style meal for everyone; their digestions are equally un-adapted to your habits. You probably do not want to be remembered for the evening everyone jetted on flatulence for the bathroom.
posted by clew at 11:23 AM on December 25, 2019 [9 favorites]
posted by clew at 11:23 AM on December 25, 2019 [9 favorites]
send them a giant harry & david thank-you gift tower full of apples and pears and nuts and dried fruit, scheduled to arrive when you do. then, covertly eat most of it yourself.
posted by queenofbithynia at 11:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [9 favorites]
posted by queenofbithynia at 11:28 AM on December 25, 2019 [9 favorites]
Trader Joes insulin crackers make me 💩 like a mofo
posted by St. Peepsburg at 7:26 PM on December 25, 2019
posted by St. Peepsburg at 7:26 PM on December 25, 2019
Best answer: Fiber One also makes breads, english muffins, and wraps that should be able to blend with your relatives' eating habits pretty seamlessly, if a store near them carries any of them. The Fiber One Oats & Chocolate bar may have more sugar than you want, but it's their highest-fiber bar at 9g and tastes pretty good, IMO.
posted by current resident at 8:38 PM on December 25, 2019
posted by current resident at 8:38 PM on December 25, 2019
You can buy psyllium husk supplements in tablet form which is more portable and less messy than powders. I have a similar situation when traveling to visit family, and while I definitely don't eat the same amount of fiber I'm used to, taking the minimum daily dosage of fiber tablets seems to keep the plumbing from clogging, so to speak. I suspect that you won't need to match your usual fiber intake to keep things moving so long as you have some fiber, but you know your body better than I do.
posted by Aleyn at 10:31 PM on December 25, 2019
posted by Aleyn at 10:31 PM on December 25, 2019
If you really feel awkward about cooking/eating fiber in front of your hosts then drinking a couple of cans of diet soda can work wonders for intestinal motility. The sugar substitutes are hydrophilic and draw moisture from your intestinal walls loosening up your stools. It won't have the same colon health effect as fibre (nature's little broom) in the long run but it can be a short term cure for mild constipation.
posted by srboisvert at 2:55 AM on December 26, 2019
posted by srboisvert at 2:55 AM on December 26, 2019
Chiming in late but how about making a salad to go with whatever they prepare for dinner/lunch? An easy way to add some roughage and others can partake or not as they choose. And cereal with berries and seeds for breakfast.
posted by emd3737 at 4:46 AM on December 26, 2019
posted by emd3737 at 4:46 AM on December 26, 2019
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone. I'm going to go with the fiber bars this time, and try the chia seed next time.
Are they located in a remote rural area, a food desert, a place with no/minimal public transit?
Yes, all of those. I'm not sure everyone here would agree they even have roads.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 6:23 AM on December 26, 2019 [4 favorites]
Are they located in a remote rural area, a food desert, a place with no/minimal public transit?
Yes, all of those. I'm not sure everyone here would agree they even have roads.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 6:23 AM on December 26, 2019 [4 favorites]
These Kind Whole Fruit bars are kind of magical -- 4g fiber/2 servings of fruit per bar, and they are super tiny and take up no space once they've been unboxed, and they only ingredients are fruit and chia seeds. They pretty much guarantee regularity for me when I'm having issues:
https://www.kindsnacks.com/whole-fruit-bars/
posted by jabes at 8:29 AM on December 26, 2019
https://www.kindsnacks.com/whole-fruit-bars/
posted by jabes at 8:29 AM on December 26, 2019
Metamucil or equivalent (psyllium husks) you would take 2 teaspoons 3X daily (ideally, with each meal). This gets you about 18 grams of fiber daily.
Another alternative is something like Benefiber or equivalent (wheat dextrin0, where the suggested dosage is 2 teaspoons, again 3X daily. That gets you 9 grams of daily fiber. (You could probably ease that up to 1 tablespoon 3X daily, to get more into the 12 grams fiber/day range.)
A week's worth of those dosages is 42 teaspoons which is just less than a cup.
You can EASILY carry a cup of either one of those in your luggage for the week. I usually carry in a small one-cup-ish sealed plastic bottle but you could do something like double packed in heavy-ish ziploc bags, too.
This doesn't on its own get you up to 30 or 50 grams of fiber or whatever, but it gets you a good part of the way there and in that sense is a nice backup supplementary source of fiber - a whole week's worth in less than one cup - that can be combined with some of the other solutions mentioned upthread.
FWIW I wouldn't just plow into taking 2 teaspoons of either Metamucil or Benefiber (or any other equivalents), or any of the other high fiber solutions mentioned upthread, such as bars or cereals, cold turkey.
Ideally you start with 1 tsp once a day and build up gradually to 2 tsp 3X per day.
But even starting with 2 tsp once a day for a couple of days, then 2 tsp 2X per day for a couple of days, then 2 tsp 3X per day would give your gut a chance to adjust, and also give you some notice if you happen to have any reaction to that much new/different source of fiber.
Some people have a pretty big reaction to the fiber supplements, some people find it generates a lot of gas, especially when just starting, and some people find they are sensitive to one type or another of the fiber.
Point is, start working on this a week or two before you actually leave on your trip, if you can. Find out what works or doesn't work ahead of time, and also gradually ramp up the dosage.
Additionally, if you've tried powdered fiber before and not noticed much difference, it's like because you were taking a teaspoon or two per day, or maybe a tablespoon. As you have observed, within the realm of recommended daily allowances for fiber, one teaspoon or even tablespoon of these doesn't amount to much. A barely noticeable difference, at best. But if you can gradually work up to 2 tsp 3X daily, or even 1 tablespoon 3X daily, that is more the range were you will be able to feel a real difference.
Even in that range it's not your entire RDA for fiber, but now it's a significant percentage--enough to make a difference.
Also combine the powdered fiber supplement with other solutions, such as: 3X day/powdered fiber supplement, plus a bar or two a day (hopefully a different type of fiber), plus some cereal, plus some veggies, etc.
But one cup of this fiber supplement for the whole week plus say 7 fiber bars plus 1/2 cup of fiber cereal a day plus say one medium-large size carrot a day is possibly (?) something reasonably carried in your personal bag without being too unreasonable, and would also be reasonably effective in helping your situation.
You'll notice of these, the one cup of fiber supplement is by far the smallest/least bulky.
FWIW I generally bring along a small container with a cup or two of the fiber powder when I travel, and I find it helps a lot. As others mentioned, it's a combo of probably less fiber than I'm used to, plus different food than I'm used to, plus some stress, loss of sleep etc that all adds up to unhappy gut. The powdered fiber is the easiest, simplest, lightest, smallest way to have something along that helps with that.
posted by flug at 2:02 PM on December 26, 2019
Another alternative is something like Benefiber or equivalent (wheat dextrin0, where the suggested dosage is 2 teaspoons, again 3X daily. That gets you 9 grams of daily fiber. (You could probably ease that up to 1 tablespoon 3X daily, to get more into the 12 grams fiber/day range.)
A week's worth of those dosages is 42 teaspoons which is just less than a cup.
You can EASILY carry a cup of either one of those in your luggage for the week. I usually carry in a small one-cup-ish sealed plastic bottle but you could do something like double packed in heavy-ish ziploc bags, too.
This doesn't on its own get you up to 30 or 50 grams of fiber or whatever, but it gets you a good part of the way there and in that sense is a nice backup supplementary source of fiber - a whole week's worth in less than one cup - that can be combined with some of the other solutions mentioned upthread.
FWIW I wouldn't just plow into taking 2 teaspoons of either Metamucil or Benefiber (or any other equivalents), or any of the other high fiber solutions mentioned upthread, such as bars or cereals, cold turkey.
Ideally you start with 1 tsp once a day and build up gradually to 2 tsp 3X per day.
But even starting with 2 tsp once a day for a couple of days, then 2 tsp 2X per day for a couple of days, then 2 tsp 3X per day would give your gut a chance to adjust, and also give you some notice if you happen to have any reaction to that much new/different source of fiber.
Some people have a pretty big reaction to the fiber supplements, some people find it generates a lot of gas, especially when just starting, and some people find they are sensitive to one type or another of the fiber.
Point is, start working on this a week or two before you actually leave on your trip, if you can. Find out what works or doesn't work ahead of time, and also gradually ramp up the dosage.
Additionally, if you've tried powdered fiber before and not noticed much difference, it's like because you were taking a teaspoon or two per day, or maybe a tablespoon. As you have observed, within the realm of recommended daily allowances for fiber, one teaspoon or even tablespoon of these doesn't amount to much. A barely noticeable difference, at best. But if you can gradually work up to 2 tsp 3X daily, or even 1 tablespoon 3X daily, that is more the range were you will be able to feel a real difference.
Even in that range it's not your entire RDA for fiber, but now it's a significant percentage--enough to make a difference.
Also combine the powdered fiber supplement with other solutions, such as: 3X day/powdered fiber supplement, plus a bar or two a day (hopefully a different type of fiber), plus some cereal, plus some veggies, etc.
But one cup of this fiber supplement for the whole week plus say 7 fiber bars plus 1/2 cup of fiber cereal a day plus say one medium-large size carrot a day is possibly (?) something reasonably carried in your personal bag without being too unreasonable, and would also be reasonably effective in helping your situation.
You'll notice of these, the one cup of fiber supplement is by far the smallest/least bulky.
FWIW I generally bring along a small container with a cup or two of the fiber powder when I travel, and I find it helps a lot. As others mentioned, it's a combo of probably less fiber than I'm used to, plus different food than I'm used to, plus some stress, loss of sleep etc that all adds up to unhappy gut. The powdered fiber is the easiest, simplest, lightest, smallest way to have something along that helps with that.
posted by flug at 2:02 PM on December 26, 2019
Response by poster: I don't have the package in front of me any more to check, but when I was reading the back of a Metamucil can in the store it seemed to caution strongly against this sort of dosing, for fear the fiber would aggregate and swell up to block your intestine. I take it you've taken these doses for a while without problems?
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 6:50 PM on December 26, 2019
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 6:50 PM on December 26, 2019
I am prone to constipation and take Citrucel, which is a supplement similar to Metamucil. It supposedly causes less gas than Metamucil. It comes in pill form, so it's much more portable than powder—just make sure you drink a big glass of water with it. They're not small pills, but a week's worth won't take up much space. You can take 2-6 caplets per day, indefinitely (I take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening).
posted by radioamy at 11:55 PM on December 27, 2019
posted by radioamy at 11:55 PM on December 27, 2019
for fear the fiber would aggregate and swell up to block your intestine
Dry psyllium husk does swell pretty spectacularly as it absorbs water, and it really wants to absorb water and sticks hard to any wet surface capable of supplying it with some, so taking it in capsule form with a water chaser is potentially quite unkind to your oesophagus. But if you stir a spoonful into a glass of water, that's way way more water than a spoonful of husk can absorb; it's never going to swell to the volume of the whole glass.
What it will do, though, if you leave it in the glass for more than a few seconds before drinking it, is gel the water to the consistency of mucus. This is a rather unpleasant texture to drink, but quite safe.
Even if you eat a lot of psyllium husk, as long as you take it with plenty of water it will achieve that mucus-like consistency well before arriving in your small intestine and won't swell any further than it already has.
Once a bolus of psyllium husk gel arrives at your bowel, the bowel wall will recover quite a lot of the water and the gel will shrink and thicken. For most people the end result is a firm but not hard stool that's cohesive, non-adhesive, well lubricated and comfortable to pass.
Some people, though, especially those prone to constipation, will recover more water than is typical and might get a bit clogged. It sounds like that could be you, so I would not recommend making psyllium husk your primary source of fibre until you've experimented with ramping up your consumption to see how your particular gut deals with it. Try mixing a little more into your oatmeal each day and see how you go.
If you don't have time to do that, you're probably better off relying mostly on something bran-based that doesn't do the gelling thing but stays pretty much as-is when wet.
posted by flabdablet at 4:33 AM on December 28, 2019
Dry psyllium husk does swell pretty spectacularly as it absorbs water, and it really wants to absorb water and sticks hard to any wet surface capable of supplying it with some, so taking it in capsule form with a water chaser is potentially quite unkind to your oesophagus. But if you stir a spoonful into a glass of water, that's way way more water than a spoonful of husk can absorb; it's never going to swell to the volume of the whole glass.
What it will do, though, if you leave it in the glass for more than a few seconds before drinking it, is gel the water to the consistency of mucus. This is a rather unpleasant texture to drink, but quite safe.
Even if you eat a lot of psyllium husk, as long as you take it with plenty of water it will achieve that mucus-like consistency well before arriving in your small intestine and won't swell any further than it already has.
Once a bolus of psyllium husk gel arrives at your bowel, the bowel wall will recover quite a lot of the water and the gel will shrink and thicken. For most people the end result is a firm but not hard stool that's cohesive, non-adhesive, well lubricated and comfortable to pass.
Some people, though, especially those prone to constipation, will recover more water than is typical and might get a bit clogged. It sounds like that could be you, so I would not recommend making psyllium husk your primary source of fibre until you've experimented with ramping up your consumption to see how your particular gut deals with it. Try mixing a little more into your oatmeal each day and see how you go.
If you don't have time to do that, you're probably better off relying mostly on something bran-based that doesn't do the gelling thing but stays pretty much as-is when wet.
posted by flabdablet at 4:33 AM on December 28, 2019
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posted by btfreek at 11:36 PM on December 24, 2019 [5 favorites]