This post is sponsored by Metamucil. All opinions are my own.
I’m a huge fan of fiber. It has many important health benefits including weight management, heart health, and regularity. But less than 5% of Americans get enough fiber from the foods they eat[1]. The daily recommended fiber intake is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, but diets low in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and other fiber-filled foods can leave you feeling weighted down. Can we get personal? For the most part, I eat plenty of fiber-rich foods and my daily bathroom routine has never been a problem. But this year has been different, which is why I recently took the Metamucil Two-Week Challenge to get back on track and discover what lighter feels like by promoting regularity.* Now that I’ve completed the Challenge, my goal is to continue taking Metamucil each day to keep up my healthy routine.
It’s been a busy year with a lot of travel, so it’s been tough getting enough fiber each day to keep things moving smoothly. Between the launch of the Liz’s Healthy Table blog and podcast, various speaking engagements, nutrition conferences, work commitments, family gatherings, and a bit of fun, I’ve traveled from coast to coast — not once but twice — and across the Atlantic … not once but twice! Are you ready for this? I’ve been to New Orleans, Lido, CA, Napa, CA, Paris, Copenhagen, Nantucket, New Paltz, NY, New Hampshire, Portland, Maine, Vermont, New York City, Chicago, Birmingham, AL, Little Rock, AR, Toronto, Kansas City, and Connecticut. Oh, and I just got back from five glorious nights in Riviera Maya, Mexico, which is where and when I decided to start the Metamucil Two-Week Challenge … and I’m glad I did!
By simply adding a serving of Metamucil to my busy daily routine, I’ve been able to easily sneak more fiber into my day, which as I’m sure you know, can be tough when you’re on the go, eating out, and looking for something decent to eat at the airport!
Here’s how the Challenge works and how it has worked for me.
- Sign up for the Two-Week Challenge and you’ll receive daily emails along the way with helpful tips.
- Start the Challenge slowly by taking one rounded teaspoon of Metamucil daily.
- The first few days, you might experience minor bloating, but don’t worry. It’s simply your body getting used to the increase in fiber.
- The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps trap and remove the waste that weighs you down, so you can start to feel lighter* in two weeks.
- I’ve been taking one rounded teaspoon every morning by mixing it into an 8-ounce glass of cold water. You can use other liquids like 100% fruit juice or your favorite smoothie.
- See how your body feels with one teaspoon. You can increase from there taking up to three times per day.
Have you listened to the Liz’s Healthy Table podcast? Learn about the show and listen to over 60 delicious and nutritious episodes on my podcast page!
My husband, Tim, has been taking Metamucil for years. In fact, if you were to meet Tim at a cocktail party, he’d probably tell you how great he has felt since starting it. At breakfast, he mixes a teaspoon into orange juice and takes another teaspoon mixed into water before dinner. Adding Metamucil to his diet has worked wonders to support his regularity. Of course, now I understand what Tim has been talking about all these years.
Fiber Smarts: If your diet is low in fiber, adding psyllium fiber found in Metamucil to your daily routine can fill in your fiber gap. One rounded teaspoon of Metamucil has 3 grams of fiber, which is the same amount of fiber in 1 medium banana, 1 orange, 1 halved cup of strawberries, and a handful of pistachios[2]. It’s amazing how small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health and your overall feeling of wellbeing.
So if you’re feeling sluggish and want a simple solution, try the Two-Week Challenge. I’m more than pretty confident you’ll like how you feel.
[1] Mobley, A. R., et al. Identifying Practical Solutions to Meet America’s Fiber Needs: Proceedings from the Food & Fiber Summit. Nutrients. July 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4113755/. Accessed April 2018.
[2] Chart of High-Fiber Foods, Mayo Clinic Staff. Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 27.
I’m excited to start the two week challenge.
I have been dieting for 4 months and have hit a plateau. So today is day 1 of the 2 week challenge. I am excited to get started.
Thanks for sharing! Good luck 🙂
Hi Sandra wht diet are you following? Went to Dr yesterday and was told my blood work was bad … Diabetic bad. So i need to lose weight because I don’t want to take the “poison” he has prescribed. Going to try this too.Good luck to you .
How do you take it and with what? thanks
Hi Sally: Follow the directions on the package. Let me know if you need more help after you review the instructions!
Started the challenge yesterday. Not so sure I’m going to get past taking more than 1 rounded teaspoon, I don’t like the taste. Tried it in juice today and not much better. However, I’m willing to give it a 2-week trial. Maybe I’ll acquire a better tolerance for it by then 🙂
Go at your own pace according to package directions. Whatever makes the most sense for you.
I’m on day 3 of the challenge and found a non-flavored Metamucil. It’s great to mix with water or juice.
I like that too. Good luck w/ the challenge!
Do you lose belly fat after this 2 week challenge?
Every person is different. If you lose weight, you may lose it from your belly. If you want to hear more about weight gain and belly fat, tune in to my podcast this week w/ the authors of The Menopause Diet Plan. It’s a super interesting episode!
I have just been prescribed Metamucil capsules by my Gastroenterology Dr.
I have been reading your blog, and I was really looking forward to the Podcast however, I can’t find it anywhere! No links here, and I’ve searched several Podcast forums but no luck.
Do you have a trick? ☺ I really would love to listen!
Sure. If you go to the top of my website, click the Podcast tab. That will take you to my podcast sub page. Or, in the upper right of my website, click the round musical note icon. That will take you to itunes. Or, in the right sidebar of my blog, you’ll see a graphic that reads: Listen to My Podcast. Just click that. Many ways to find the show! https://www.lizshealthytable.com/podcast/
PS: I did not do a specific episode on the topic of regularity. But I have dozens of other healthy eating topics you can listen to.
I am on my second day of the challenge.. love the taste.
I like getting rid of the weigh me down feeling. Thank you!
You are welcome. Glad it’s working out for you.
I would like to try your 2week trial
!!!!!!
Go for it!
Hi my name is Debra I started the challenge last week I get up every morning and get a 8 oz bottle of water and put two teaspoons in it and I haven’t been eating as much
Good luck with the challenge. Keep me posted on your progress.
What exactly does this do? How does it work and how does it Suppress your appetite? I just started this challenge 2 days ago 🙂
Here is a link to the challenge. https://www.metamucil.com/en-us/offer-main-section/two-week-challenge/the-two-week-challenge-easiest-way-to-stay-regular-and-avoid
Okay so I’ve been taking the CVS version of this and now I read that it may diminish the effectiveness of my simvastatin if I take them within two hours of each other? Is that correct?
You’ll need to discuss this with your doctor. I can’t dispense medical advice via this blog.
I want to do the two week challenge
Go for it! LMK if you have any questions.
Can u take the gummies
I don’t see why not. Always take according to package directions.
Hello! I’m going to do the 14 day challenge, I am also curious to know how often one can do this cleanse? Once a month? Every two months? I read that there’s no issues with taking it daily for as long as you want, but I prefer periodically doing the cleanses a few times a year, what would you recommend? Thank you
I recommend following package directions. My husband, for example, takes Metamucil every day to help maintain regularity. It works well for him. Let me know how it works out for you.
I’m excited to start the two week challenge. Thank you bunches!
I need to get the two week challenge instructions please sent to email list the emails some how and cannot re enter my info would not let me
Here is a link to the 2-week challenge: https://www.metamucil.com/en-us/offer-main-section/two-week-challenge
I wasn’t able to register because it wouldn’t accept my zipcode.
I can’t help you with that. Why don’t you contact the company directly. Thanks!
I would like to start a two week metamucil challenge where can I get a coupon cuz the metamucil is very expensive for me
I’m not sure where you can get a coupon. Perhaps you can google that and see if something comes up. Or call the company directly.
Yes I will be trying the challenge and getting my stomach down.
I’ll be getting my MM tmmrw
I hope the Metamucial challenge will help me to feel less bloated and have a good effect on my body
Let me know how it works out! Keep me posted 🙂
Started the 2 week challenge on Monday. I’m excited about the outcome. Hopefully will drop a few pounds and improve fiber intake.
I’m all about the fiber! Good luck 🙂
Hi Liz,
My my is Sharon and would like to hear about the 2 Metamucil challenge, I would also like to loose some weight winks taking the Metamucil help?
just been struggling for a while, feel very sluggish and bloated.
Need your advice.
Sharon
Hey Sharon: Read the post and follow the directions in the Challenge. I can’t give advice via this blog because I don’t know your medical history. But I can refer you to a dietitian in your area! Please shoot me an email under the Contact page of my site, and I can help you find someone to work with! I look forward to hearing from you.
I will like to take the challenge
I started today!
Hooray! Fantastic 🙂
Can you do the two week challenge with the fiber thins instead of powder? If so, how many thins daily?
The ideal form of Metamucil for the Two-Week Challenge is any of the powder forms that can be mixed into water, juice or even a smoothie, and using the Fiber Thins as a supplement to your new, healthy routine! For more information, visit Metamucil.com.
So you can’t take the capsules instead of the powder?
Either is fine. Just follow package directions.
I am interested in the challenge to help my acid and lower my fst intake. Also take some weight off stomach
I had long forgotten how the introduction of extra fibre in my diet helped with weight loss. Thanks! I just took my first supplement with breakfast today!
I started the 2 week challenge 5 days ago to help with IBS. First day only 1 tsp in 8 ozs water after 3 days 2 tsp in my breakfast smoothie. So far it hasn’t aided in my BMs and my stomach feels a bit bloated and sore. I’m hoping it will get better. DR said maybe I wasn’t taking enough so I”m uping it today to 2 tsp twice a day and see what happens. I’m hoping for regularity and ease from my problem.
Keep me posted. And keep talking to your doctor. Metamucil is definitely a first step in addressing IBS. You may also want to tune in to my podcast with Kate Scarlata on the low FODMAP diet. That has also been shown to help individuals with IBS. Again, be in touch with your doctor as you try new strategies for alleviating your symptoms. https://www.lizshealthytable.com/2018/07/11/low-fodmap-diet-kate-scarlata-rdn/
I gotta say this Metamucil is pretty gross. I mix it with water and its tolerable but not tasty. today I mixed it with my yogurt and I hated the consistency of it! ughhhh!!!! I guess I will just do it in water and see if I can make it through the 2 weeks!
Sure. Try water. Start small and see how that goes. 1 teaspoon 🙂
Hi!
I have chronic constipation but while on the first 8 days of the challenge everything was working perfectly! Things stalled when I went to 3x a day and so now 3 days without a bm. What can I do?
Also I never received my coupon or the daily advice. So I signed up twice and still haven’t received anything. Hope you can help me with both issues. Thank you!
I’m not sure about the coupon. I’d suggest you contact customer service. As for 3x a day, why don’t you go back to twice a day since that seemed to be working well. And make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid. Follow package directions. And physical activity will help too as long as that makes sense for your body and your lifestyle.
It turns in to Jello fast. So my wife will mix 2 tea spoon in a 12oz bottle and drinks it quick before
it thickens. It been good for her. Hope it helps ☺️.
Starting the Challenge tomorrow Looking Forward To the results
I started today. I did 2 teaspoons in a glass of water like it said on the container..Hope that was ok.
Follow the instructions! Yes. That’s correct. You can start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer starting slowly 🙂
I have slow bowels and slow digestion so I started MM today. 1 level tablespoon in orange juice and I ended up with diarrhea 8 hours later. I have to eat very small meals often with small bites so my stomach can send the food to my bowels which are also slow. How do I balance keeping my bowels moving with out the cramps and diarrhea?
Hi Suzanne: I can’t make recommendations via this blog, because I don’t know your medical history. I would suggest you talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to incorporate more fiber into your diet in a safe and helpful way. I wish I could tell you more other than to reach out to your healthcare provider. Hope that helps.
I want to try this for weight loss
Sure. Give it a try. Follow package directions.
I put a TBSP in just a couple It’s of water and shoot it down. Then chase it with more water to cleanse the palate and away ya go.
Thanks for sharing!
I need tiknow if taking the challenge with increase my blood pressure. Starting day five and b/p has gone up to 174 and it was always about 125-130. No other changes. Now concerned whether to continue or not. Your help would be appreciated .
I’m interested in starting this challenge. So I take some weight off my stomach.
Sounds like you’re motivated to start the challenge! Are you planning to also incorporate physical activity into your day? I love to walk. What about you?
Bamboo g to do the capsules.how many would I take a day
Take as directed on the package. And remember to drink lots of water … also as directed! Good luck.
Does Metamucil help with diverticulitis.
It helps to keep you regular. You would have to discuss your treatment plan for diverticulitis with your doctor. Hope that helps! I can’t provide medical advice since you are not my patient and I don’t know your full health history.
Hi Sally I started this 2 week challenge yesterday when I finish this 2 week do I just go to the regular one or can I stick with this 2 week one.
You can move on to the regular program after the challenge.
Hi Liz. My doctor put me on 2 tablespoons with 32oz of water for constipation. I feel like I’m floating with so much water. I think I need to start slow. Also, I’m on pain medications for a frozen shoulder and I think it’s interfering a little.?? Have you seen this before?
Gosh, I can’t offer any sort of medical advice online since you are not my patient. Please discuss this with your doctor. Sometimes starting slowly makes more sense! And sipping on water throughout the day might make it easier. But do discus with your physician. Good luck!
Today is day 4 of the 14 day challenge.
Hooray. And how is it going so far?
I start tomorrow. I’m so excited. I work out as well so this should be great. I can’t wait to get started.
Good luck!
Starting tomorrow. Did you increase your intake every few days like it says on the package or did you just stick to 1 tsp per day?
Personally, I stuck with 1 tsp a day. But follow package directions and do what’s right for you!
I can’t wait to get started. I’m a 63 yr old that’s 80 pounds over weight. After 2 New Knees & a Hip Replacement ?
Wow. Good luck!
Can you start this taking it at night or do you have to take it in the morning?
I believe it’s okay to take any time of day. Just follow package directions.
I’m going to try this I feel sluggish and need to feel better so I’ll give it a try. Started today.
Good luck!
I never had any issues with constipation. Since starting Metamucil (I’m on my second week), I’ve become constipated and put on 3 pounds. What gives?
Are you drinking the recommended amount of liquid? I can’t counsel you via this blog, but I can certainly recommend cutting back on the amount you’re taking and getting plenty of liquids.
I started the MM and I have gained weight. I am drinking it 2-3 times a day. HELP!
Maybe cut back? Also, are you following packages directions and taking in enough fluids?
I take high blood pressure medication every morning. Will this challenge affect my medication. I take my medication in the mornings and plan on taking the Metamusil powder in the evenings.
Please discuss this with your doctor. I don’t see why there would be an issue, but without knowing your medical background, I can’t really answer that question!
I have been taking Metamucil now for 13 days, once per day and there is no difference in my weight which I keep track of every single day. My daily calorie intake is limited to 1200. I am coming 76 years of age, would age have anything to do with stubborn weight loss? There was more “cleaning” last week than this week.
Is there a site where Canadians can register for the challenge?
I’m not sure about the Canadian challenge. Why don’t you contact the company directly. As for weight loss, are you physically active? Perhaps you can talk to your doctor or dietitian directly about adding safe and appropriate exercise to your day. Getting more movement is an important component of weight loss and weight loss maintenance.
I use my shake mixer with the little steel ball inside it works and I love the orange flavour with water
Thanks for sharing!
My husband and i will start the 2 week program tomorrow, we both are excited to do it together. We are hoping to will have a great success.
Good luck. Keep me posted, Liz
it says 1 Tablespoon on the package, where is everyone getting teaspoons from?
I was just going to say the same thing! I started using it this morning with 1 rounded tablespoon and when I read this blog I freaked out and ran to re-read the instructions on my container. It definitely says tablespoon not teaspoon. We’ll see how it goes 🙂
Best to start with 1 teaspoon and then to build up slowly with the goal of 1 tablespoon daily. Hope that makes sense!
The flavored Metamucil says 1T because of the added sugar. If you get the unflavored it’s one teaspoon.
Funny? No one in this entire thread writes about how good it works. Everybody just starting like kindergartners. I mean really? Will some one please write and say “Hey, I lost 5-10 lbs by following the 2 week challenge and exercising. Or, it did not work for me? Or, I do feel lighter and less IBS. Or, this was a great thing to do. It appears everyone just found out about it, purchased it and who knows? Not me or anyone else.
Right! That’s what I wanted to know but no body says they lost nothing
im at my ropes end due to this covid the gym in our buildig s locked up there are no wlkig around here i cant drie i had a major stroke and two heasrt attacks not to0 menton mini strokes amyway no matter whst i try i cant lose weight orget rid of this not going to the basthroom regulsr sometimes i cant go for a week well the i wont mention who but someone in my buildig suggested this i got the berry flvored im going to dgn up for the two week chsllange and going to drink it soon as i stop this i hooe this works not only for weight but to be abletogo to the bathroom. oh well here goes nothing.
Good luck. Keep me posted. If you are able and can get out for walks, go for it. Physical activity (and drinking plenty of fluids) may help.
I’m going to try this also for my ibs. I’ve been so miserable lately
Keep me posted. If you have IBS, have you also looked into the low FODMAP diet? I can refer you to some helpful resources for that, so let me know.
As a senior with a family history of colon cancer I want to stay “regular”
That is a great goal!
I also live in Canada so am unable to sign up for the two week challenge as my postal code is only 6 characters
Sorry about that. But you can still take Metamucil if you want to give it a try. Talk to your doctor or dietitian first to make sure it’s right for you!
Exactly
After a bout of painful constipation I decided to try Metamucil. The instructions on the pkg were vague, one spoon in a glass of water. I started with 1 tbsp in a med glass of water. I was surprised it tasted good and went down easy. It also helped me eat less. I’ve been doing this for 2 weeks and feel amazing. The sluggish feeling is gone, I’m not bloated. Acid reflux has also improved. Best part I’m down 7lbs. I wish I started using this sooner but I’m in for life now.
This is great news. I’m so happy to hear it has helped!