When most people think of miracle-working foods, fiber is often the first thing that comes to mind. That's because fiber helps prevents heart disease, cancer, diabetes and a host of other debilitating ailments. It's also beneficial for proper digestion. But that's not all.

Fiber is a key component in promoting the loss of weight. Not only does it help people feel more full, it also fights off hunger. One serving of whole grain bread is more filling than if one devoured two servings of white bread. Fiber moves through the digestive system at a more rapid pace so less of it is absorbed. Many diet experts believe it to be the magic bullet for shedding extra pounds.

Now, a new diet is building upon the fabulous foundation that is fiber -- it is the dieting regiment known as Fiber35. Created by a bestselling author and digestion expert Brenda Watson, this diet is geared to help people lose weight while regaining their health by making fiber an important part of the diet.

Anyone interested in following the Fiber35 Diet can purchase the book or watch the program online via their website. Watson frequently is shown touting her program on PBS.

The goal is to eat at least 35 grams of fiber a day. There are easy ways to add a fiber punch to one's diet. Among her recommendations -- replace pasta, rice, and other products made from white flour with whole grain pasta, brown rice, and whole grain or whole wheat flour. Eat more fruit, legumes, and vegetables. Other good combos include sprinkling flax seeds into yogurt, or adding black beans or kidney beans to a salad.

Based on a person's weight loss goal, they can receive a customized Fiber35 diet program through their website. The plan divides itself into three distinct phases.

What quickly becomes apparent is the hard sell of their related fiber supplements. In Phase 1, dieters should eat two bars and two shakes a day. In Phase 2, they must eat a single shake and one bar per day.

There are FitSmart bars, shakes, fiber formulas, support formulas and cleansing formulas. Simply go into just about any health food store and find these products conveniently stationed next to a copy of the book. Watson maintains that the products are 100 percent natural and have no extra sugars or preservatives.

Though it is difficult to argue with a diet that is based on the many benefits of fiber, a proven weight loss resource, it can often be hard to stomach the push of the products. Getting passed this, the Fiber35 might just be your secret to lasting weight loss.