Photo via Tyler Florence

Fiber is Tanya Zuckerbrot’s thing. The nutritionist and brains behind the best-selling F-Factor Diet, Zuckerbrot hails fiber’s ability to spur weight loss, sans hunger.

We caught up with Zuckerbrot before her, “Fiber: The Secret Weapon for Weight Loss” talk at the 92nd Street Y tonight to get a sneak peek at how we can get more fiber in our diet, stat.

Ok, so seriously—what’s the big deal with fiber?

Fiber is the secret to losing weight without hunger. Fiber is the zero-calorie, non-digestible part of a carbohydrate. The more fiber a food has, the more full you will feel after eating, leading you to consume less throughout the day. In addition, fiber has zero calories, so you get to fill up without filling out. Most diets focus on what foods to avoid, while my book is about incorporating the right high-fiber foods into your diet.

Fiber fan Tanya Zuckerbrot

If you had to recommend the one food we should be eating  and probably aren’t, what would it be?

Many people avoid artichokes because their thorny exterior makes them a little intimidating to prepare. However, artichokes are one of the most nutrient packed vegetables on the planet—plus, they taste great.  One artichoke contains approximately a fourth of your fiber needs (6g). Artichokes are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and magnesium. They are naturally fat free and very low in calories.  The fiber and nutrients in this superfood can help clear the cholesterol from your bloodstream as well as improve your overall health.

“Fiber: The Secret Weapon for Weight Loss,” February 15, 6:30 p.m., $20, 92nd Street Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, www.92y.org