When it comes to fiber, there are more ways to eat them than just chomping on some prunes. (Which also totally might not be your thing to begin with.)
And, the best part about high-fiber foods is the benefits. When you’re getting enough fiber in the day, you’re likely to be more regular, meaning you’ll be hitting the bathroom with ease and consistency, just like you should.
When you’re not eating enough fiber, you run the risk of getting constipated (as your digestive system isn’t running as smoothly and efficiently), and it could also result in painful poops and abdominal distention, or bloating, that might seem to never go down. Not fun.
So, by stocking up on fiber-filled foods, your gut remains happy. (Which then makes us happy, too.)
And, an added bonus—fiber can also create space in our bellies to make us feel satisfied after meal, so we stop over-indulging or mindlessly eating during the day.
Win-win.
Here are a few top picks that are packed with fiber, as well as a few other essential nutrients, like protein and healthy fats.
Berries
Here’s more reason to add a handful of berries to your morning yogurt. Not only are they delicious and sweet, but they also are high in fiber to keep things moving.
“Blackberries and raspberries are a surprisingly great way to get your fiber intake up. Both contain approximately 8 grams of fiber per cup full,” says Dr. William E. Newsome, M.D. Add them to your next smoothie, or freeze them and enjoy as a cool, refreshing snack, he suggests.
Beans
Beans aren’t just a great plant protein option, but they also are high in fiber. So, while you might get a bit gassy when eating them, it’ll pay off once you hit the bathroom later on.
“I love using beans for snack time. Bean dips can be bulk prepped and go great with whole grain crackers or baked tortilla chips,” says Carolina Guizar, MS, RDN, CDN.
Here’s a recipe for fava bean dip: To serve three 1/2 cup servings of dip, each with 5 grams of fiber, try this. “Purchase a 15-ounce can of fava beans, drain and add to a food processor. Add 1 clove of raw garlic, 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp of grated pecorino Romano. Pair with whole grain crackers for a crunchy kick,” she says.
And, another option with black beans? “Blend 15-ounces of drained black beans with a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder for added flavor. This will yield three 1/2 cup servings with 6 grams of fiber in each serving. Top with a store-bought pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and cotija cheese or queso fresco. Baked tortilla chips will be the perfect accompaniment for this dip,” she says.
Beets
There’s more to beets than just their pretty, red hue. Turns out, beets are loaded with fiber to fill you up.
For a 1 cup, it’s only 58 calories, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g of fiber, says Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD, NYC-based Registered Dietician, bestselling author, and founder of The F-Factor Diet.
Here’s how to enjoy them. Beet salad: Boil fresh beets then slice into cubes, add fresh arugula and grated parmesan cheese, and lastly, dress lightly with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, says Zuckerbrot. Yum.
Cauliflower
Cruciferous veggies might make you toot, but all that tootin’ is good for you. It means that fiber is working!
For a typical serving size of a medium head 5-6” diameter of cauliflower, it comes in at 147 calories, 29g carbohydrates, and a whopping 12g of fiber, says Zuckerbrot.
A few ways to cook with them? Mae a homemade cauliflower pizza crust, says Zuckerbrot. It’s a delicious and high fiber pizza, without the excess carbs.
Or, try cauliflower fried rice, where you skip the carb heavy, sodium laden fried rice take-out you’re used to and whip up your own healthy version on the fly, she recommends.
Artichokes
Get this: 1 medium artichoke (128 g), which has only 60 calories and 13.5 g carbohydrates, gives you a heaping 7g of fiber, says Zuckerbrot. Score.
“One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy artichokes is to boil them with ½ a lemon, drain, and then enjoy,” she says.
“Pull the leaves off the artichoke, and scrape the meat off the leaf with your teeth. Once you are out of leaves, use a spoon to scrape the spiky hair off the artichoke heart,” she explains.
And, you can always just roast artichoke hearts with some olive oil for an easy no-fuss side dish, she says.
What are your favorite high-fiber foods? Please share below!