News flash: We aren’t eating enough fiber. Of the 25 to 30 grams the FDA recommends daily, most Americans eat only 16. (The horror!) So we set out to find delicious ways to get our numbers up to snuff. Here, eight high-fiber foods along with delicious ways to prepare them.
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One of the easiest ways to make sure you’re eating enough fiber is to start early. And there’s no better (or more delicious) way to do that than by having oats for breakfast. Oats are high in fiber and provide blood sugar and digestive support. You can also prepare them in, like, a million different ways. (OK, we’re exaggerating, but the toppings options are almost limitless.)
What to make: Instant Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Banana
These little legumes are nutritional powerhouses. In addition to being an excellent, low-fat source of protein and B vitamins, they pack an impressive 15.6 grams of fiber per serving. Plus, they’re versatile, since they largely absorb the flavors they’re paired with.
What to make: Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Curried Lentils, Carrots and Yogurt
Noticing a trend? Apparently we should all be eating more legumes. Like lentils, black beans are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like folate and iron. Oh, and they’re super affordable and last on your shelf, like, forever. Taco Tuesday never sounded so healthy.
What to make: Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
In our experience, artichokes (which are actually a variety of a species of thistle) are a fairly polarizing food. But if you’re on board, expect to be rewarded in the form of fiber and tons of antioxidants, which, according to a Polish study, can slow the signs of aging.
What to make: Grilled Flatbread Pizza with Artichoke, Ricotta and Lemon
So there’s a reason our parents were always forcing peas on us as kids. Even though these little guys do contain a bit of sugar, they’re also high in fiber and phytonutrients, which boast antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks, Mom.
What to make: Asparagus, Peas and Ricotta Tart
Fiber is only the beginning. Where raspberries really shine? They’re stuffed with a diverse range of good-for-you antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. There’s also a growing body of research about how these sweet little berries can help manage obesity and type-2 diabetes. Whether you cook with them or keep a little bowl in your fridge to snack on, the point is we should all probably be eating more raspberries.
What to make: No-Bake Cheesecake with Raspberry Compote
So we should be eating more spaghetti? We’re in. As long as it’s whole-wheat or whole-grain, spaghetti can, in fact, be part of a healthy and balanced diet. On top of being a good source of fiber, this type of spaghetti is a great source of B vitamins and iron. Good enough for us.
What to make: One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs
Can we just take a second to say how many truly delicious foods are high in fiber? (Thanks for indulging us.) Pears are packed with fiber and vitamin C but are low in fat and cholesterol. They also, as it turns out, can help ward off hangovers—so there’s that.
What to make: Maple Baked Pears
