The 18 Best High Fiber Foods That Might Surprise You!

The 18 Best High Fiber Foods That Might Surprise You!

Consuming a high-fiber diet is one of the best things that you can do for your health.

Even though fiber is readily available in many foods, most people don’t get enough, especially in North America.

There are so many benefits that come from consuming high fiber foods, and the great news is that fiber is one of the easiest things to incorporate into your diet!

What is Fiber?

Dietary fiber is the indigestible portion of food that is derived from plants. There are two main types of fiber – soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps the stomach to feel full. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn’t dissolve in water. Its purpose is to absorb water as it moves through the digestive system, which eases with the defecation process.

more: The 21 Best Foods For Fast Weight Loss

So basically, to sum it up: fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements and helps to clean out your colon. When you don’t get enough fiber, you can become bloated and constipated.

How Much Fiber Should You Consume?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended to consume around 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories that you consume.

Most women in the U.S. average around 1,800 calories a day, which would mean that they should aim for 26 grams of fiber daily.

The more calories you consume, the more fiber you should eat. If you are consuming the right foods (plants) it’s extremely easy to get enough fiber.

more: Why Dietary Fiber Is So Important For A Healthy Diet

On the other hand, if you eat a heavily animal based diet (lots of meat, dairy, and eggs), it’s harder to consume enough fiber because animal products are devoid of this vital nutrient. Continue reading to find out some foods that are high in fiber.

The 18 Best High Fiber Foods

1. Raspberries

Raspberries are an incredible fruit high in antioxidants. They are full of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

They’re also very low in calories. Just one cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber.

You can consume these delicious berries as a snack before work, in your morning cereal, or add them to a fruit smoothie.

more: The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Quinoa

2. Artichokes

Artichokes are full of healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, B, K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

One medium artichoke contains an impressive 10.3 grams of fiber. Artichokes taste amazing marinated, roasted, or in dips.

Why not try this recipe for Roasted Artichokes with Creamy Cashew Aioli?

3. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are well known amongst vegans and vegetarians for their high protein content. They are also high in copper, folate, manganese, and omega fatty acids.

Did you know that in one cup of chickpeas, there are 8 grams of fiber? The most popular recipe that chickpeas are used for would definitely be hummus.

Chickpeas also taste delicious in curries. If you are looking for a delicious recipe that incorporates chickpeas, give this flavourful Chana Masala a try.

4. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are definitely a superfood that you want to incorporate into your diet. They are full of omega fatty acids, protein, and calcium.

They are very high in fiber and many other essential nutrients that will protect your immune system and increase your energy.

more: The 33 Healthiest Superfoods For Weight Loss

Just a single tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5.5 grams of fiber! Chia seeds make a great addition to oatmeal and smoothies.

If you’ve never tried chia seed pudding before, here is a basic yet delicious chia seed pudding recipe to try out.

5. Split Peas

It doesn’t matter whether they are green or yellow, split peas are known for their high protein and fiber content. They are also especially abundant in thiamin, folate, and manganese.

One cup of cooked split peas contains a whopping 16.3 grams of fiber! One of the most delicious ways to consume this food would be in a split pea soup.

Here’s a great recipe for Smoky Split Pea Soup.

6. Brussels Sprouts

These are a cruciferous vegetable that often gets a bad rep from people. Sure, they don’t taste great raw, but there are so many other ways to eat them!

Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They can even reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

They contain the perfect balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. One cup of brussels sprouts contain an impressive 7.6 grams of fiber.

Here is a simple and quick recipe for Baked Brussels Sprouts.

7. Asian Pears

Asian pears are different from the traditional green pear that most people are used to. These pears are typically yellow.

They contain high amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are known for their crisp and sweet taste.

If you eat one medium Asian pear with the skin on, it contains nearly 10 grams of fiber (9.9 grams to be exact).

They make the perfect snack when you need a quick pick-me-up between meals or a healthy and satisfying after-dinner dessert.

more: Control Your Appetite With These 12 Foods

8. Okra

Okra is a vegetable that is mostly consumed in the Southern part of the United States. It is actually in the list of the top calcium-rich foods, so it’s great for your bones.

Okra is also high in riboflavin, thiamin, and zinc. One cup of okra contains 8.2 grams of fiber.

The most common way to consume this vegetable would be in soups and stews. The Food Network has a fantastic recipe for Okra, Onion and Tomato Stew.

9. Black Beans

Black beans are incredibly nutrient dense. They are a staple in the diet of many vegetarians and vegans, and they are extremely inexpensive too.

They are full of protein, thiamin, magnesium, and manganese. They also have a very high content of antioxidants which help to fight off free radicals in your body, reducing your risk of cancers.

One cup of cooked black beans contains 12.2 grams of fiber. There are many black bean stews you can make, or you can use them in burritos and tacos.

more: The Top Fiber Rich Foods

Did you know you can even use black beans in dessert? Here’s a recipe for some Healthy Black Bean Brownies, so you can increase your fiber intake while satisfying your sweet tooth at the same time!

10. Lentils

Lentils are packed full of protein and iron, so they are especially great for people who have anemia. They are also rich in folate, manganese, and phosphorus.

One cup of cooked lentils contains 10.4 grams of fiber. There are many ways you can consume lentils, such as in a salad, as a spread, or in a soup.

Another way is in a lentil loaf. Here’s a recipe for the Ultimate Vegetable Lentil Loaf.

11. Turnips

Turnips are definitely under-utilized in North America. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They are packed full of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

1 cup of turnip contains 9.6 grams of fiber. If you are looking for a great recipe to include more turnips into your diet, try making these super simple Mashed Turnips with Nutmeg.

12. Lima Beans

Lima beans are a very dense source of iron. Just one serving contains 25% of the daily recommended iron intake for women.

more: 40 High Fiber Foods To Try

They are also notably high in copper, manganese, folate, and protein. One cup of cooked lima beans contains 13.2 grams of fiber.

If you are looking for a good recipe that contains this healthy ingredient, try these Simple Garlicky Lima Beans.

13. Avocados

This savory fruit is a high source of vitamin C, E, B6, folate, and potassium. Avocados are also an amazing source of healthy fats that promote nail and hair growth.

1 cup of sliced avocados contains 10.5 grams of fiber. Avocados are great on toast, in sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies (guacamole).

more: Take The Quiz – Do You Know The Unique Veggies That Burn Abdominal Fat?

14. Dried Figs

Dried figs have the perfect balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. They are also very high in potassium, manganese, copper, and B6.

Figs have been known to lower blood pressure. In one cup of dried figs, there are 14.6 grams of fiber. Dried figs make a great snack, and they also make a sweet addition to oatmeal or cereal.

They’re also a good ingredient to add to granola bars, and you can even use dried figs to create a pie crust.

more: The 15 Best High Fiber Foods

15. Peas

Peas are notably high in vitamin C, K, B6, thiamin, protein, and vitamin A. They contain many powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that support immune system wellness.

Frozen peas are readily available and quite cheap as well. One cup of cooked peas contains 8.6 grams of insoluble fiber.

You can simply steam a side of peas to go with your main meal such as mashed potatoes, or you can create a completely separate recipe out of them such as this Perfect Pea Purée to spread on toast or crackers.

16. Acorn Squash

Squash is the perfect food to eat in the fall. Pumpkin, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash all provide similar benefits as acorn squash. They are all full of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A.

On average, an acorn squash (or any of the other squash listed above) contains 9 grams of fiber per cup once they are baked.

A simple way to bake squash is just to cut them in half, de-seed them, and roast them in the oven with a bit of oil or butter, salt, and pepper. Here’s a Classic Baked Acorn Squash Recipe.

17. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a superfood. Although they are small, they are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.

They reduce your bad cholesterol and contain lots of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whole flax seeds can be hard to digest, so make sure to grind them before consuming, or just buy pre-ground flax seeds.

One tablespoon of whole flax seeds contains 3 grams of fiber. You can add flax seeds to your cereal, oatmeal, or smoothies.

18. Apples

An apple a day really can keep the doctor away. Apples are a great source of nutrients such as vitamin C, and they can also lower your risk of getting colon cancer.

One medium sized apple (with the peel) has 4.4 grams of fiber. Apples make a great snack, kids love them, and they are relatively inexpensive. There are also so many varieties to choose from.

There you have it, 18 great high fiber choices. Incorporate as many as you can, because hands down eating more fiber is the most highly recommended action you can take to improve your overall health.

In summary…

The 18 Best High Fiber Foods

  1. Raspberries
  2. Artichokes
  3. Chickpeas
  4. Chia Seeds
  5. Split Peas
  6. Brussels Sprouts
  7. Asian Pears
  8. Okra
  9. Black Beans
  10. Lentils
  11. Turnips
  12. Lima Beans
  13. Avocados
  14. Dried Figs
  15. Peas
  16. Acorn Squash
  17. Flax Seeds
  18. Apples

high fiber foods

32 comments… add one
  • Health n Wellness Mantra June 7, 2018, 9:08 am

    That’s a very nice list consisting of many of my favourite foods which includes okra, apples and flaxseeds. I am a health blogger and I have also written an article on high fiber foods.

  • liliana February 19, 2018, 4:24 pm

    i love turnips and avocados, i didn’t know they’re packed with fiber. good to know this, thanks for sharing also other foods that are high in fiber.

  • wade February 19, 2018, 11:49 am

    high fiber foods can also slash the risk of certain types of cancer reason why i make sure to include these foods in our daily meals. i don’t want to put my family’s health at risk.

  • chastity February 16, 2018, 7:56 pm

    high fiber foods can also slash the risk of certain types of cancer reason why i make sure to include foods high in fiber in our daily meals.

  • moira February 15, 2018, 11:12 pm

    i didn’t realize avocados are rich in fiber too. i love them because their rich in protein, now i have more reasons to love them.

  • alex February 13, 2018, 7:14 pm

    i’ve been hearing a lot about okra and i found out that this is very good for the body. i heard it’s also best if you want to eliminate your body toxins.

  • aurora February 12, 2018, 2:36 pm

    i will make sure to incorporate these foods into my family’s diet.

  • giselle February 12, 2018, 3:05 am

    high fiber foods are a must for me! now that i want to really keep a healthy diet and lose weight esp on my belly and thighs, i’m glad i saw this.

  • natalie February 8, 2018, 6:40 pm

    great tips! i always learn a thing or two everytime i read your posts. thanks for sharing!

  • kelly February 7, 2018, 9:26 pm

    i love lentils and avocados! definitely may faves!

  • tatiana February 6, 2018, 1:06 pm

    chia seeds is my current fave! i add it on almost anything!

  • nancy February 4, 2018, 10:35 pm

    i just realized that i am not getting enough fiber every day. i will certainly add these foods in my diet.

  • gabby January 29, 2018, 9:23 pm

    it is good to know what fiber exactly does to our body.

  • jessica January 25, 2018, 5:02 pm

    i can’t live without apples.

  • ashley January 23, 2018, 6:13 pm

    avocados! absolutely the best!

  • rachel October 10, 2017, 1:49 am

    i love acorn squash and avocados

  • winnie September 25, 2017, 1:01 pm

    wow, i didn’t know acorn squash is high in fiber too.

  • kim September 18, 2017, 7:05 am

    awesome! can’t wait to try all these!

  • marielle September 14, 2017, 11:57 pm

    lima beans? i’ll try this soon!

  • mary jane September 11, 2017, 11:57 pm

    avocados are the best superfood for me!

  • opal September 7, 2017, 3:52 pm

    go for chia and flax seeds, they’re really very healhty

  • janina September 5, 2017, 10:50 pm

    awesome! now i have more options!

  • carlyn August 29, 2017, 1:32 pm

    yes, fiber is very important to getting fit and healthy. don’t skip it.

  • danica August 23, 2017, 4:59 pm

    exactly why i love avocados! they just are packed with so many vitamins and nutrients

  • angelika August 22, 2017, 11:59 pm

    artichokes and brussels sprouts are my favorites!

  • rhoda August 21, 2017, 2:50 pm

    wow, i didn’t know pears have high fiber content. i love pears!

  • edna August 20, 2017, 6:12 pm

    i’m stocking up on these for sure! thanks for sharing! (=

  • armaine August 16, 2017, 4:03 pm

    thanks for this list, i’ll have more recipes i can create.

  • nina August 15, 2017, 12:52 pm

    beans really surprised me. i though they’re only protein rich

  • amarah August 14, 2017, 8:28 am

    avocados and squash are my family’s favorite

  • kara August 10, 2017, 2:02 pm

    wow this is really good to know!

  • kring August 9, 2017, 1:19 am

    avocados and chia seeds are my favorites

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