10 Easy Ways to Get Fiber

We know that fiber is really important. More than 80% of consumers said so in a survey. But guess what? We’re not eating nearly enough! I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 easy ways to get fiber!

get fiber in lentil chili

Why you should get more fiber?

  • You’re probably not getting enough. Even if you’re pretty sure that you are, you’re probably not. Almost no one gets enough. The fiber gap is HUGE! The Adequate Intake for adults ranges from 21 to 38 grams, depending on age and gender. But a whopping 95% of Americans fail to get enough fiber.
  • It’s super healthful: think heart disease, gut health, laxation, cancer prevention, blood sugar management, body weight and more. In fact, people who eat the most fiber are nearly 30% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest intakes of fiber.
  • You’ll eat a more healthful, delicious and satisfying diet. When you reach for a variety of high-fiber foods, lots more nutrients and phytonutrients also jump onto your plate. Fruits; vegetables; high-fiber breads, tortillas and cereals; lentils; beans; nuts; and whole grains like quinoa and barley! Plus, these health-boosting foods have got staying power to keep you satisfied.

Now pick a couple tips from the list below, so you can start to get more fiber right away.

10 ways to get fiber

It’s not hard, but it takes effort. In fact, I’m challenging you. Regularly add a few grams of fiber to your day. Then in a week or two, add a few more grams. Keep that up until you hit the Adequate Intake for your age and gender. Better yet, try to exceed it for what looks to be even greater health benefits.

Choose wisely

  • Read food labels. It’s probably not so surprising, but there’s a huge difference in fiber and nutrient content between brands. Granola bars, bread, cereal, and more. Take a peek at the serving size and the fiber content before making a choice. There’s nothing really special about my rule of thumb, but it works well for many of my clients and for me. When reading food labels for crackers, cereals and the like, I want to see at least 1 gram of fiber for every 50 calories.
  • Pick high-fiber products. Anything labeled high fiber must provide at least 20% of the Daily Value for fiber in each serving. It should pack at least 5 grams of fiber. If a label says the product is a good source of fiber, it has to offer at least 10% of the Daily Value.

For a chart of foods with their fiber counts and some simple swaps, take a look at What You Need to Know about High Fiber Foods.

Make high fiber a habit

  • Eat fruits and/or vegetables at every meal and snack. Tons of nutrition – including fiber – in these foods! Whenever possible, eat the skins too.
get fiber: healthy breakfast oats and lentils

Oats! Lentils! Apples! All sources of fiber. Delicious! You can meal prep this to eat for breakfast for several days.

  • Replace animal proteins with plant proteins. At least a few times each week, sit down to a meal of lentils or beans. Just a 1/2-cup serving of lentils has almost 8 grams of fiber. Give my Lentil sloppy Joes at try. Double up by serving it on a high-fiber wheat bun. And a 1/2-cup serving of kidney beans has a generous 5 grams of fiber.
  • Make a go-to list. Once you have some favorite high-fiber foods picked out, keep them on your grocery list and buy them regularly. A couple favorites in my house to help my family get fiber are popcorn and edamame beans.
  • Fruit-focus your desserts. Yup, you can get more fiber – and more nutrition too – with raspberries over ice cream, poached pears, grilled peaches and strawberries dipped in chocolate.
High fiber Chickpea Waldorf Salad Recipe Sandwich

Every ingredient here – except the dressing that holds it together – is a source of fiber. Try this Chickpea Waldorf Salad Sandwich. Also great for easy lunch prep.

Get creative with high fiber foods

  • Mix high-fiber foods with lower-fiber foods. If you’re not ready to swap corn flakes for bran flakes, mix them together. Add popcorn to a lower-fiber snack mix. And mix 1/4 cup of cooked lentils, wild rice or barley to a cup of white rice until you and your family enjoy at least a 50:50 mix.
  • Sprinkle a little here and there. Add a spoonful of chickpeas or black beans to your green salad. Sprinkle some seeds, bran, or wheat germ over yogurt or cottage cheese or into your smoothie.

    high fiber salads in mason jars

    Chickpeas, veggies, even whole grains add to the fiber in these convenient and delicious salads. Mason jar salads are a great way to meal prep.

  • Experiment with a new recipe. At least a couple times each month, try out a new-to-you recipe that includes a food or two with a boost of fiber. You might like barley salad or lentil chili or a grain bowl with quinoa, kale and some other favorites.
  • Sneak it in. Add bran or oats to batter when baking. Swirl smashed white beans into soups and stews. I promise that no one will know they’re there. Mix wheat germ into meatballs or meatloaf. Even pureed butternut squash hides nicely in macaroni and cheese.

If you’re not used to eating much fiber, take it slowly. Drink lots of fluids to minimize gas, bloating and discomfort.

So are you up to my challenge?

Jill-Weisenberger_about-image-2
Jill Weisenberger

I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.

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12 Comments

  1. Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian on April 23, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    I love your tips, so simple and straightforward. An easy way for everyone to add a little more fiber into their day.

    • Jill Weisenberger on April 24, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Sarah on April 24, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    Lentils are my fave way to bump up the fibre! Great post.

  3. Jill Weisenberger on April 24, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Oh yum, I love lentils. And they’re so versatile. I always encourage a variety of fiber types – viscous, fermentable, resistant starch and more.

  4. Lindsey Pine on April 24, 2019 at 11:28 pm

    Thanks for listing so many ways to eat more fiber!

  5. EA Stewart The Spicy RD on April 25, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    So many great tips! I am definitely a fiber pusher at our house 🙂 That Chickpea Waldorf Salad Sandwich looks so tasty!

    • Jill Weisenberger on April 25, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      Thank you! I hope you’ll try it. It’s from our colleague Emily Cooper of Sinfulnutrition.com

  6. Shannon on April 29, 2019 at 2:37 pm

    Love all these clever tips- thank you, Jill!

  7. Michelle Hotte on April 30, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Thank you, Jill, for the fiber reminder and how easy it can be to get them into your diet.

    • Jill Weisenberger on April 30, 2019 at 11:39 am

      My pleasure! glad to know that you recognize how important getting an ample amount of fiber is as well as a variety of fiber types.

  8. Amy Gorin on May 3, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    This is a great primer on a very important topic – such practical ideas!

  9. Bronte Grooms on May 5, 2019 at 11:44 am

    What great tips! Fiber is so important for our diets. You would think it wouldn’t be difficult to include fiber in our diets. But more often than not, people are eating processed foods rather than whole foods.

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Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.

Jill Weisenberger

I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.

And I believe willpower is way overrated.

Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.

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