We’re about to totally bust through the notion that healthy foods can’t be filling. You see, naturally high-fiber foods are key when it comes to getting your nutrients and not hearing your stomach grumble an hour later. You should aim to include a fiber source in every meal and snack, says Brooke Alpert, R.D., founder of B Nutritious. So we gathered 15 great options. “These are really, really healthy foods that are going to keep you full for a long time,” she says. Sold!
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Hummus
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Beans are an awesome source of fiber, says Alpert, and chickpeas are no exception. Store-bought hummus has about 2.7 grams of fiber in a three-tablespoon serving. Just be careful about what you’re dipping into your hummus: Pitas made with white flour won’t be as filling as whole grain ones—or better yet, crudité.
Avoid 10 a.m. cravings by giving your breakfast a fiber boost—Quaker Organic Instant Oatmeal (the unflavored type) has four grams of fiber per packet. As an added bonus, oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which contributes to keeping cholesterol levels in check, and insoluble fiber, which helps you feel satisfied.
Lentils are doubly filling because they’re packed with protein and fiber, says Alpert: Each ¼ cup has 3.9 grams of fiber and almost 4.5 grams of protein.
Broccoli is part of the cruciferous family of veggies, all of which are packed with nutrients. It has tons of antioxidants, which have cancer-fighting benefits, and it’ll seriously boost your fiber intake, says Alpert—in fact, one cup of boiled broccoli has 5.1 grams of it.
Brussels sprouts are another member of the cruciferous family, and each cup of cooked ones has 4.1 grams of fiber. These babies are delicious, and even though they may look a little daunting, they’re actually simple to prepare (which is probably why they’re totally having a moment).
We don’t have to tell you how in vogue this high-fiber superfood is—and there’s a reason kale’s so trendy: “Anything with these deep, dark green colors is super, super healthy and loaded with antioxidants,” says Alpert. And as for the fiber count, two cups of raw kale packs 4.8 grams of fiber.
“The colors in raspberries are really dark, which means, again, they’re loaded with antioxidants on top of the fiber,” says Alpert. They’ve also got a hefty dose of vitamin C. “I do think it’s possible to over-fruit—too much fruit does mean too much sugar,” says Alpert. “But a cup of raspberries is great”—and has eight grams of fiber.
These are another delicious and nutrient-rich option when you’re in the mood for something sweeter than, say, Brussels sprouts. Each medium-sized apple has 4.4 grams of fiber.
Barley has the highest fiber content of all the whole grains—cooked pearled barley packs six grams of fiber per cup. Serve it as a side dish or as an ingredient in a salad or soup, suggests Alpert.
Superfood chia seeds are crazy-versatile. Seriously—you can throw some in everything from yogurt to cauliflower to peanut butter cookies! And get this: Just one ounce (about two tablespoons) of them has 9.8 grams of fiber.
In addition to filling you up, this vegetable is an excellent source of beta-carotene, says Alpert. Plus, baby carrots might be the easiest snack ever. About seven that are on the larger side have three grams of fiber.
“A lot of people don’t realize how good these are for you,” says Alpert. “They’re super low in calories, and you have to work to eat an artichoke, which helps slow down the whole eating process.” Plus, one medium-sized cooked artichoke has a whopping 10.3 grams of fiber. You can eat a whole artichoke or even toss some hearts on a pizza or in pasta to add a dose of fiber to a meal.
“Nuts are a great source of protein, fat, and fiber all in one,” says Alpert. Just 1/4 cup of them has 4.5 grams of fiber. So toss some in a baggie or stock up on KIND bars to roll with an excellent fiber source when you’re on the go.
Alison Goldman is a writer and editor based in Chicago. She previously served as the lifestyle editor at Boston Globe Media's Boston.com and has also worked at WomensHealthMag.com and Glamour. Read more of her work at alisonmgoldman.com or follow her @alisongoldman on Twitter and @alisonmgoldman on Insta.