If you’re looking to kickstart your day with something filling, satisfying, and gut-friendly, fiber should be your secret weapon. High-fiber breakfasts help keep you full longer, support digestion, and may even aid in weight loss. While most people reach for cereal, dietitians say there are plenty of unexpected fiber-rich options to mix into your morning routine. Here are six of their favorites.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Tiny but mighty, pumpkin seeds are a surprising way to boost fiber at breakfast. Not only are they high in fiber, but they also provide healthy fats, magnesium, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to keep you full and support digestion. Sprinkle them over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for a satisfying crunch that helps power your morning.
5. Farro
This ancient wheat grain is making a comeback—and for good reason. “Farro is a grain that is high in protein and fiber. It is a wheat grain that has a nutty flavor and is another excellent plant-based protein option. It can easily be mixed with beans or lentils for a delicious topping,” Laura M. Ali, a registered dietitian and a culinary nutritionist, says. “Just ¼ cup of farro has 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber.”
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For breakfast, cook farro like oatmeal and top it with nuts, fruits, or a drizzle of honey for a hearty morning bowl.
4. Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado isn’t just for toast—it’s also a great source of fiber. “Avocado is an excellent source of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Mrinal Pandit, a registered dietitian, clinical nutritionist, and certified nutritional counselor.
Dice it over eggs, mash it on toast, or blend it into a smoothie for a filling, fiber-rich start to your day.
3. Oats
Oats are a classic breakfast staple, but their benefits go beyond being filling. “The fiber content of one cup of cooked oats is approximately 5 grams, and oats are particularly excellent for your gut,” Moody explains. Oats contain soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol, and prebiotic fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. “This makes oats a must-have in your pantry if you’re looking for a healthier microbiome,” she adds.
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Mix oats with fruits, nuts, or even edamame for a unique, fiber-packed breakfast bowl.
2. Chia Seeds
Tiny but mighty, chia seeds pack a serious fiber punch. “Just an ounce of chia seeds contains a whopping 10 grams, making them 35% of the weight, which is pretty impressive,” Moody notes. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health while keeping the gut lining strong. “Though too much inflammation can negatively affect the integrity of the gut lining, chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the gut healthy,” she adds.
Sprinkle chia seeds over yogurt, blend them into a smoothie, or soak them overnight for a nutrient-dense pudding.
1. Edamame
Edamame, the young, green soybeans often served as a snack or appetizer in Asian cuisine, are a fiber powerhouse. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can support smoother digestion. “Approximately 17 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber are found in one cup of cooked edamame. These beans are also immature, so they contain more vitamin K and vitamin B9 than mature soybeans,” says dietitian Destini Moody. She adds, “Edamame is one of those foods that contains both types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, so it’s excellent at helping with smoother digestion. “
For breakfast, try adding shelled edamame to a veggie scramble or tossing them into a savory oatmeal bowl.