The ketogenic ("keto") diet and paleo diets can be powerful therapeutic tools. However, it's easy to forget to eat enough fiber while following a low-carb plan. This article explores how to incorporate high-fiber foods into your keto diet, providing recipes, tips, and information about the benefits of fiber.
Why Fiber Matters on a Keto Diet
Humans require fiber in their diets for several reasons:
- Colon Health: Fiber makes stool easier to pass, preventing hemorrhoids.
- Healthy Microbiome: Fiber promotes a healthy gut microbiome, positively affecting overall health and mental well-being.
- Improved Immunity: Fiber improves natural immunity since most of the immune system resides in the gut.
- Reduced Allergies: Fiber decreases allergies by reducing leaky gut.
- Lower Blood Sugar: Fiber does not raise blood sugar levels because it isn't digested or absorbed.
- Reduced LDL Cholesterol: Fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol levels.
- Increased Satiety: Fiber helps you feel fuller, contributing to weight loss.
Fiber is a carbohydrate that comes from plants. It's the only type of carbohydrate that doesn't raise blood sugar because it is not digested or absorbed.
Types of Fiber: Soluble vs. Insoluble
There are two types of fiber in plants: soluble and insoluble. Both are beneficial and exist in varying amounts in different foods. We should try to eat a range of foods with fiber daily. When you eat them, they pass through the whole gastrointestinal tract without being digested or absorbed, until they reach the colon.
- Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber gets fermented by the bacteria in your gut. The bacteria then produce short-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed by colon cells, keeping your colon healthy.
- Insoluble Fiber: This type does not get fermented; it bulks up the stool and makes it easier to eliminate.
How Much Fiber Should You Eat on Keto?
The generally accepted goal is 25-30 grams daily. Most people consuming the standard American diet or any type of low-carb diet (keto, paleo, low-FODMAP) are naturally getting fewer fibers in their diets unless they know to include them!
Read also: High-Fiber Diet for Better Health
Tips for Increasing Fiber Intake on Keto
- Increase Fiber Slowly: Gradually increase your fiber intake over days or weeks to avoid bowel obstruction.
- Drink More Water: Water helps activate fiber and prevents constipation.
- Vary Fiber Sources: Consume a variety of high-fiber foods to ensure you get a range of nutrients and fiber types.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different fiber sources.
High-Fiber, Low-Carb Foods to Include in Your Keto Diet
- Avocado: 1/2 large avocado = 7 grams of fiber and 2 grams of net carbs.
- Broccoli: 1 cup of chopped, cooked broccoli = 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of net carbs.
- Macadamia Nuts: 3/4 cup = 9 grams of fiber and 5 grams of net carbs.
- Spinach: When cooked, 1/2 cup = 4 grams of fiber and 1 gram of net carbs.
- Pecans: 3/4 cup of pecans = 10 grams of fiber and 4 grams of net carbs.
- Psyllium Husk: 1 Tbsp = 8 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of net carb.
High-Fiber Keto Recipe Ideas
Here are some high-fiber keto recipe ideas, categorized for different meals:
Breakfast
- Scrambled Egg Muffins: These can easily be customized; try adding ham or bacon to create bacon ‘n’ egg bundles.
- Keto Breakfast Casserole: Stuffed with ingredients like bacon, sausage, zucchini, red peppers, and Gruyere cheese.
- Cheese Waffles (Chaffles): Top them with avocado and tomato, hummus and veggies, or use the chaffles in place of bread for a BLT.
- Almond Flour Biscuits with Eggs, Cheese, and Turkey Sausage: A keto-friendly take on a classic breakfast sandwich.
- Veggie Frittata: Lighten up your morning meal with a veggie frittata.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A simple and quick protein fix.
- Muffin-Tin Scrambled Eggs: This keto breakfast freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe.
- Keto English Muffins: Make these keto English muffins easily in the microwave for a health-conscious, last-minute breakfast.
- Avocado and Crab Breakfast: A flavorful and satisfying option.
- Bacon Egg Cups: A fresh take on the classic breakfast combo, amazing in the air fryer.
- Zucchini Frittata: Shredded zucchini adds body, texture, and flavor to this simple frittata.
- Muffuletta Frittata: Packs loads of cheesy, meat-filled goodness.
- Shiitake and Manchego Scramble: Pump up the flavor of traditional scrambled eggs with this quick and easy scramble.
- Sausage Balls: Cheesy and spicy, these are a fun novelty at a breakfast or brunch.
- Shakshuka: A dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion, and cumin.
- Ham and Cheese Omelet: A simple and satisfying breakfast or dinner option.
- Salami, Roasted Sweet Peppers, and Mozzarella Frittatas: For a fun breakfast change of pace, whip up individual frittatas loaded with hearty flavor.
- Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese: For the creamiest scrambled eggs that the whole family will love, cook the eggs over low heat with full-fat cream cheese.
- Creamy Baked Eggs: Rich, soft, and ready in minutes.
- Turkey Breakfast Sausages: Infuse major flavor into our turkey breakfast sausages with sage and ginger.
- Eggs Lorraine: Combines the flavors of Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, and sour cream for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast.
- Crustless Quiche: Use any keto-friendly vegetables you have on hand to fill it up.
- Mini Ham Quiches: Play around with the flavors by substituting bacon, sausage, or shrimp for the ham.
- Avocado Scrambled Eggs: Rich and creamy while providing plenty of healthy fats.
- Eggs Florentine Casserole: Combines sausage and spinach to make a delightful casserole.
- Cauliflower Hash Browns Casserole: Substitute riced cauliflower for the usual hash browns.
- Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges: Dipped in Sriracha and mayo, these are a quick and memorable appetizer.
Lunch
- Cod with Cucumber, Avocado & Mango Salsa Salad: If you're looking for a healthy lunch bursting with the colors and flavors of summer, this delicious cod, avocado, and mango salad is low in fat and calories.
- Barbecued Bavette Steak & Tomato Salad: Barbecue bavette steak and drape over a simple tomato, red onion, and feta salad.
- Tomato Baked Eggs: Whip up these easy baked eggs with a garlicky tomato sauce and serve with crusty keto bread.
- Herb Omelette with Fried Tomatoes: Make a perfect, protein-rich brunch or breakfast for two people.
- Mediterranean Turkey-Stuffed Peppers: Filling the peppers with low-fat turkey breast mince keeps it lean.
- Superhealthy Salmon Burgers: Try these simple salmon burgers with ginger, soy sauce, and coriander.
- Ham, Mushroom & Spinach Frittata: Try a filling frittata that's low in calories and guaranteed to keep you going until lunch.
- Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers: Add this easy dinner recipe to your repertoire - simply pop herby chicken thighs into a roasting tin with colorful veg and spicy sausage. To make this keto-friendly, serve with keto bread.
- Baked Salmon & Leek Parcel: A simple salmon dish, parcelled up to seal in the flavors. With creamy mascarpone and fresh leeks, this keto-friendly fish supper is easy and rich in omega-3.
- Masala Frittata with Avocado Salsa: A spicy twist on a simple frittata recipe, with Masala paste, coriander, and plump cherry tomatoes. Pair it with our avocado salsa for a light and budget-friendly supper.
- Mushroom Brunch: You only need mushrooms, eggs, kale, and garlic to cook this tasty one-pan brunch. It's comforting yet healthy, fiber-rich, and gluten-free too.
Dinner
- One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa: A complete and easy meal.
- Mediterranean White Beans & Greens: A flavorful and fiber-rich dish.
- White Chicken Chili: A comforting and hearty option.
- Creamy Coconut Lime Chickpea Skillet: A flavorful vegetarian dish.
- Split Pea Soup: A creamy one-pot soup that is comforting all year long.
- Black Bean Tostadas: An easy and delicious vegetarian dinner.
- Lentil Soup: A nutrient-dense, flavorful, and filling weeknight dinner.
- Peanut Butter Chicken: A budget chicken dish that freezes well.
- Ginger & Soy Salmon en Papillote: Steaming the salmon in a parcel, in its own marinade, with the spiralized veg, ensures the fish is juicy and full of flavor. Serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
- Thai Broccoli Rice: Replacing rice with broccoli that's been blitzed to grains makes a colorful and healthy, quick-cook vegetarian keto meal.
Snacks and Sides
- Baba Ghanoush: Rich, smoky baba ghanoush is a staple dip throughout the Levant.
- Antipasto Chickpea Salad: A great side dish or a full meal on its own.
- Marry Me Chickpeas: Chickpeas are tossed in a creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Brussels Sprouts Casserole: A flavorful and comforting side.
Drinks
- Blueberry Smoothie: The almond butter provides an earthy note against the fresh blueberries. Try adding spinach or baby kale for a bit more nutrition and a slightly thicker body.
- Keto Smoothie: Make this keto breakfast smoothie with spinach and fresh berries using any plant-based milk you like.
Other
- Chia Pudding: Soak chia seeds in coconut milk or other non-dairy beverage of your choice overnight in a ratio of 1 part seeds to 4 parts liquid.
- Paleo Muesli: A mix of nuts, seeds, and coconut.
- Coconut Flour Cookies: Coconut flour contains 5 times as much fiber as wheat flour!
- Flax Fix: Add 2 tablespoons of ground flax to any smoothie for a thicker consistency and a slight nutty flavor.
- Nut Bar: Chop up 2 cups of nuts of your choice (cashews, almonds, and walnuts are good choices) and combine with 1⁄2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt, and 9 tablespoons raw honey.
- Fermented Oats: Cover 1 cup of raw or steel-cut oats (certified gluten-free!) and ¼ cup of nuts and seeds of your choice in enough water to cover the ingredients. Add a spoonful of whey, plain yogurt, raw apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or kefir.
- Savory Miso Butter Oats: Prepare a serving of rolled or steel-cut oats (certified gluten-free!) on the stovetop. Combine with 2 tablespoons of butter and a teaspoon of miso paste dissolved in a little water.
- Overnight Oats: In a cup, mason jar, or bowl, combine 1 part dry rolled oats (certified gluten-free!) with 1 part water or nut milk of choice and ¼ part chia seeds.
- Keto Bread: Try this keto almond bread for a healthy bread replacement that's made with nuts and seeds.
- Keto Pancakes: Make these low-carb keto pancakes with almond flour instead of regular wheat flour, or blitz ground almonds until fine if you can't get hold of it. Serve with blueberries and keto-friendly syrup.
- Keto Chocolate Cake: To keep the carbohydrate levels low, the recipe uses xylitol, almond flour, and cacao powder.
- Keto Brownies: Bake these sumptuous keto brownies using nut butter, courgette, cacao, and almond flour.
The Fiber Challenge
Are you ready to take the fiber challenge? The fiber challenge consists of eating 30 to 50 grams of (gluten-free) fiber per day. The above recipes will help you fit more fiber into your daily diet.
Read also: Delicious High-Fiber Smoothie Recipes
Read also: Explore the pros and cons of a high metabolism diet