Without knowing which foods contain the perfect balance of high fiber and low carbs, you could struggle with constant hunger, digestive issues, and energy crashes throughout your day. Find the right balance between satisfying your cravings and sticking to a healthy eating plan with this quick list of foods high in fiber but low in carbs, complete with their benefits and applications in recipes.
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Foods High In Fiber But Low In Carbs
Many high-fiber foods come packed with carbohydrates, which can sometimes make it hard to strike the perfect balance in helping you achieve your health goals without compromising on either nutrition or taste. This list of 32 low-carb, high-fiber foods will give you plenty of options to add to your diet today.
What if you could enjoy delicious meals and boost your fiber intake at the same time? Get ready to feel fuller longer, improve your digestion, and enjoy a variety of flavorful meals with these vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes that are low in carbohydrates yet packed with fiber.
Vegetables
Many vegetables are naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with fiber, making them ideal for adding bulk and nutrients to meals without significantly impacting blood sugar. Their versatility allows for various cooking methods, and they can be prepped ahead of time for easy assembly of meals throughout the week.
1. Broccoli
Starting with a staple in my clean eating grocery list, broccoli is low in carbs due to its high water content and rich in fiber, which slows down digestion. Broccoli can be roasted, steamed, or added to stir-fries for a quick and healthy meal prep component.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is low in carbs because it’s mostly water and contains fiber that adds bulk without many carbohydrates. It’s a versatile veggie that can stand in for rice or potatoes. You can also mash cauliflower, roast it, or use it in soups and stews.
3. Brussels Sprout
Aside from being low-carb and high in fiber, these mini cabbages are surprisingly delicious when prepared right. Roast them, sauté them, or shred them for salads. Try drizzling them with balsamic glaze for a savory twist.
4. Spinach
Spinach is low in carbs due to its high fiber content, which contributes to feelings of fullness. It is an excellent source of iron, vital for red blood cell production and oxygen transport. This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, making it a great addition to smoothies, salads, soups, or side dishes.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus is low in carbs because it’s primarily water and contains a good amount of fiber. It’s a good source of folate, which is important for cell growth and development. You can grill, roast, or steam this delicate and flavorful vegetable.
6. Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are low in carbs because they are mostly water and contain fiber, which adds volume without increasing carbohydrate content. They can also add a pop of color and flavor to your meals. You can eat bell peppers raw, add them to stir-fries, or roast them.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is another low-carb vegetable that’s also high in fiber. It also has a high vitamin C content that supports immune health and collagen production. You can grate or add zucchini to bread or muffins, spiralize it into noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative, or simply roast it as a side dish.
8. Artichoke
Artichokes are low in carbs and high in fiber content. They support healthy digestion and liver function. This unique and tasty vegetable makes a great addition to steamed or baked dishes.
9. Green Beans
Aside from being low in carbohydrates, green beans also contain good amounts of fiber and vitamin A that support vision and immune function. Being a classic side dish, you can steam, roast, or saute green beans.
10. Celery
Celery is low in carbs because it’s mostly water and contains fiber, which adds bulk without many carbohydrates. It also contains antioxidants that may help protect against inflammation. Giving a crunchy and refreshing texture, you can eat celery with dip, add it to soups and stews, or use it in salads.
11. Cucumber
Adding cucumbers to your pantry is a simple way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters. What’s more, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates because of their very high water content and fiber. Cool and hydrating, you can eat cucumbers raw in salads or sandwiches, or make cucumber noodles.
12. Radish
Radishes are low in carbs as they are mostly water and contain fiber, which is not digested by the body. They bring a peppery and crunchy addition to meals. Radishes can be thinly sliced and added to salads or used as a crunchy garnish in meals.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds offer a concentrated source of fiber and healthy fats while being relatively low in carbs, promoting satiety and providing sustained energy. Their portability and long shelf life make them perfect for portion-controlled snacks or additions to pre-made meals like salads or yogurt parfaits.
13. Almonds
Almonds are low in carbs because they are high in healthy fats and fiber. They are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health. You can consume almonds raw, add them to salads, or use almond flour for baking.
14. Chia Seeds
These tiny seeds are packed with fiber and low in carbohydrates. Chia seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They’re pretty simple to incorporate into a low-carb diet, as you can just add them to smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or puddings.
15. Flax Seeds
Another low-carb seed is flax seeds, which are also high in fiber and antioxidants. They may help lower cholesterol and improve digestive health. You can sprinkle them on salads, put them in yogurt, or add them to smoothies.
16. Walnuts
Walnuts are another low-carb nut due to their high fat and fiber content. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. You can eat walnuts raw, add them to salads, or use them in baking.
17. Pecans
Low-carb and high in fiber, pecans also provide antioxidants that may help regulate blood sugar. Eat them raw, add them to salads, or use them in baking as a low-carb sweetener. You can start introducing pecans even to your kids by using them to make a healthier twist on classic desserts like pie bars.
18. Hazelnuts
Aside from giving a rich and nutty flavor to dishes, hazelnuts are also low-carb, high-fiber foods. Besides eating hazelnuts raw, you can add them to salads or use them in baking. For starters, try shifting to hazelnut flour to make delicious and nutritious pancakes.
19. Macadamia Nuts
Low-carb macadamia nuts are very high in healthy fats and fiber. Additionally, nutrients in macadamia nuts may help control cholesterol levels and reverse metabolic syndrome. Aside from eating macadamia nuts raw, you can add these creamy and buttery nuts to salads or baked dishes.
20. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are generally low-carb vegetables due to their healthy fat and fiber content. They also provide vitamin E and selenium. As a versatile and readily available seed, you can sprinkle them on salads, use them as toppings on yogurt, or eat them as a snack.
21. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Aside from being low-carb and high in fiber, pumpkin seeds also provide healthy fats and magnesium for muscle and nerve function. Add this crunchy and nutritious seed to your grocery list to add them to salads, yogurt parfaits, or snacks.
22. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are low in carbs because they are high in fat and fiber. They are an excellent source of selenium, which is important for thyroid function. You can eat Brazil nuts as a snack or add to trail mix for a healthy snack.
23. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are packed with protein, fiber, amino acids, and healthy fats. Being low in carbohydrates, hemp seeds make a great addition to keto meal plans. You can sprinkle them on salads, add them to breakfast yogurts, or add them to smoothies.
Legumes
While some legumes are higher in carbohydrates, certain varieties like black soybeans and edamame offer a good balance of fiber and protein with fewer carbs than other beans. They can be cooked in batches and stored for use in salads, soups, or as a side dish, making them convenient for meal prepping.
24. Black Soybeans
This low-carb legume option is also high in protein and fiber. You can easily add them to salads, soups, or stews. You can start adding this fresh ingredient to your clean eating diet by making a black soybean chili.
25. Edamame
Edamame is low in carbs compared to other legumes because they have a higher protein and lower carbohydrate content. They are a good source of fiber and plant-based protein. Steam them and eat them as a snack, or add them to salads and stir-fries.
Fruits
Berries and avocados are lower in sugar and carbohydrates compared to other fruits, yet still provide valuable fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries can be pre-portioned for smoothies or snacks, while avocados can be added to meals just before serving to prevent browning.
26. Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries)
Berries are low in carbs compared to other fruits because they are relatively lower in sugar and higher in fiber. They are rich in antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage. Eat berries fresh, add them to smoothies, or use them in low-carb desserts.
27. Avocado
Creamy and nutrient-dense, avocado is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and various vitamins, avocados support heart health, satiety, and nutrient absorption. Enjoy it sliced on salads or sandwiches, mashed as guacamole, blended into smoothies, or even used as a base for chocolate mousse (surprisingly!).
28. Olives
Often overlooked as a fruit, olives are a fantastic source of healthy fats and fiber. They are also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and a good source of iron. Enjoy them as a snack, add them to salads, and tapenades, or incorporate them into Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
29. Lemons
While not typically eaten on their own, low-carb lemons offer a concentrated dose of vitamin C and fiber, and their zest and juice add flavor to many keto dishes. Use the juice and zest in dressings, marinades, sauces, and drinks, or add slices to water for a refreshing beverage.
Other High-Fiber Options
These options are specifically chosen for their very low carbohydrate content and high fiber, making them excellent additions for those following a low-carb diet. You can also easily add them to most meal prep recipes and cuisines.
30. Unsweetened Coconut Meat
Unsweetened coconut meat’s unique nutritional profile comes from its high-fat content. Additionally, its fiber contributes to bulk and slower digestion, further minimizing blood sugar spikes. You can add it to smoothies, use it in low-carb baking, or sprinkle on salads.
31. Konjac Noodles (Shirataki Noodles)
Konjac noodles are very low in carbs because they are made from the konjac plant, which is mostly fiber. They are a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to traditional noodles. It’s a great substitute for traditional noodles in stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes.
32. Psyllium Husk
An excellent source of soluble fiber, psyllium husk promotes regularity, can help lower cholesterol, and may aid in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness. To use it, add a small amount (start with 1/2 teaspoon and gradually increase) to smoothies, or yogurt, or mix it with water or other beverages.
Conclusion
By incorporating these low-carb, high-fiber foods into your daily meals, you’ll experience improved digestion, sustained energy, and better weight management while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. Start exploring these 32 fiber-rich options today and take control of your health by adding at least three new foods to your grocery list this week.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.