How To Get Your 30g Of Fibre Every Day

Make Some Simple Swaps...

Jenna Hope, registered nutrition consultant

SWAP: Mashed potato

FOR: Mashed chickpeas

“This is a great swap that will add a hefty dose of fibre to your plate. If you still want the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, go for half mashed chickpeas and half potato. Adding chickpeas and other beans to bolognaise is also a good idea.”

SWAP: Butter on toast

FOR: Avocado on toast

“Avocados may not seem like the most obvious source of fibre but they offer around 5g of fibre per 100g. Swapping regular jam for chia jam is also a fibre-rich option.”

SWAP: Regular sliced bread

FOR: Seeded sourdough bread

“I love Bertinet Bakery’s Seeded Sliced Sourdough, which contains 4g of fibre per 100g. Sourdough also contains live cultures which are great for the gut.”

Yasmin Alexander, registered nutritional therapist

SWAP: White pasta/courgetti

FOR: Red lentil pasta

“Replacing a starchy carb with a very low-carb, watery vegetable won’t cut it on the fibre front. Instead, swap white pasta with a red lentil or green pea pasta, both of which are widely available now. These pastas are naturally gluten-free and full of both fibre and protein.”

SWAP: Honey on porridge

FOR: Chicory root syrup

“Chicory root is a fantastic source of fibre – drizzle it over porridge, have on toast or in tea and coffee.”

Hannah Braye, nutritional therapist at Bio-Kult

SWAP: Breakfast cereal

FOR: An oat-based breakfast

“Switch your standard boxed breakfast cereal for porridge oats, and top with two tablespoons of milled flaxseed, as well as fruit and nuts. If you usually add honey to your porridge, try a homemade berry compote instead.”

SWAP: Juices

FOR: Smoothies

“Fruit and vegetable juices may seem like the healthy option, but they offer little in the way of fibre once the pulp has been removed. Instead, make a smoothie that contains vegetables as well as fruit, and add nuts, seeds and avocado for added fibre.”

Kathryn Danzey, founder of Rejuvenated

SWAP: Toast with peanut butter

FOR: Toast with almond butter

“We all love a slice of toast with peanut butter but try swapping it for almond butter, which contains nearly double the amount of fibre. Try almond butter with slices of apple or porridge for an additional dose.”

SWAP: Wholegrains

FOR: Pearl barley

“Wholegrains are naturally high in fibre, but if you really need a boost, opt for pearl barley instead. Barley is a great substitute for rice and 100g of uncooked hulled barley contains just over 17g of fibre.”

SWAP: Apples

FOR: Raspberries

“Apples are a fantastic, nutrient-rich snack, but try swapping with a cup of raspberries instead, which contain 8g of fibre per cup – nearly double the amount of fibre in one apple.”

SWAP: Granola

FOR: Chia seeds 

“If you love a bowl of granola in the morning, replace with chia seeds, or a chia seed pudding. A 30g portion of chia seeds contains 10g of fibre as well as a good amount of protein and omega-3.”

Try These Unsung Heroes…

Beetroot: “Beets are packed with fibre and can be used in so many ways. Add them to salads or try in soups and smoothies. They can even be grated and added to chocolate cake.” – Kathryn 

Pears: “Pears are often overlooked in favour of apples but gram for gram, they’re higher in fibre and can help control blood sugar levels, making them the perfect fruit to keep you full.” – Kathryn 

Bananas: “While you may think a soft fruit like a banana doesn’t contain much fibre, one medium banana actually contains more than 3g. Add to smoothies, porridge and fruit salads.” – Kathryn 

Kiwis: “Kiwis may not be your go-to fruit, but they’re a great source of a particular type of fibre that helps keep you regular.” – Sophie Medlin, dietitian

Dark chocolate: “There is around 11g of fibre per 100g of 70-85% cacao, which is equivalent to around 3g of fibre per square.” – Hannah 

Avocado: “Half a medium avocado contains 3g of fibre, or 10% of your daily target, similar to an apple.” – Yasmin 

Keep an eye out for these nutritionist-approved products on your next supermarket trip…