Yet, it is estimated that only 5% of American adults and children2 get an adequate amount of dietary fiber. That’s a pretty big problem, considering, “Studies show that children who eat fiber-rich diets3 have a reduced risk of obesity and chronic diseases later in life,” says Whitney English, M.S., RDN. Fiber can also help prevent constipation—a common problem for young children. Those first three years of life are especially crucial because it’s when a child develops their microbiome, says William Bulsiewicz, M.D., MSCI, best-selling author of Fiber Fueled. “We need to view this as an opportunity to support the healthiest gut microbiome possible by feeding it with prebiotics,” he says. “There are two main sources that are relevant, human breast milk and the fiber found in plant foods.” Usually called roughage, dietary fiber is a plant-derived food component that is not digested by the body. It moves through the digestive system and then out of the body. There are two kinds of dietary fiber: soluble fiber or viscous (think fruits and veggies) and insoluble fiber or bulking (think whole grains and chia seeds). To ensure you’re getting both types, most health experts recommend eating a variety of nutritious, fiber-rich foods. But how do you know how much fiber your child requires to meet an adequate fiber intake2? It varies by age. Here’s an estimate for different age groups, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Whether it’s kamut, teff, sorghum, amaranth, millet, fonio, farro, rye, freekeh, quinoa, or barley—ancient grains are a compelling, nutrient-rich staple worldwide. Although the health benefits are unique to each variety, they’re generally associated with blood sugar control4 and may decrease the risk of chronic disease5. Kid-friendly recipes: Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Quinoa, Farro & White Bean Soup Crunchy, sweet, and packed with nutrients—what’s not to love about this tasty fruit that might just keep your doctor away, after all? Rich in polyphenols and pectin, apples are linked with numerous health benefits, like digestive support and cardiovascular health6. To punch up its gut-friendly perks, leave the skin on and enjoy the whole fruit (flesh and skin). Kid-friendly recipes: 10-Minute Cinamon Apple Pancakes, A Warming Apple Spice Smoothie From toast to guac, there’s no denying the popularity of this creamy fruit. Loaded with heart-healthy fats, insoluble fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients, avocados are a great kid-approved option with powerful tummy benefits. Kid-friendly recipes: Shaved Fennel & Avo Salad, Chocolate Avocado Smoothie, 4-Ingredient Guacamole Did you know bananas are actually (and botanically classified as) berries? This nutritious staple is a convenient, delicious way to amp up your child’s fiber intake (yellow bananas contain soluble and insoluble fiber) and promote regularity7. Bonus points: The cheery fruit may offer some mood-boosting benefits, too! Kid-friendly recipes: Banana-Blueberry Breakfast Bread, Dr. B’s Breakfast Smoothie Beans are a nutrient rock star, high in plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. From chickpeas and edamame to black beans and black-eyed peas, there are enough options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Kid-friendly recipes: Hearty Black Bean Soup, Black Bean Tacos, Fermented Pepper Hummus This vibrant root packs some significant nutritional value. Beyond a healthy serving of fiber, beetroots and their greens also contain iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, phytonutrients, and dietary nitrates8. Kid-friendly recipes: Red Velvet Beet Pancakes, Beet Raw Slaw A vital source of fiber, polyphenols, and other anti-inflammatory compounds, berries are a satisfying option for your child’s diet. They are tasty on their own as a handy, nutrient-dense snack. Plus, they’re easy to incorporate during mealtime. Here’s a berry simple tip to try: Mash up a few fresh raspberries for a natural jelly or jam swap in your kid’s lunch. Kid-friendly recipes: Vegan Apple-Raspberry Crisp, Raspberry + Pistachio Semifreddo This root veggie is a kids’ favorite, thanks to its crunchy texture and sweet taste. Carrots are the perfect all-around snack that’s packed with a pretty impressive nutrition profile (hello, beta-carotenes). Kid-friendly recipes: Roasted Baby Carrots With Grapefruit Gremolata Chia seeds are a tiny (but mighty) source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (which can offer heart9 and brain10 benefits). When you mix chia seeds with liquid, they take on a gel-like consistency—making them a versatile ingredient for smoothies, jams, pudding, and even for use as a vegan egg replacement. Kid-friendly recipes: Homemade Raspberry Chia Jam Sandwich, Berry Chia Pudding, Knockout Nightime Cookies Corn is a whole grain with a whopping punch of dietary fiber in every serving. When it comes to popcorn, opt for air-popped, lightly seasoned varieties for the best must-have, healthy snack. Kid-friendly recipes: Golden Turmeric Popcorn All tropical fruits are loaded with fiber, but guavas are certainly a standout, with 9 grams per cup. This flavorful fruit can offer not only digestive support but also anti-inflammatory 11benefits. Kid-friendly recipes: Gluten-Free Guava Coconut Bars The bright color of this world-renowned tuber is a sign of its unique nutritional profile—high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, plus both soluble and insoluble fiber. Like other root vegetables, it’s ideal to keep their skins on for an ultimate nutrient boost. Kid-friendly recipes: Sweet Potato Pizza, Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup, Sunday Breakfast Patties Thanks to their slew of health benefits, oats are a top-notch fiber source for your child’s diet. This yummy whole grain contains an important type of fiber called beta-glucan, which might support heart, immune12, and gut microbial function13. Kid-friendly recipes: Black & Orange Oatmeal, Five-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies, Hot Chocolate Oatmeal Bowl These sweet, bell-like fruits are a highly nutritious and tasty treat for any kiddo. One medium-size pear contains around 5 grams of fiber as well as significant amounts of immune-supporting antioxidants14. Kid-friendly recipes: Grilled Bartlett Pear Salad, Pear Ginger Citrus Smoothie Rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, green peas are a wonderful tummy ally and weekly kitchen staple (don’t we all use frozen peas anyway?) to keep on hand. Kid-friendly recipes: Roasted Cauliflower + Pea Salad, Pea Miso Soup, Fava Bean + Pea Salad If you decide to opt for a fiber supplement, high-quality fiber gummies or a nourishing greens powder may be good options. Make sure to read the supplement labels first to guarantee the best ingredient list possible, free of additives, added sugar, and other processed ingredients.
