If your kids are picky eaters and you can’t get them to eat fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables or they don’t drink enough water, chances are they’ll become constipated.
Kids who are active and never sit down long enough to poop or those that are afraid to poop at school can also become constipated.
Constipation is common with kids. In fact, nearly 5 percent of pediatrician visits are because of constipation, according to a report in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care.
One of the best ways to relieve your kids’ constipation is by eating high-fiber foods. Here are 10.
High fiber foods: fruits
1. Raspberries
Kids love to pick up small pieces of food and raspberries are sweet little gems that taste delicious and are filled with fiber: one cup has 8 grams.
Add raspberries to a parfait, plain Greek Yogurt
or serve them with breakfast for a delicious and filling way to start the day.
2. Asian pears
With 4 grams of fiber in one serving, Asian pears are a great way to relieve constipation.
I love to sprinkle cinnamon on top of pears and roast them but you can also grill them or pop them in the microwave. Since they’re so soft, they also make a great first food for babies.
3. Figs
If your kids eat Fig Newtons, why not see if they’ll eat figs? One large fig contains 2 grams of fiber and they’re delicious.
You can also try dried figs but they contain more sugar so it shouldn’t be a food your kids eat all the time.
High fiber foods: vegetables
4. Broccoli
Raw or cooked, broccoli is a good source of fiber—2 grams in every cup.
Serve raw broccoli with a bean dip, sauté it with garlic and olive oil or make a broccoli quiche for breakfast.
5. Sweet potatoes
Swap sweet potatoes for white potatoes because it’s a good way for kids to get fiber. One cup has 7 grams.
Roast sweet potatoes, make sweet potato fries or make a sweet potato hash for breakfast.
6. Brussels sprouts
A half a cup of Brussels sprouts has 2 grams of fiber and although they might be a hard sell for some kids, the more you offer them, the more likely your kids are to try them.
My kids like roasted Brussels sprouts but you can also blanch them or add a handful of raisins.
High fiber foods: beans and legumes
7. Peas
With 9 grams of fiber in one cup, peas are an excellent way to get fiber into your kid’s diet.
Serve peas as an appetizer, add them to stir fries or pasta dishes or pack them as a snack.
8. Black beans
My kids love to eat beans and with a whopping 15 grams per cup, they’re one of the best sources of fiber.
Black beans are also quite versatile. Add them to soups, stews and most Mexican dishes.
9. Chickpeas
Like black beans, chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have plenty of fiber: 11 grams per cup.
Add chickpeas to salads, make your own hummus or roast them for a healthy snack.
High fiber foods: nuts and seeds
If your kids have food allergies, nuts and seeds might not be an option. But if your kids can eat certain types, it’s a great way to get their fill of fiber.
Add nuts and seeds to oatmeal
, smoothies or serve as a snack.
