Fibermaxxing Your Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gathering close, sharing stories, and passing dishes around the table that feel familiar and comforting. It’s a time to enjoy food and connect with the people you care so much about. That’s exactly where the idea of fibermaxxing fits in. It’s not about restriction or “lightening up” your holiday favorites. Instead, it’s simply finding a few small ways to add more nourishment to your plate so you can feel content during and after the meal.

Fiber helps support digestion, steady energy, and provides that satisfied feeling that keeps you from crashing on the couch post-feast. Think of it as rounding out what’s already there, not reworking the entire menu.

What Does “Fibermaxxing” Mean?

So what exactly is fibermaxxing? It’s a social media health trend that encourages adding more fiber-rich foods to your day. Think fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. A helpful starting point is aiming for around 25 to 30+ grams of fiber per day, though most of us aren’t getting that consistently. And because jumping from low fiber to high fiber overnight can lead to some uncomfortable digestive issues, it’s best to build up gradually over a few weeks and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water daily! Thanksgiving might not have a reputation for fiber, but there are more fiber-packed opportunities on the table than you’d think.

Simple Ways to Add More Fiber

The key here is adding, not subtracting. You don’t have to take away the buttery mashed potatoes or the rolls you’ve been craving all year. Instead, think about small, easy ways to boost fiber into what you’re already making.

Here are a few simple ideas:

1. Add chopped dates to roasted vegetables
   They bring sweetness, texture, and extra fiber. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes work especially well here.
2. Top stuffing or casseroles with toasted pecans or walnuts
   Nuts add crunch, flavor, and extra fiber, plus they visually elevate a dish!
3. Serve a fruit-forward cheese or snack board before the meal
   Seasonal fruit like apples, pears, dates, and grapes are great sources of fiber!
4. Mix in whole grains where it feels natural
   Stir cooked farro, barley, or wild rice into stuffing or grain salads.
5. Incorporate dates into dessert
   Use blended or chopped dates in pies, bars, or crumbles for natural sweetness and extra fiber. That fiber helps balance blood sugar, so you can enjoy dessert without the post-pie crash.

Festive Ways to Cook with Medjool Dates

• Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates with Walnuts and Hot Honey
  • A simple, sweet-savory appetizer featuring warm dates, creamy goat cheese, crunchy rosemary walnuts, and topped with hot honey.

• Roasted Carrots with Dates and Pesto
  • Roasted carrots get a sweet, bright boost from dates, pesto, and crunchy pistachios in this simple, colorful side.

• Pumpkin Date Bars
  • Soft, cozy pumpkin bars sweetened naturally with dates for a simple Thanksgiving treat.

This Thanksgiving, remember that fibermaxxing isn’t about taking anything off your plate, it’s about adding more of the good stuff in. By leaning into naturally fiber-rich ingredients like Medjool dates, nuts, whole grains, and seasonal fruits, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday flavors while supporting steady energy and happy digestion. It’s a simple way to make your feast feel as good as it tastes.

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Katherine Rosenthal is a media dietitian, food blogger, and mom of three who shares easy, feel-good recipes for busy families. She helps people enjoy nourishing meals that are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. You can find her delicious recipes on her Instagram @bewelltable and her blog bewelltable.com.