Avocado Toast Doesn’t Pack Enough Fiber or Protein To Be Considered a Well-Rounded Breakfast—Here’s What RDs Rec Eating With It

Upping the protein in avocado toast

When it comes to how much protein we should aim for at breakfast time, Rissetto says she gets pretty individualized with her clients based on their age, lifestyle, and health goals—but targeting 30 grams at each meal when possible is a good rule of thumb. She also takes into consideration the complexities around breakfast, as clients may prefer to follow a cultural pattern they grew up with, grab something on-the-go to meet a hectic schedule, or eat later in the morning, among many other possibilities. And while Rissetto says avocado toast is a great pick if that’s what you love to start your day with, you may need to add something beyond some bread, sliced (or smashed) avocado, and a pretty garnish to get enough protein.

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“Avocado toast is fine for breakfast, but if you want to stay full until lunch, then you’ll have to add something else,” Rissetto says. “We need protein, fat, and carbs at each meal to slow down digestion, stabilize our blood sugar, and keep us full.” A slice of avocado toast made with whole wheat bread and a half of an avocado contains roughly five grams of protein, which certainly falls short of the 30 gram mark.

Some of Rissetto’s top picks for packing in some extra protein include topping avocado toast with an egg or two, scrambled tofu, or even some sizzled halloumi cheese with a side of roasted chickpeas. Additionally, you could serve up a side of sausage or another protein-rich meat to help you hit that 30-gram mark with ease.

Getting plenty of fiber is key, too

The good news about fiber is that we do have a pretty standard recommendation for adults—approximately 28 grams per day—though some health experts suggest even higher values. That means we should try to sneak in about nine grams at each meal, and unfortunately, nearly all of America is falling short of that. However, Rissetto says it’s important to not just hit this goal but to also get a diversity of fiber sources to ensure proper gut health and more satisfying meals.

“The thing about fiber is that it’s elusive and people don’t often understand how much they need and what kinds are right for them,” says Rissetto. “Generally, we want to aim for around 30 grams but need a mix of both soluble and insoluble fiber.”

Risetto explains that insoluble fiber helps create our bulk stool while soluble fiber helps it move throughout the digestive tract to complete a bowel movement. Gel-like soluble fiber helps to slow digestion which helps us feel more satiated, energized, and steady, thanks to balanced blood sugar levels, while insoluble fiber can actually speed up digestion, which can be helpful for those dealing with constipation.

Some of Rissetto’s favorite sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains and psyllium husk, and she loves nuts and seeds as top sources of soluble fiber. However, some foods can pack in both types, like oats. Just be sure to ease into increasing your fiber intake instead of packing on an extra 15-20 grams all at once, which can actually end up upsetting your digestive tract.

Opting for a hearty, sprouted or whole-grain bread will not only up the fiber count of your breakfast, but it may even pack in a few grams of plant protein as well. Rissetto says that seeds, like chia and flax, are some of the best sources of fiber out there, so serving your avocado toast with a side of chia pudding could do the trick in helping you stay full for hours. Plus, you can always serve up a side of roasted veggies or a veggie-rich hash to help make your breakfast more satisfying and colorful.

TL; DR? Simply making a few easy upgrades will transform your favorite avocado toast into the ultimate day-starter that will leave you feeling more nourished, balanced, and regular.