So you’ve decided to go fibertarian. You’re ready to embrace the one-rule lifestyle: only foods with natural fiber.

Here’s what your first week will actually look like—the good, the challenging, and the parts people don’t talk about.

Day 1-2: The Honeymoon Phase

What you’ll feel: Excited. Virtuous. Energized by your new commitment.

What you’ll eat: Probably too many salads. You’re figuring things out, and salad feels safe. You might make a big pot of lentil soup. You’ll discover that oatmeal is actually pretty good.

The surprise: Food tastes different already. Without oil and excess salt, you start noticing subtler flavors. That tomato tastes… tomatoey.

Pro tip: Stock your pantry now. Beans, lentils, rice, oats, nuts, frozen vegetables. Future you will thank present you.

Day 3-4: The Digestive Adjustment

Let’s be real: if you’re dramatically increasing your fiber intake, your digestive system will notice.

What might happen:

• More frequent bathroom trips (this is good!)
• Some bloating or gas (this is temporary!)
• Feeling fuller faster

Why this happens: Your gut bacteria are literally feasting. If you’ve been running on low fiber, suddenly giving them abundant food causes a party in your intestines.

How to minimize discomfort:

• Increase fiber gradually if you can (though the fibertarian approach doesn’t really allow for “gradual”)
• Drink plenty of water
• Don’t go from zero to 50g of fiber in one day if you can help it
• Consider starting on a weekend when you’re home

The truth: This phase passes. Usually within a week, sometimes two. Your body adapts remarkably quickly.

Day 5-6: The Cravings

What you’ll crave: Probably cheese. Or maybe that morning bagel with cream cheese. Or pizza. Basically, whatever fiber-free comfort food you used to eat.

Why: You’re breaking habits, not just changing foods. That afternoon snack ritual or Sunday pizza tradition has emotional weight.

What actually helps:

• Don’t skip meals: Hunger amplifies cravings
• Find fibertarian versions: Black bean burgers. Cashew “cheese” sauce. Whole wheat pizza with veggie toppings
• Remember why: You’re not depriving yourself. You’re choosing foods that have what your body actually needs

The mindset shift: This isn’t about restriction. Every food you’re eating has something fiber-free foods don’t: fiber. You’re not missing out; you’re opting in.

Day 7: The First Week Wins

By day seven, you’ll notice:

Energy: More stable throughout the day. No post-lunch crash. No 3pm desperate hunt for caffeine or sugar.

Digestion: Assuming you got through the adjustment phase, everything is working remarkably well. Regular like clockwork.

Hunger: You’re satisfied after meals. That constant snacky feeling is gone.

Taste: Foods taste more vibrant. Salt and sugar no longer mask everything.

Mood: Steadier. Fiber stabilizes blood sugar, which stabilizes mood. You’re not on the glucose roller coaster anymore.

The Things Nobody Warns You About

You’ll need to pee more: Fiber needs water to do its job. You’ll naturally drink more. This is good, but plan accordingly.

Meal prep becomes essential: There’s no grabbing fast food or hitting a drive-through. Plan ahead or you’ll end up hungry and frustrated.

Some people will get weird: They’ll ask worried questions about protein. They’ll tell you you need meat. They’ll be personally offended by your food choices. This says more about them than you.

You’ll spend less on groceries: Beans are cheap. Rice is cheap. Potatoes are cheap. Even organic produce costs less than meat and cheese.

You’ll discover new foods: Ever had freekeh? Farro? Black garlic? You’ll explore parts of the grocery store you’ve never noticed.

Week One Survival Tips

1. Batch cook: Make big portions. Future you will be grateful.

2. Keep it simple: You don’t need fancy recipes. Rice + beans + veggies works.

3. Join community: Find fibertarian/WFPB groups online. You’re not alone.

4. Don’t aim for perfection: If you accidentally eat something without fiber, the world won’t end. Learn and move on.

5. Track your fiber: At least for the first week, use an app to see how much fiber you’re actually getting. It’s motivating to hit 40-50g.

6. Plan for social situations: Eat before you go to events, or bring a dish to share.

7. Give yourself grace: This is a learning curve. Be patient with yourself.

What’s Coming

If you make it through week one, week two gets easier. By week three, it’s becoming habit. By week four, you can’t imagine going back.

Your energy will continue to improve. Your palate will continue to adjust. Your gut bacteria will be thriving.

And when someone inevitably asks you “Where do you get your protein?”, you’ll smile and respond:

“Where do YOU get your fiber?”

Welcome to the fibertarian life. Week one is the hardest part.

You’ve got this.