Why your mum was right all along.

“Eat your vegetables.”

It’s probably something we’ve all heard growing up.

Back then, it might have felt like a punishment.

Now, it turns out Mum was onto something.

Vegetables are one of the most powerful things you can add to your diet. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that help your body function at its best.

The best part?

You don’t need to eat mountains of kale or survive on salad to reap the benefits.

Why Are Vegetables So Good for You?

Vegetables do far more than just “help you stay healthy.”

They support your immune system, aid digestion, provide essential nutrients and help reduce the risk of many long-term health conditions.

They’re also naturally low in calories and high in fibre, meaning they help fill you up without adding lots of extra calories to your meals.

If you’re trying to lose body fat, that’s a pretty useful combination.

Fibre: The Unsung Hero

One of the biggest benefits of vegetables is their fibre content.

Fibre helps keep your digestive system healthy, supports your gut bacteria and helps you stay fuller for longer.

It can also help prevent that constant urge to snack between meals because your meals are simply more satisfying.

More Colour, More Variety

You don’t need to eat the same vegetables every day.

In fact, the more variety you eat, the better.

Different coloured vegetables contain different nutrients, so challenge yourself to add a bit more colour to your plate.

Think peppers, broccoli, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, beetroot, red cabbage or sweetcorn.

Fresh, frozen and tinned vegetables all count, so don’t let convenience stop you.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

One of the easiest ways to eat more vegetables is to stop thinking of them as a side dish.

Add spinach to your omelette.

Throw extra peppers and onions into your chilli.

Bulk out your pasta sauce with mushrooms, courgettes or grated carrots.

Keep frozen vegetables in the freezer for busy evenings.

Small changes soon add up.

Top Tip

If you’re looking for one habit that will improve almost every meal, make this it:

Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables or salad whenever you can.

Don’t worry about being perfect.

If you normally have none, adding just one portion is a brilliant place to start.

Progress is always better than perfection.

Final Thoughts

Healthy eating isn’t about cutting foods out.

It’s about adding more of the foods that help your body thrive.

So next time you’re making dinner, remember the advice you probably rolled your eyes at as a kid…

Eat your veg. Your body will thank you for it.

Erin Grant
Head of Gyms | MNU Certified Nutritionist