7 Signs You're Not Eating Enough Vegetables & Need To Make A Diet Change

Did you resist vegetables as a child and still struggle to include it in your diet even as an adult?

Well, your dislike for greens might make you overestimate how much of it you're actually eating. Even if you do include veggies in your diet, it might not be enough! ???

Keep reading to find out the seven signs that you're not eating enough vegetables which will hopefully encourage yourself to make a diet change! 

#1 Your skin is dehydrated, dull or is breaking out

Photo from Pinterest

Vegetables are rich in antioxidants that your skin will love. The vitamin C in leafy greens like kale and spinach helps to stimulate collagen production which in turn helps firm and brighten skin. Certain root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes contain beta carotene which helps fight free radicals that cause skin ageing.

Eating more vegetables can also help hydrate your skin from the inside out as veggies are packed with water. For example, spinach has a water content of 91.4%.

#2 You crave snacks between meals

Photo from Pinterest

If you don't feel satisfied after a meal and quickly reach for snacks, your diet could use more vegetables.

Fibre in vegetables slows digestion so it keeps you feeling full longer. The high water content also makes it an  appetite suppressant as water takes up volume and weight in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness.

There are practical ways to resist your junk food cravings and if all else fails, you can always opt for  healthy snacks that are still delicious!

#3 You feel lethargic

Photo from Pinterest

If you often feel sluggish and your diet consists of a lot of processed food, it's time to replace it with vegetables!

Processed food is packed with preservatives, additives, trans fat, etc. gives you a short spike of energy followed quickly by a drop, making you feel fatigued. On the other hand, fresh veggies contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provides sustained energy, making you feel more awake and alert for a longer period of time.

#4 You fall ill easily and take a long time to recover

Photo from Pinterest

If you're not eating enough vegetables, your body may lack essential vitamins and antioxidants that releases free radical fighters against viruses. This means that you're more likely to get sick and may take a longer time to recover.

Incorporate more dark leafy green vegetables in your diet to help boost your immune system and shorten your recovery time.

#5 You often get constipated

Photo from Pinterest

This is probably one that you already know! Vegetables are high in fibre including insoluble fibre which can help prevent constipation. Insoluble fibre retains water, adding bulk and weight to stool as well as softening it which makes it easier to pass.

#6 You're prone to muscle cramps

Photo from Pinterest

Potassium is an important contributor to vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth. If your blood levels of potassium are too low, you may be more prone to muscle cramps and twitches.

Most vegetables are abundant in Potassium such as spinach, bok choy, broccoli and asparagus. Having a diet with a lot of vegetables will ensure you get enough potassium.

#7 You often feel stressed

Photo from Pinterest

Although there are a number of ways to de-stress, including more vegetables in your diet is one of the easiest.

Magnesium can help promote relaxation by maintaining healthy levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that quiets down nerve activity. Many greens like kale and spinach have significant amounts of magnesium that may help your mind and body calm down during stressful times.

Share this article with your friends! 

Text by: GirlStyle SG