Many people express the sentiment: “I understand that vegetables are beneficial for my health. I just don’t enjoy eating them.”
It’s a valid point. Scientific research has shown the challenges of convincing individuals who have an aversion to these foods to incorporate them into their diets. However, if you fall into this category, don’t give up just yet. Here’s why:
In 2021, researchers from the Agricultural Research Service, the research branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, conducted a study to determine if increasing vegetable consumption would lead to a sustained preference for these nutritious foods.
Building on previous findings that individuals tend to develop habits around unhealthy foods like candy, cookies, and chips, the researchers hypothesized that a similar pattern might emerge with increased vegetable consumption.
The study involved overweight men and women who typically consumed less than 1 cup of vegetables per day. Over an eight-week period, they were provided with the recommended daily servings of vegetables (between two and four servings). Subsequently, they were left to their own devices for two months.
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The results indicated that participants increased their vegetable intake when provided with the recommended amounts. However, during the second phase of the study, they reverted to their usual consumption patterns.
Despite this setback, the participants reported higher levels of happiness when following the recommended vegetable intake. The research suggested that “increasing daily vegetable consumption may have a positive impact on mental health.” This could serve as motivation to reconsider skipping that beet salad.
To take on the challenge, aim to consume at least 2 cups of varied vegetables daily, including some that are new to you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights vegetables like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, red peppers, pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, winter squash, and sweet potatoes for their rich nutrient content.
Barbara Intermill, a registered dietitian, can be reached via email at barbara@ quinnessentialnutrition.com.
