Discover the "dinosaur time" trend that's helping people eat more greens
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Eating more greens is something most of us know we should be doing, but let’s be honest—it’s not always the easiest habit to maintain.
Between busy days, changing tastes, and the occasional lack of motivation to prepare a full salad, vegetables can sometimes take a back seat.
Yet every so often, a new idea surfaces that gets people talking—and in some cases, even rethinking how they approach their daily diet.
A recent trend quietly gaining traction across social media has folks embracing a surprisingly simple and playful way to add more leafy greens to their day.
And while it might sound a little unconventional at first, it’s catching on for good reason.
The concept took off after a popular social media user, @sahmthingsup, posted a video showing herself grabbing a handful of leafy greens and eating them raw—no dressing, no bowl, no prep.
Just munching away like a modern-day herbivore.
The trend has captured widespread attention, particularly from folks looking to include more vegetables in their routines without the hassle of elaborate recipes.
While the original video has racked up millions of views, the method itself is as basic as it gets—think: spinach or kale straight from the bag.
The appeal? It's fast, it's natural, and it removes the mental barrier that healthy eating has to be complicated.
Alyssa Smolen, a registered dietitian practicing in New York and New Jersey, says the trend is both "humorous and clever."
For people who struggle to get enough greens in their day, she sees "dinosaur time" as a helpful entry point.
And she’s not wrong—leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Regular consumption of greens has even been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers and chronic illnesses.
However, Smolen also points out that eating raw greens without anything else might not unlock all their benefits.
That's because many essential nutrients—like vitamins K and A—are fat-soluble, meaning they need to be consumed with a source of fat for your body to absorb them properly.
Source: TikTok / talatonline54k.
If you’re going to eat greens like a dinosaur, consider giving them a modern twist.
Pairing them with healthy fats—like a drizzle of olive oil, a few avocado slices, or some chopped nuts—can make a big difference in nutrient absorption.
So, while chomping on spinach straight from the bag might be convenient, adding just a small serving of healthy fat can elevate its nutritional impact dramatically.
Smolen emphasizes that greens aren’t the only source of essential nutrients. A colorful variety of vegetables and fruits can offer just as many health benefits.
If raw greens don’t excite your taste buds, you can still meet your nutritional goals with other vibrant produce—think bell peppers, carrots, berries, or squash.
And for those not quite ready to go full "dino," she offers a few simple suggestions:
Even small additions like these can add up to better nutrition over time.
"Dinosaur time" may not be for everyone, but it’s a fun reminder that healthy habits don’t have to be complicated.
Whether you're eating greens by the handful or folding them into everyday meals, the key is finding what works for you—and sticking with it.
For many older adults looking to improve their diet without a major overhaul, this trend might be just the kind of low-pressure, lighthearted nudge they need.
Read next: The surprisingly healthy pizza options at your go-to chains – what to order next time!
What’s your favorite easy way to add greens to your meals? Have you found tricks that help you stay on track with healthy eating? Join the conversation in the comments—your tips might help someone else make small but lasting changes.
Between busy days, changing tastes, and the occasional lack of motivation to prepare a full salad, vegetables can sometimes take a back seat.
Yet every so often, a new idea surfaces that gets people talking—and in some cases, even rethinking how they approach their daily diet.
A recent trend quietly gaining traction across social media has folks embracing a surprisingly simple and playful way to add more leafy greens to their day.
And while it might sound a little unconventional at first, it’s catching on for good reason.
A playful new trend is helping people add more greens to their diet—one handful at a time. Image Source: Pexels / Kindel Media.
What is "dinosaur time"?
The concept took off after a popular social media user, @sahmthingsup, posted a video showing herself grabbing a handful of leafy greens and eating them raw—no dressing, no bowl, no prep.
Just munching away like a modern-day herbivore.
The trend has captured widespread attention, particularly from folks looking to include more vegetables in their routines without the hassle of elaborate recipes.
While the original video has racked up millions of views, the method itself is as basic as it gets—think: spinach or kale straight from the bag.
The appeal? It's fast, it's natural, and it removes the mental barrier that healthy eating has to be complicated.
What dietitians are saying
Alyssa Smolen, a registered dietitian practicing in New York and New Jersey, says the trend is both "humorous and clever."
For people who struggle to get enough greens in their day, she sees "dinosaur time" as a helpful entry point.
And she’s not wrong—leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Regular consumption of greens has even been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers and chronic illnesses.
However, Smolen also points out that eating raw greens without anything else might not unlock all their benefits.
That's because many essential nutrients—like vitamins K and A—are fat-soluble, meaning they need to be consumed with a source of fat for your body to absorb them properly.
Source: TikTok / talatonline54k.
Also read: 10 super vegetables that can transform your health immediately!
Don’t skip the healthy fats
If you’re going to eat greens like a dinosaur, consider giving them a modern twist.
Pairing them with healthy fats—like a drizzle of olive oil, a few avocado slices, or some chopped nuts—can make a big difference in nutrient absorption.
So, while chomping on spinach straight from the bag might be convenient, adding just a small serving of healthy fat can elevate its nutritional impact dramatically.
Also read: This "healthy" food could be sabotaging your weight loss: a surgeon’s surprising warning
It's all about variety
Smolen emphasizes that greens aren’t the only source of essential nutrients. A colorful variety of vegetables and fruits can offer just as many health benefits.
If raw greens don’t excite your taste buds, you can still meet your nutritional goals with other vibrant produce—think bell peppers, carrots, berries, or squash.
And for those not quite ready to go full "dino," she offers a few simple suggestions:
- Add a handful of spinach to a sandwich or wrap
- Blend kale into your morning smoothie
- Toss some lettuce into a taco or grain bowl
Even small additions like these can add up to better nutrition over time.
"Dinosaur time" may not be for everyone, but it’s a fun reminder that healthy habits don’t have to be complicated.
Whether you're eating greens by the handful or folding them into everyday meals, the key is finding what works for you—and sticking with it.
For many older adults looking to improve their diet without a major overhaul, this trend might be just the kind of low-pressure, lighthearted nudge they need.
Read next: The surprisingly healthy pizza options at your go-to chains – what to order next time!
What’s your favorite easy way to add greens to your meals? Have you found tricks that help you stay on track with healthy eating? Join the conversation in the comments—your tips might help someone else make small but lasting changes.
