Can Eating Spinach First Thing in the Morning Stop Cravings?

A new trend has people stuffing their mouths with raw spinach first thing in the morning, claiming it retrains taste buds and reduces cravings for salty and sugary snacks. I’m all for any trend that encourages people to eat more leafy greens.

Here’s what we do know:

• 97% of Americans fall short on fiber intake, contributing to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Leafy greens like spinach are an easy way to increase fiber.

• Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, plus, its nitrates may offer strength benefits. Spinach is also a solid source of protein.

• A big leafy green salad should be a daily goal. Whether you eat it fresh, blended into a smoothie, or cooked into meals, daily spinach intake supports overall health.

• Spinach may help curb cravings, but not in the way that some TikTokers claim. Foods high in fiber and nutrients, like spinach, help keep you full longer, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.

• Oxalates in spinach can bind to minerals like iron and calcium. If you’re prone to kidney stones or have low iron or calcium levels, balancing your diet with other nutrient-rich foods is key. Cooking spinach can reduce its oxalate content.

The bottom line? Eat more leafy greens, just don’t stress about cramming them into your mouth first thing in the morning.