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Posted by u/recipequeen44Effortpost

After 8 weeks of eating veggies first, I'm seeing some interesting fiber and glucose data. Thoughts?

TL;DR: After 8 weeks of eating veggies first in meals, I've seen increased fiber intake and more stable glucose levels. Has anyone else tried this? What were your results?

I've been experimenting with my meal structure for the past 8 weeks by prioritizing vegetables first in every meal. As a home cook and nutrition enthusiast, I love diving into how different foods affect my body, especially in terms of fiber and glucose response. I figured starting with veggies would help improve my digestion and keep my blood sugar levels stable.

To give you a bit of background, my usual meals would include a protein source, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Now, I load up on non-starchy vegetables before touching the protein or carbs. I've tracked my fiber intake, and it has noticeably increased. I'm hitting around 40 grams per day now, up from about 25 grams. It's fascinating how adding more veggies can shift my nutrient profile.

As for glucose, I've been using a continuous glucose monitor to keep an eye on my levels. Before this experiment, I would often see my glucose spike post-meal, particularly after eating higher-carb foods. Since I started eating my veggies first, those spikes seem to be less dramatic. It's like the fiber from the veggies is doing a great job of slowing down the absorption of sugars from my carbs.

I'm curious to hear if anyone else has tried a similar approach, and if so, what changes you noticed in your digestion or glucose levels. Do you think there's a limit to this method? I've also been incorporating different types of veggies to keep it interesting, like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar or a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you've done this and have recipes or tips, I'd love to hear them!

I think it's amazing how small changes in meal structure can lead to significant impacts on health metrics. It's definitely motivated me to keep exploring more in the kitchen while paying attention to how food interacts in my body. Would love your thoughts and experiences on this topic!

25 comments

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u/depressedlifter

Man, this is interesting. I tried to track my fiber too, but I never made it past a week. Turns out my mental health issues were messing with my appetite. I get how adding veggies can help slow glucose spikes, but it's tough when your head's not in it. If anyone has tips for making veggies taste less like disappointment, I'm all ears.

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u/marathonmaniac99

I'm all about that fiber life! Ever since I started running longer distances, I noticed how crucial digestion is. Higher fiber from veggies helps keep me regular, which is key when I'm clocking those miles. Sounds like your blood sugar is getting a boost too, which is a win.

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u/depressedlifter

I can relate. It's a struggle to prioritize veggies when you're just trying to get through the day. I mean, when you're doing heavy lifts, sometimes you're just like, 'where's the quickest calorie?' But, I tried it once, and the fiber was a game changer for my bloating.

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u/carbloadking

Carb enthusiast here, and I can't imagine ditching the carbs completely! But I do agree that adding more fiber from veggies makes sense. Just gotta balance it all, right? What's your go-to for complex carbs?

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u/bro_split_bro_420

Bro, I've been on a veggie kick too! But don't sleep on the carbs! Balance is key if you're trying to bulk. Just remember, the real gains come from heavy lifting, not just what's on ur plate

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u/veganpowerlifting

If you want to keep it interesting, try roasting some of your veggies with different spices! It can change the whole flavor profile. My favorite is roasted carrots with cumin, it's a game changer!

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u/chickenncarrots

That sounds like a delicious way to up your fiber! I like mixing raw veggies into dips for snacks. Any chance you've tried making a veggie-heavy soup? Super comforting and healthy!

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u/runninglateagain

For real! I've tried a similar method with my salads before runs. I'll load up on greens, then eat my carbs, and my energy stays way more stable. My friends always laugh at me for being the salad queen, but it works! 馃

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u/badformbutgoodvibes

This slaps! I'm just starting my fitness journey, and I can't keep track of everything. Starting with veggies first sounds way easier. Gonna try it tonight!

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u/depressedlifter

Tbh, i never thought I'd be excited about veggies until I tried this. It's funny how small changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Gives me a bit of hope in my lifting journey.

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u/brokeandbulking

Just wait till you start feeling the savings in your wallet! Veggies are way cheaper than meat or fancy carbs. You can totally bulk on a budget by loading up on greens.

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u/rpe_skeptic

Not convinced this is anything groundbreaking. Just eat your veggies. People act like it's a new fitness revelation or something. You'll still need to balance ur macros.

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u/6footdadbod

I'm definitely gonna try this! If it works for my energy levels, I might even convince the kids to eat more veggies. Maybe I should just make a veggie pizza next time. 馃

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u/runninglateagain

I just can't get enough of those roasted Brussels sprouts! 馃槀 My dinner usually turns into a veggie challenge when I try to eat all the greens first. It's like a race against carbs!

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u/6footdadbod

That's awesome! Eating veggies first is like a cheat code for digestion. I always tell my kids that if they want dessert, they better finish their broccoli first! 馃槀

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u/6footdadbod

This is really interesting! I always try to sneak veggies in for the kids first, but I never thought about prioritizing them for myself. Do you think the kids would even notice if I switched up the order?

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u/nurseliftsheavy

As a nurse, I see so many people struggling with digestion. Eating more fiber from veggies can really make a difference. Plus, a steady blood sugar level helps with energy throughout the day. Love what you're doing!

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u/homegymhero

I'm all for practical advice! Making sure your meal setup promotes nutrient timing is crucial. As someone with a home gym, I prioritize my meals based on my training sessions. Starting with veggies is a clever way to maximize nutrient intake.

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u/veganpowerlifting

As a vegan, I'm all about loading my plate with veggies. It's amazing how much better I feel after switching my meal structure. Fiber helps a lot with satiety, and I'm hitting all my macros without even trying hard. Plus, there are so many ways to prepare them!

7

Facts! Veggies first is a solid strategy. I usually throw spinach in my smoothies to start my day off right. That way, I can chug down all the protein later without feeling guilty.

5

Facts, man. I've seen too many people overcomplicate their meals, thinking they need to track every little detail. Just eat real food, like you're doing with the veggies first. Less stress about carbs and sugars when you focus on whole foods.

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u/liftingtogether

Eating veggies first can definitely help with meal prep too. When I cook for my gym buddy and me, we always make sure to load up on those greens first. Makes everything more balanced and keeps us on track with our goals.

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u/gains_4_days

100% agree with starting with veggies! I do this before my post-workout carbs. Just keeps the hunger in check, and my lifts feel better. Plus, less bloating too!

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u/recipequeen44

I've been doing something similar for a while now! I always start with a big salad loaded with different veggies. It really helps me feel fuller and makes my meals more colorful. Plus, the dressing can be a fun way to keep it fresh, like adding a lemon-tahini sauce!

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u/marathonmaniac99

That's some solid data! I've been doing similar things in my marathon training. Fueling with more veggies has helped me with energy levels during my long runs. It's like filling up your tank with premium gas instead of regular. Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels during workouts?

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