TikTok’s “Dinosaur Time” Has People Eating Spinach By the Fistful — Want to Join?
TikTok’s latest nutrition hack speaks to our inner dinosaur kid. In a March TikTok with over 300K likes, creator @sahmthingsup introduced the world to what she calls “dinosaur time” . . . all while shoving down fistfuls of uncooked spinach. By her own explanation, dinosaur time is a “quick and easy way” to get more greens in your diet — salads be damned. “Instead of making a complete lifestyle change, just do something you hate for a minute,” one commenter wrote. “Why is this such an obvious solution and never occurred to me?” another asked.
People on social media have already rallied behind dinosaur time, calling it a fun and time-efficient health hack. Some have even tried the trend with their families. But should you really go stocking up on spinach just yet? Ahead, an expert weighs in on dinosaur time, explaining the potential risks, benefits, and how much veg you should actually try to eat. Read on to learn more about the Jurassic hack, including how to (safely) try dinosaur time yourself.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Masarat Jilani, MBBS, MRCGP, is a general practitioner and resident doctor for Jude, a UK-based bladder care and supplements company.
Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of communications at L-Nutra, Inc.
What Is Dinosaur Time?
“The dinosaur time trend is essentially a simple, silly but engaging way to increase fiber intake by eating leafy greens straight from the bag before a meal,” explains general practitioner Masrat Jilani, MBBS, MRCGP. Could you make a simple salad instead? Sure. But dinosaur time is faster and arguably more fun: no dressing or prep time required. “The ‘dinosaur time’ trend makes eating greens playful and accessible — exactly what we need to build sustainable healthy habits,” says Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN. “I appreciate how this simple approach can help people incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet while making the experience enjoyable.”
Dinosaur Time Benefits
Dinosaur time might seem a bit unusual at first, but experts say there are some legitimate health benefits. These include:
- Better digestion: Eating more greens is a great way to boost your fiber intake. According to Dr. Jilani, this can support digestion, reduce the risk of constipation, and promote more regular bowel movements.
- Positive view of veggies: The playfulness behind dinosaur time can help reframe the narrative around healthy eating. Instead of it being something you dread, you might start to create more positive associations with vegetables, Murphy Richter says.
- Improved gut health: Greens like spinach and kale contain prebiotics that support healthy bacteria in the gut. “These are great for supporting your immunity, and help to cultivate a healthy gut microbiome,” Dr. Jilani says.
- Healthier habits: Even adults struggle to eat their greens. Dinosaur time is great because it “builds sustainable habits through enjoyment rather than restriction,” Murphy Richter says.
- Blood sugar regulation: “The high fiber content in leafy greens slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes,” Dr. Jilani explains.
- Increased energy: According to Murphy Richter, some dinosaur time participants have reported improved energy levels and better lab results. Dr. Jilani adds that better blood sugar regulation could also help you feel more energized throughout the day.
- Increased satiety: Dinosaur time may also help you feel fuller for longer. “Leafy greens are low in calories but high in volume, meaning they help you feel fuller for longer without significantly increasing your calorie intake,” Dr. Jilani says.
Dinosaur Time Risks
If we learned one thing from Jurassic Park, it’s to always assess the risk. In the case of dinosaur time, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that — although you don’t need to cook your greens — you should still wash them beforehand. “If you don’t wash your salad leaves first (and I would even recommend washing greens that claim on the packaging to have already been washed), you could put yourself at risk of consuming harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella,” Dr. Jilani says.
Murphy Richter adds that the competitive aspect of dinosaur time could pose a choking hazard (i.e. competing with family members to eat as fast as possible). She says that some participants could develop an imbalanced view of nutrition as well, explaining that raw vegetables alone don’t provide complete nutrition.
Eating too much fiber too quickly may also cause digestive discomfort for those with certain digestive conditions. If you’re not used to eating raw vegetables, take it slow and work your way up. And before making any major dietary changes, remember to speak with a healthcare professional for more personalized advice.
How to Try Dinosaur Time
Given that too much fiber can cause digestive issues, it’s important not to overdo it. If you’re a dinosaur time beginner, Dr. Jilani recommends starting with one or two large handfuls (about 50-100g) of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula, or mixed salad leaves. “This provides a meaningful amount of fiber and nutrients without interfering with your overall diet,” she says.
Murphy Richter agrees that dinosaur time is a fun and potentially helpful trend for those looking to eat more leafy greens. But there are a few things she’d recommend to make it even better. For starters, consider rotating between different types of greens for more diverse nutrients. Then, if you’re not used to raw greens, try the hack in smaller amounts to avoid digestive discomfort. Go slowly to avoid choking risks, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of healthy fat (like olive oil or avocado) to improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
“The beauty of this trend is its simplicity and how it makes healthy eating fun,” she says. “With these small tweaks, you can maintain that playful spirit while maximizing the nutritional benefits and minimizing potential downsides.”
Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.
