A quirky TikTok trend called “dinosaur time” has captured millions of views by encouraging people to eat more greens—simply by grabbing a fistful of raw leafy vegetables and chomping down like a prehistoric creature. With social media platforms increasingly influencing health behaviors in Thailand and worldwide, Thai readers may wonder: Is this new viral eating hack actually good for you, or just another internet fad? Registered dietitians and nutrition experts are weighing in, and the results may surprise you.
The “dinosaur time” trend was launched by TikTok user @sahmthingsup, whose video shows her stuffing greens in her mouth and dubbing it “the best life hack for me” to get more vegetables with every meal. Her video has racked up over 3.5 million views, sparking discussions among both the health-conscious and those who struggle to fit greens into their diets. Health experts say that, while the approach seems silly, it taps into an important idea: reducing barriers to eating veggies can make people—especially kids and teens—more likely to eat them. “[It] does not require a lot of preparation or thought, whereas making a salad or meal does,” said Alyssa Smolen, a New York and New Jersey-based registered dietitian, in her interview with CBS News. Smolen explained that the raw, unfiltered style is clever for people who feel overwhelmed by food prep, offering an easy way to boost daily veggie intake (CBS News).
Why does this matter for Thais? Research and health campaigns in Thailand frequently highlight the nation’s low average intake of vegetables, especially among young people. National health surveys show that Thais often consume less than the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions (WHO Thailand). Trends like “dinosaur time” may provide a low-effort solution for those struggling to adopt healthier eating habits, especially as the Thai lifestyle becomes increasingly fast-paced and convenience-driven.
Dietitians affirm that eating leafy greens—rich in fiber, vitamins (like A, C, and K), and antioxidants—confers multiple health benefits, including improved brain function and reduced risk of some cancers (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). However, experts also note that the dinosaur approach may come with some nutritional drawbacks if practiced in isolation. “Many green leafy vegetables require a source of fat consumed with them in order for certain nutrients to be absorbed,” Smolen said. Nutrients like vitamin K and A are fat-soluble, so eating greens plain may mean missing out on their full nutritional value. This is why traditional Thai salads (yum), often served with nuts or oils, make biological sense in addition to being delicious. For those hoping to maximize their vitamin absorption, simply adding a few slices of avocado, drizzling some olive oil, or tossing a handful of nuts alongside those raw greens would do the trick (CBS News).
Nutrition research backs up the need for creative interventions. According to a 2025 systematic review of global interventions for improving vegetable intake, simple and enjoyable approaches—like making eating fun or tapping into imaginative play—can boost the likelihood that young people will actually eat their vegetables (PubMed systematic review). The “dinosaur time” approach fits this mold: for children, pretending to be a prehistoric creature munching on plants can make the act of eating less intimidating and more child-friendly. In Western contexts, nutritionists have recommended similar “playful” strategies, such as arranging vegetables in bright, colorful patterns or letting kids help in preparing their own veggie snacks (NPR). Thai parents familiar with “กินผักให้หมดจานนะลูก” (“Finish your veggies!”) might find relief in a method that feels more like play and less like punishment.
Still, pretending to be a dinosaur isn’t a nutritional cure-all. While chomping straight into spinach or kale cuts down on prep time and could help increase fiber intake, it may not appeal to everyone, especially those sensitive to the taste or texture of raw greens. Experts like Smolen recommend meeting halfway: “When making a wrap or sandwich, people can throw in a handful of spinach or lettuce. The same thing can be said if people are making tacos or a smoothie. Doing this a few times a day can really add up,” she advised. The trick is not perfection, but consistency—finding ways to slip vegetables into meals throughout the day (CBS News, Popsugar).
In Thailand, such ideas hold special promise given the country’s rich tradition of vegetable consumption—think of morning glory in pad pak boong, holy basil in pad kra pao, and raw veggies in a som tum platter. Historically, Thai families incorporated abundant greens in everyday cuisine, but recent nutrition surveys show young urban Thais are increasingly shifting toward processed foods and away from traditional diets. A 2025 study from the region emphasized that increasing fruit and vegetable intake is crucial for transitioning toward healthier, more sustainable diets, especially among younger generations (PubMed review on Fiji, parallels to Asia).
So, what about the global trend’s future, and its potential in Thailand? Experts see promise in using social media “hacks” and playful trends to promote better eating habits, particularly in schools and among young adults. However, public health authorities and nutrition educators should stress that novelty alone isn’t enough. Lasting success demands variety, cultural relevance, and accessibility. Programs that teach children to identify and enjoy local vegetables—whether through fun events or TikTok challenges—could help revive traditional Thai eating habits in a modern, engaging way.
For Thai readers inspired by dinosaur time (เวลาไดโนเสาร์), the take-home message is clear: If grabbing a fistful of greens and pretending you’re a stegosaurus gets you to eat more veggies, go for it—just don’t forget the som tum dressing or a few peanuts for added nutrition! Parents can encourage their children to try “dinosaur time” or other playful approaches at home, especially if they struggle to eat enough vegetables with each meal. Office workers in Bangkok might also try bringing bags of greens to snack on, or adding greens to convenience meals, to close the nutrition gap even with a busy schedule.
To sum up: “dinosaur time” is an amusing, effective way for some people—Thais included—to eat more greens, but combining the trend with healthy fats and a variety of vegetables is key for long-term benefits. The real victory comes when trends like these become the springboard for wider improvements in eating habits, both online and around the Thai dinner table.
For more information and inspiration on eating more greens and improving your diet, check resources from the Thai Ministry of Public Health (กรมอนามัย), World Health Organization Thailand (WHO Thailand healthy diet), and local nutrition clubs, or follow authoritative dietitians on TikTok and Instagram. Try making veggie consumption a fun part of family meals—maybe not just dinosaur time, but also by exploring traditional Thai dishes that turn veggies into star attractions. Eating better shouldn’t feel like a chore. ด้วยหัวใจไดโนเสาร์, let’s make greens fun again!
Sources: CBS News | NPR | Popsugar | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | WHO Thailand | PubMed Review