Don't peel your veggies—it could actually help you lose weight

Many people who take on a new diet often struggle to fight the urge to snack. There can be many reasons behind this, such as a binge addiction or dependence on sugary foods. But for some, it might be that they aren't eating meals that increase their satiety. One way around this can be done by leaving the skin on your vegetables.

While protein is the most filling macronutrient we can consume (and why people like to top up with some of the best protein powders for weight loss) you can also increase satiety and reduce snacking by consuming more foods that are rich in fiber.

One easy way to up your intake of fiber is to avoid peeling the skin off vegetables. Next time you go to prep veggies like sweet potatoes, raw beetroots or carrots, leave your peeler out of it. Not only will this save time and prevent food waste but it can help you feel more full after meals, filling you up on healthy nutrients such as fiber. 

Leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter told Fit&Well that vegetable skins are an excellent source of fiber. She also revealed that the levels of vitamins and minerals inside veggies are more concentrated just under the skin – "So if you don’t eat the skin you are missing out," added Hunter. 

Her claims about vegetable peel and their health benefits are backed up by scientific research. According to a study published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, exact volumes of fiber will vary, fresh fruit and vegetables can contain up to one-third more fiber before removing the peel.

Hunter, who has partnered up with healthy food company Good4U to encourage people to eat more seasonally, said, "Eating more fiber will help you feel fuller for longer because the body has to work harder to digest the fiber, so food stays in the digestive tract longer which increases satiety (fullness)."

Filling yourself up on vegetables and their skins can curb snacking habits and assist you in managing your appetite and weight loss goals. Hunter also shared with Fit&Well that fiber helps boost the numbers of probiotic ‘friendly’ bacteria living in the gut, which can help strengthen your immune system, and may also help reduce hunger.

As well as prep, the way you cook your vegetables can also affect their nutritional benefits. Other research has discovered cooked and pureed is the best way to cook carrots if you want to boost your immune system.

One thing to note when eating vegetables with the skin on is that you should always wash them first. You are still saving time by not peeling the skin off but do ensure you run them under the tap to remove any residues. If don't particularly enjoy vegetables, you can get similar benefits from certain fruits with skin, such as apples and pears. 

Alternatively, you might not be in the know of how many yummy vegetable dishes there are out there to try. You can branch out your knowledge by checking out recipes from some of the best vegan cookbooks in our guide.