I argue: Eat vegetables first

Restaurants often offer white bread before a meal, but it can leave diners feeling unwell. Researcher Kirsikka Aittola argues that meals should begin with vegetables.

The principle has several benefits, she says. Eating vegetables first can help even out blood sugar and may also make it easier to keep the portion size under control.

Aittola says online discussions have circulated the claim that well-being depends not only on what a plate contains, but also on the order in which the food is eaten. Her recommended sequence starts with vegetables, followed by protein, and ends with a carbohydrate-rich side dish such as rice.