Social media plays a huge role in many peoples’ lives. Unfortunately, many studies and reports focus on the negative aspects of the phenomenon, focusing on the ways social media can cause problems in our lives.
What many people fail to realize is that social media can actually have a positive impact on your life. Case in point? Your activities on Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest can help you work toward a healthier diet and better overall wellness.
The Nutritionist Connection
In the past, most people got their nutrition information from their health care providers, traditional media, like magazines and television, or from other people. But unless they had a specific health condition that required them to work with a dietitian, like diabetes, few people actually had access to their expert advice and opinions on an individual level.
Social media has changed that. By following them on Facebook or Twitter, individuals have the chance to interact directly with the experts, getting useful information directly from those who have earned a master’s degree in nutrition and wellness. For example, many grocery store chains schedule regular online chats or question-and-answer sessions with their in-house nutritionists, allowing customers to post their concerns and receive accurate information. In most cases, these professionals maintain Facebook pages or Twitter feeds where they share tips and ideas related to eating well — often with specific recommendations for products you can purchase in the store. By following these experts, you can learn more about how you can eat and feel better.
A Built-In Support System
Many weight loss and health experts note that having a support system when you are trying to lose weight or lifestyle can be a major predictor of success. Sharing your goals via social media can be an effective means to maintain accountability and gain the support you need to be successful. In fact, a study at the University of South Carolina even found that people who incorporated Twitter into their weight loss plan were more successful than those who didn’t, primarily because Twitter provided immediate access to advice and encouragement not available elsewhere.
Food Activism
These days, many people get their food news via social media, where information (and sometimes misinformation) spreads quickly. So-called “food activists,” people who are concerned about how food is being manufactured and sold, often bring light to issues via social media, allowing people to know exactly what they are eating and empowering them to make better choices. In addition, health professionals, like doctors and dietitians, are using social media to spread the word about food-related health issues, such as problems with school lunches, the dangers of particular foods and other social issues. The overall effect is more widespread awareness of what we’re eating — and more public pressure for food producers to be transparent and discontinue potentially harmful practices.
Sharing Ideas and Inspiration
While Pinterest is famous as a place to find recipes for foods that would make any nutritionist cringe, there are also thousands of pins of healthy foods and ideas on how to create better lifestyles. From new ways to prepare vegetables to tips on how to reduce fat and calories without sacrificing flavor, chances are you can find it on Pinterest.
And that’s one example of how people can share ideas on how to eat better on social media. People head to Facebook for recommendations on restaurants with healthier menu options or for thoughts on making certain foods more palatable to their kids. It’s social media’s environment of sharing and collaborating that makes it ideal to for starting a journey toward better eating.
That’s why, if you want to eat better, social media can play a significant role in that effort. Whether you need specific recipes for quinoa or Brussels sprouts, or you want reassurance that yes, your child is going to grow up just fine even though he’s eaten chicken nuggets and carrots for the last three days, or you want to know what your local grocery store has in terms of organic options, your Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest feeds can be the best places to start.
About the Author:
Sara Matthews writes about healthy living and wellness for her blog as well as for several magazines.