Today’s social world goes beyond the people you see on a daily basis. From Facebook to Twitter, Instagram to Snapchat, social media may be a big part of your life. Perhaps you follow friends, family, sports and entertainment personalities, or online groups and message boards.
Social media can be a powerful, positive part of your healthy lifestyle change. What you read, see, and hear can affect your mood, knowledge, what you think is normal, and how you feel about yourself. It can also be negative and make it harder for you to reach your goals.
Positive ways to use social media:
* Follow friends, nutritionists, and food bloggers who promote positive, healthy body and mind messages.
* Un-follow or block individuals who tend to post negative comments or who engage in arguments on social media.
* Share what inspires and motivates you on social media.
* Instead of reading or listening to short clips of news, read more investigative and thorough articles that make you think. Use this as food for thought on your next walk or in a discussion.
* Explore websites that bring people who share a common interest together. Join an outdoor adventure club or social group on MeetUp! (www.meetup.com).
* Support your friends and family who you see working to make changes in their lives, whether in health or another area of life.
* Follow friends, bloggers, or magazines that share ideas for meals, snacks, or workouts.
* Share what challenges you face and ask for support from friends & family.
* Share your goals to improve accountability.
* Note how much time you spend on social media sites. Could this time be spent planning a grocery list, going for a quick walk, or getting to bed earlier?
Follow & Subscribe
Tune into positive influencers on social media. Subscribe to recipe-packed magazines and blogs. Find new information, colorful ideas, and inspiring people to help you stay motivated and find social support.
Magazines (and corresponding websites):
* Clean Eating (www.cleaneating.com)
* Eating Well (www.eatingwell.com)
* Cooking Light (www.cookinglight.com)
* Vegetarian Times (even if you’re not a vegetarian, this magazine provides great plant-based meal and snack ideas!)(www.vegetariantimes.com)
* Experience Life (www.experiencelifemag.com)
Blogs & Social Media Accounts
Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) – Think of Pinterest as a picture-book guide to meal plans, recipes, printables, workout ideas, and inspiration. This site offers much more than tips for healthy eating, but here are some search terms to get you started: “clean eating” “healthy recipes” “healthy (food item, like stir fry or quiche)” or “easy workouts.”
@SproutedKitchen (Twitter, Instagram) andwww.sproutedkitchen.com– Whole foods inspiration and recipes
@Veggieful (Twitter, Instragam)- Ideas for incorporating more fiber-rich, plant-based foods into your diet
@Skinnytaste (Twitter, Instagram) andwww.skinnytaste.com– A healthy take on many easy, familiar recipes
Content and advertising in these publications and websites may or may not reflect the opinion of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine or that of its Medical Review Board.
Filter Your Social Media
* Who or what do I want to start following?
* Who or what do I need to stop following?
* How can I reduce the time I spend on social media?
Comparing Yourself to Others
Avoid physical comparisons with others. You will never look exactly like someone else. Instead, look at the qualities you admire in others.
* Who is someone I admire? What values does this person show by their actions? Underline the values you want to have yourself (e.g., sense of adventure).
* What actions can I take to start living one of those values?
