If it’s posted with a # on social media, it’s sure to mean it’s trending and folks are talking about it. Popular hash tags like #yum, #foodporn, and #nutrition are popular and lead to posts about weight-loss trends, staying fit and the fastest, easiest way to get there. If you go to your favorite social media platform and type in #nutrition, here’s what you’ll find:
· Lots of selfies. Often, you’ll find young, scantily clad bodies offering up six packs for days!
· Recipes for smoothies, whole foods, soups, various preparations for cauliflower
· Products and deals are offered…shakes, programs, workouts
· Diet trends are also common…low carb, high protein, Paleo, Whole 30, Clean Eating
But beware; just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Diets are often about quick weight loss that can limit certain food groups (like carbs or fats) and will have you counting calories or spending so much time on food prep that your commitment soon fizzles out. Lasting changes take a commitment that is realistic and that you can stick with. There are tests offered by companies like Pathway Genomics that help you get a better understanding of your personal needs on a genetic level to help aid in your weight management goals.
The most successful weight management plans combine nutrition, exercise and behavioral therapy. Fad diets are short-term, quick fixes that set many up for failure. If a diet plan or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If weight loss is the goal, a slow and steady reduction is more likely to last than a drastic weight change. Healthy and reasonable nutrition plans aim for a loss of half a pound to one pound per week. If you lose weight too quickly you will also lose muscle, bone mass and water. This can lead to rapid, post-diet regain of weight.
It’s best to avoid any nutrition plan that eliminates or severely restricts main food groups, such as carbohydrates or fats. Limiting food choices and adhering to a rigid meal plan can cause frustration that leads to derailing your diet. Ask yourself, “can I do this for the rest of my life?” If the answer is no, then the plan is not for you.
Talking to a registered dietitian is a step in the right direction. A dietitian can help you to identify your troubled areas around food, which are often behavioral. The dietitian can help you with a sensible food plan and provide techniques in food shopping, preparation and tips to help you to enjoy your food.
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I agree there is always the newest diet, exercise program, or supplement. It takes more than these to really get healthy but as a society people look for the quick and easy fix.
Lots of people overuse hashtags. I was just on a blog who when things are posted on say facebook, there are from 8-10 hashtags. Personally, one hashtag is fine, after that I see spam written all over it or a plea for attention. I agree the nutrition one would be a prime example of hashtag over use and would likely be tons of ads
I keep in mind that anything named “diet” or sold for “weight loss” is making someone lots of money—whether it works or not. I also dislike diets that eliminate whole food categories. It is one thing to eliminate certain corporate foods. It is another to eliminate actual whole foods. Hubz and I are struggling a little right now trying to find out what will work for us.
Definitely good advice. Just because a diet is popular, doesn’t mean it fits with your health or would improve the dietary needs of every individual.
Good tips. I see this (and other) hashtags used to promote images that are anything but healthy. To me, nutrition and dieting have nothing to do with each other.
This is so true. People will hashtag anything with everything nowadays.. just because they say it’s healthy doesn’t mean that it’s true!
I’m glad that people are trying to get healthier! Sometimes seeing all the food posts inspire me to make new dishes!