It
seems the world of social media has gone crazy for superfoods, "strong not
skinny" and a seemingly healthy way of living. However, recent articles in
various newspapers and magazines, claim that the new
batch of super fit and healthy ( and super good-looking) instagrammers are
living lifestyles quite the opposite, in order to keep their followers
interested. These people live on fashionable foods such as quinoa, kale, Acai
bowls, avocado, and like to give the impression they've got it all.
A recent article I read
in Event, highlights that most food/health/fitness bloggers are not qualified
in food science or nutrition, so what gives them the responsibility to give
other people advice on social media about what we should and shouldn't be
eating? Granted, some have taking courses or are training in some way, but the
growing influence of these people, particularly on Instagram is a real cause
for concern. More so when they also promote dieting methods in sponsored posts,
the most popular being protein shakes or teatox style regimes. Being paid to
pop them into a post is a dangerous responsibility, helping to persuade anyone
who takes their advice to believe what they promote will really work for them.
The
power of the internet now means that anyone can write or promote anything that
they want to, whether you're an expert or a complete novice in the topic.
Whilst blogging about books or beauty is unlikely to affect people directly,
particularly their health, fitness and health related topics need to be treated
carefully. Our bodies have varying needs and while healthy eating is
fundamental for everyone, methods to achieving it can be interpreted in
different ways, ways which might not be necessarily right for your body. We
have qualified dieticians and nutritionists for a reason, to provide expert and
specific advice for our individual needs.
We
need to remember that social media can be useful, but also incredibly
dangerous. People can be easily influenced, and I do not feel inspired by other
apparent fitness "gurus". Nothing is ever completely what it seems,
and their perfect and glossy lives on their feeds do not always hold true to
their real lives. Happiness for me will never be found in a Nutribullet.
Thanks for reading! Do you feel inspired by health bloggers? Do they think make good role models?
Such a good post and something more people need to read and take notice of. I have also done a post on the 'fitness experts' you see on social media - which is just as dangerous!
ReplyDeleteLaura x
http://fbl-savvy.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/fitness-who-do-you-trust.html
Thank you! I had a read of yours it makes so many true points! :)
DeleteI love this post and don't follow many either. I believe in moderation and aiming to be healthy, not strong or eating tonnes of protein. A fitness addiction isn't exactly healthy either! xx
ReplyDeleteSam // Samantha Betteridge