By Dr. Molly Casey Spring has nearly sprung. For many it’s the time of year to be rejoiced as sunshine …
3 Ways Using Social Media Might Help With Weight Loss
It might just be the new craze to document your weight loss journey on social media. Lately, it’s common to see inspiring weight loss stories on blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Individuals who choose to share their weight loss story tend to post weekly or monthly pictures of their changing bodies, as well as the healthy new diet they have adopted. The interesting part of this method, is that it seems to work. So what is it about letting the world wide web into what can often be a very personal lifestyle choice, that is so effective? Here are three reasons why documenting your weight loss on social media might just be the best way to lose the weight and keep it off.
1. Staying Accountable
A lot of times when we begin new diet or exercise regimens, we often do so with a friend or partner. It is nice to have someone who can hold you to the promises you have made to yourself. However, that person may not be enough to stop you from breaking into those cookies at midnight, or skipping your gym session for the day. The internet however, has become something of a confessional, where we express ourselves more honestly than we would in real life. Our internet followers might just be the ultimate mirror we need to hold ourselves accountable to our pledge for a healthier lifestyle.
2. A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
Let’s face it, when we are feeling good about ourselves and our choices, we are obsessed with documenting it. We might write a blog post, tweet about it, or post a picture on Instagram. When we see our bodies changing in a positive manner, of course we’re going to document it. The positive reinforcement we then receive from our followers often acts as further encouragement to keep consistent with our diet and exercise plans. Even posting pictures of meals can help to keep you on a healthy eating track, because I doubt you’ll be posting pictures of that box of cookies you want to inhale!
3. Followers= Fans
The community of followers we have via social media generally consist of family, friends, people from high school, and maybe a few random social media users. While on your fitness journey, these people can often act as your biggest fans! And just so you know, if these people aren’t being positive about how you’re deciding to use your social media platforms, don’t hesitate to block them! Your followers should be people who want to see you succeed, and help to inspire you on your journey. Who knows, you might even inspire them.
It’s understandable that not everyone wants to document their weight loss on social media, but for those who do, it’s a great way to get inspired and stay inspired to shed the weight and lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Rob Bertholf