Social media is a key component in today’s day and age. We’ve all probably snapped a picture of a dessert or pasta that looked really appetizing prior to indulging in said dishes. We’ve also all probably scrolled through Instagram and seen those Insta Baddies who have the “perfect” body type, amazing outfit, and just look like a work of art. This can influence our perception of body image, give us unrealistic images of female beauty, and impact our diet. You may now find yourself eating less of that appetizing pasta, or setting that cake aside they’re only added calories.
You might also encounter friends and peers who are obsessed with tracking their calories so that they can look like a supermodel (or other weight goals), and this can make dinner or lunch a guilty experience. You might find yourself eating less and thinking more about your own eating style and diet—should you order those chicken wings when your friend is eating a salad? You might feel overly conscious while eating your food, consumed by these negative thoughts, which can cause you to not enjoy your meal. It is important to remind yourself that everyone has different goals and aspirations when it comes to their body type; you must remind yourself that you do not need to be like them and that you should always think about your own goals when it comes to your weight, body type, and other environmental factors that could play a role (such as additional stress). We should not have the expectation that everyone’s body type should look alike because this is not obtainable for many people due to genetics and other health-related concerns; cutting out carbohydrates to look more lean and skinny may be harder for anemics who need that extra boost of energy.
Another important piece of information to keep in mind is not everything you see on social media is true. You might see someone who you might consider “unattractive” but you do not know what goes on behind the scenes—they may be suffering emotionally or dealing with a medical condition. You might also see a supermodel who has the “perfect” life, but this too may be a façade. You only see one side of the story, which is why it is important not to make rash, life-changing decisions about your diet, caloric intake, or even a rigorous gym routine to get a certain body type that you saw on your Instagram feed. Remember, every body type is beautiful, and scars, stretch marks, and other “imperfections” all make us distinct and beautiful in our own ways. So the next time you come across a certain Insta baddie, remind yourself just who you are—a baddie of your own kind—and keep in mind your own goals about your weight—whether this means working on those glutes or trying to tone your stomach. Don’t put down those chicken wings or salad—do whatever works for YOU!
Check out these studies for more information:
https://is.muni.cz/el/1423/podzim2014/PSY221P121/um/Perloff2014.SocialMe….
https://www.livestrong.com/article/552054-low-carb-diet-for-anemics/.