Social Media Influence on Diets…

In today’s social media age, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are not just spaces for entertainment and connecting with friends, they also highly influence every aspect of our lives, including what we eat.

For many in Kenya for example, social media significantly influences food choices. Both positively and negatively.

As a professional nutritionist, I’ve seen firsthand how the online space can inspire healthy changes, but also how it can lead to unrealistic expectations and poor diet habits.

The Power of Social Media: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Social media influencers, food bloggers, and even celebrities have the power to shape trends and create widespread awareness. However, not all influences are beneficial.

The Positive Side:

• Many Kenyan influencers and food bloggers focus on promoting traditional, nutrient-rich foods that have long been staples of the African diet.
• Healthy Traditional Dishes: Influencers like #ChefJane on Instagram or KenyanFoodie on YouTube often share recipes for healthy local foods such as ugali made with millet or sorghum, vegetable stews like sukuma, and nutrient-packed smoothies made from fruits like mango, papaya, and avocado. These foods are affordable, accessible, and culturally relevant, showing that eating healthy doesn’t require expensive, imported foods.
• Plant-Based Eating: Many influencers are also promoting plant-based diets, showcasing the benefits of vegetables, legumes, and grains grown locally.
• Awareness Campaigns: Social media platforms are also an excellent space for nutritionists and health experts to educate people on the importance of balanced eating, portion control, and hydration.

These are powerful examples of how social media can encourage people to make informed, healthy food choices.

The Negative Side: Unrealistic Beauty Standards and Fad Diets

Not all social media influences are positive. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, often depicted through highly curated images, can lead to unhealthy diet trends. For instance:

Fad Diets: Many influencers may advocate for extreme and sometimes harmful diet practices, such as the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, or juice cleanses, often without professional guidance. These diets can be difficult to maintain, may cause nutrient deficiencies, or lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.

The idea that a person needs to look a certain way—often thin and toned—can create unrealistic body image expectations, especially for young people.

The “Perfect” Plate: Social media can also portray an idealized version of a meal that is often far from reality. Some social influencers glorify overly processed, high-calorie foods that may not necessarily align with a healthy lifestyle.

Unverified Health Claims: Many influencers may lack professional credentials, yet they share unverified or misleading health advice, like recommending certain superfoods or supplements that have not been scientifically proven.

How to Prevent Negative Social Media Influences on Diets

Curate Your Feed: Follow credible sources such as registered dietitians, nutritionists, or health organizations. In Kenya, accounts like simplenutrition.co.ke and Nourish Health provide evidence-based information that can guide healthier food choices.

Critical Thinking: Before adopting any diet trend or purchasing a supplement promoted on social media, it’s essential to ask: Does it make sense for my lifestyle? Does it align with my health goals? If in doubt, consult a professional.

Stay Rooted in Local Foods: We are fortunate to have a variety of nutritious, locally grown foods that are affordable and easy to access. It’s important to remember that social media’s influence doesn’t have to mean adopting foreign or expensive foods. Embrace the rich diversity of our diets, including fruits like bananas and papayas, vegetables like kale and spinach, and grains like millet and sorghum.

Promote Body Positivity: Social media can often push an unattainable ideal of beauty. It’s important to counteract this by embracing a healthier mindset—one that celebrates wellness rather than a specific body shape.

Educate, Don’t Imitate: Instead of blindly following trends, use social media as a learning tool. Educate yourself about nutrition, local farming, and sustainable food practices, and use these insights to build a healthy diet tailored to your needs and values.

Let’s continue to use social media to inspire, educate, and celebrate the rich, diverse food culture that Africa, and Kenya in particular, has to offer, while always keeping our health and wellness as the top priority.