The Secret to Sustainable Diet Change? It's Not on TikTok

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Many of us have dedicated endless hours browsing through recipe ideas on different social media platforms, blogs, and websites. Kale salads, green smoothies, homemade sushi, vegetable soups—there are limitless recipes and inspirations available! And somehow, they always appear spectacular and delicious!

There's immense value in discovering a variety of healthy recipes online, exploring different cooking techniques, and trying new ingredients you've never encountered before. I've certainly found a wealth of inspiration and new ideas—the internet is a vast and fascinating place!

Finding a delicious healthy recipe online is a great start, but it's often only the first step toward lasting change.

Finding healthy recipes online doesn't necessarily lead to healthy behaviour change.

No one's diet is perfect (and obsessing over perfection isn't a healthy habit, either) but most of us have some habits that we know aren't serving our overall health. Maybe it's a sweet tooth that can only be sated by an entire block of chocolate. Maybe it's a late night McDonalds run that you can't seem to avoid.

These habits can be really hard to shake. Habitual, emotional, even physiological reasons for indulging in less healthy foods grip us in what can feel like real addiction.

And that's not to mention the convenience of some of these foods. "I can't be bothered cooking tonight, I'll just get KFC, or open a pack of Doritos." The easy access to "junk" foods can be really alluring at times when energy and effort levels are low, making it easier to break our promises to ourselves.

Takeaway foods don't need preparation, making them an "easier" choice.

You might already be seeing the differences between eating a healthy meal, and having healthy habits. Finding a great healthy recipe online doesn't break long-term habits that may be putting you at higher risk of being overweight, obese, or developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

Moreover, while browsing the internet, you're depending on nutritional guidance from typically unqualified individuals, such as influencers. You're trusting someone who may have more expertise in social media than in nutrition to determine what's healthy—not only for the general public but also for your specific circumstances and needs.

Online influencers and unqualified nutritionists often have misinformed views, or promote diets that have worked for one person but aren't appropriate for everyone. Or, worse still, they know that they're promoting something that doesn't work (or isn't healthy) to make a buck. Following a "TikTok diet" is rarely the answer.

Nutrition counselling may not be exactly what you think!

Many people have a slightly different idea about what working with a qualified nutritionist entails than the actual reality. What people expect is to sit down in front of someone, be told what to eat, be given a meal plan, and be on their way- all their problems solved!

The reality is that a qualified (that's someone who has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition, or equivalent) nutritionist will have an entirely different approach. Your nutritionist will work with you to ascertain your regular diet habits, and help you to set appropriate goals to make sustainable healthy changes to your overall diet and lifestyle. As well as help you to reflect and discover root causes of some of your habits.

Nutrition counselling doesn't only incorporate established behaviour change techniques and theories to help you to shake off those ingrained unhealthy habits, but you can also rest assured that you're receiving qualified nutrition advice (and education) from a professional- tailored to your specific needs and goals. You can also receive advice on integrated healthy eating habits such as meal timing strategies, mindful eating practices, and how to identify triggers/reduce cravings.

Remember, the benefits of consistent healthy habits don't end at physical health. Working with a qualified nutritionist can help to improve your mental health: your mood, energy levels, and even sleep. Not to mention the financial savings from not eating out so much!

So, don't stop scrolling for inspiration, or delicious healthy recipes! But be aware that for safe advice- and for impactful, long lasting change- a qualified nutritionist will always be much more effective than finding the right salad recipe! Consider visiting a qualified nutritionist today!

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