All My Friends Look Like Models: Why Pinterest Food Recipes? WHY?!

This is inspired by my model-like friend Shannon. She literally looks like Jasmine. She is also a social media and health guru. She has given me a few health rules to follow in today's digital society. Here we go!

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Pinterest can be the devil of mixed messages. First, you're pinning fitness tips and inspirational Nike sayings. Next, you're pinning every recipe that involves Pillsbury biscuits and/or croissants. But then, oh wait, you're pinning pictures of your favorite celebrities and models as "skinnyspiration." Oops, you're back to desserts and cheese puffs.

STOP YOURSELF SNEAKY PINTEREST ADMINISTRATORS. I HATE YOU. BUT... I LOVE YOU.

Today, we are going to go over something that may seem unimportant, but really is. Media. Mixed messages. And how to be strong. What to listen to and what not to. Granted, you might be the opposite. You might see an ad with Jennifer Hudson in a black v-neck shirt (we get it, you can wear leather now), and succumb to a bunch of different diet plans.

We need to help ourselves.

How?

If you are trying to lose weight, tone, or just feel better, you need to stray from ads and mixed messages. Obviously, you can't know when Marie Osmond is going to pop up and sell Jenny Craig to you on TV, but you get the just. I'm sure all of you have heard "the easiest way to stay away from bad foods is to not have them in the house." That is actually an overused saying I agree with. But in today's world of social media, someone needs to develop a plan to stay strong when confronted with delicious food network shows (Damn you, Paula Deen. But I love you. Be my grandmother.) and cheesy Pinterest casseroles.

Here's what I recommend:

PINTEREST PROBLEMS: Instead of having a board entitled "Recipes" or "Yum!" Have a board entitled, "Healthy Eats" or "Happy and Healthy Recipes." This way, you will not have a board to pin those lemon drop cookies that look delicious. You won't be tempted to go to the store and buy a million chocolate chips for Oreo filled brownies. I mean, right? You can't pin "Four Cheese White Pasta" to your "Healthy For You Recipes" board.

If you do this, you will not only reap the health benefits. You will gain followers who are trying to stay healthy. Don't give into social media.

TV SHOW PROBLEMS: This is huge. Because we watch so much TV, we don't even realize what we are watching or what our brains are being confronted with. Here is my suggestion. Yes, watching Ace of Cakes and Top Chef desserts is awesome. Seriously, a cake with fireworks? What? But, if you're like me, when you're watching those shows, you get hungry, or you end up longing for food. You might feel unsatisfied or frustrated until you eat something yummy. Remember: This blog is for those people serious about getting healthy. In my previous posts, we talk about how "anything in moderation" should not be a thing. Well, when watching TV, try to watch shows with people you might want to emulate, regarding their health.

TV Show Recommendations:

1. So You Think You Can Dance (FOX): You guys. These dancers will make you want to be active and creative. It is for the soul and the body. Seriously, if you want to be inspired, watch it.

2. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (CMT): No matter what you think about cheerleaders persona, fake tan, or PG-13 dance moves, if you watch this show, you will see how they stay in shape. They show their workouts, stretches, and nutritionist. It really is eye-opening, and they do work hard, physically.

3. The Biggest Loser (NBC): I think this is pretty self-explanatory. If you are looking for something inspirational, I really can't think of anything better.

4. Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition (ABC): Although, I'm a fan of the above shows more, this show does show the ups and downs of weight loss processes. If you're struggling with your weight loss journey, and want to see someone who is going through the same thing, this is the show for you.