Social media diet trends: Know the pros and cons of each

Just like our clothing and fashion concepts, the food we eat is also heavily influenced by social media trends. Specific diet trends that occasionally go viral on Instagram and Facebook are followed by many. While these trends work amazingly for some people, they might lead to undernourishment and health problems in others. These are some of the trendy diets that are going viral on social media.

Protein goal
Protein had been the favourite topic of food influencers on social media for some time. Protein is essential for muscle building, boosts metabolism and makes the stomach feel full. However, an article published in Harvard Health recommends that a healthy adult requires only 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For instance, a man/woman who weighs 70 kilos needs up to 50 – 60 grams of protein. Overconsumption of protein through shakes and supplements may not give you any additional benefits. On the contrary, it might even be harmful to the kidneys.

Fibre maxing
Fibre maxing is a dietary trend that involves maximising the intake of dietary fibre by eating foods that are exceptionally high in fibre. These high-fibre foods are promoted on social media with hashtags like # fibregoal and # guthealth. Fibre-rich food items like fruits, whole grains, legumes and vegetables are great for health. However, your body type, rate of digestion, and daily activities should be considered when adopting a new diet, rather than following a social media trend. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America recommends up to 22 – 34 grams of fibre per day. Consuming too much fibre could lead to bloating, gas, constipation, dysentery and stomach ache. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cholera and obstructive bowel shouldn’t increase their fibre intake without consulting a medical practitioner.

Balkan breakfast
The delightful pictures of a colourful spread of eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, cheese and bread must have surely appeared on your feed. Followers of the Balkan breakfast trend vouch for the incredible health benefits of this diet. Although this breakfast is nutrient-rich, nutritionists recommend using whole wheat bread instead of white bread and reducing cured meat while adding more fresh vegetables. Besides, those who can’t consume too much sodium and fat should limit the intake of cheese and olives. Nutrition is something that should be determined individually, based on each person’s health condition and body type. What is best for one person may not be right for another.

Super green powders
Super green powder is a concentrated dietary supplement made by drying and blending various green leaves and herbs like spinach, kale and spirulina into a fine powder. Those who enjoy super green powder claim that it is more effective than eating the veggies and leaves as they are. Besides, it could also fulfil the dietary requirements of people suffering from digestive problems. However, some powders are loaded with added sugar and preservatives. Moreover, these powders could even interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.

Drinking water on an empty stomach
Food influencers on social media often advise their followers to start their day by drinking at least two glasses of lukewarm water. It is true that drinking water aids digestion and helps in expelling toxins. However, drinking more than four litres of water a day may put unnecessary stress on the body.

Carrot salad
The recipe of a crunchy carrot salad sprinkled with a dash of vinegar, salt and coconut oil has been doing the rounds on social media. This has been hailed as a super-delicious and nutrient-dense dish that promotes the balance of hormones. Meanwhile, some influencers claim that carrot salad can add a glow to the skin while improving mood. Moreover, it can also help with the symptoms of PMS. The fibre and antioxidants in carrots are beneficial for health, but they are not a magical ingredient that can solve all health problems. Those who suffer from hormonal imbalance should consult a doctor before trying such trendy diets.

Instead of blindly following a viral social media trend, it is better to consult a doctor or a healthcare expert to design a customised diet that fulfils your nutritional requirements. Besides, quantity too should be kept in mind while following these trendy diets, as over- or underconsumption of certain food items may lead to serious health problems.