Don’t obsess over food, diets and social media. Better to set realistic goals | Opinion

So many of us live in bubbles and usually interact with like-minded people. That’s why I enjoy reading surveys about food and nutrition. They provide the opportunity to understand how people outside my bubble think about eating.

I recently came across a survey commissioned by Pancho’s cheese dip, and conducted by Talker Research. This was an online survey of 2000 people. This was not a clinical trial nor was it without bias. These were folks who wanted to comment on their food opinions. Even so, I found the results to be interesting and worthy of comment.

This survey found that over 65% of the respondents obsessed over food, and 55% obsessed over health and fitness. Obsession is not productive. Moreover, 68 percent of the same respondents said America would be happier if people didn’t obsess over their food and health. And count me in with the 77% who believe food should be fun.

Social media influencers were the source of obsession for 57% of the respondents. Follow people on social media who are promoting delicious cooking, food enjoyment and body positivity over extreme thinness. Even better if the food influencer is a dietitian.

My current favorite on Instagram is ruhamasfood. Ruhama has easy and delicious recipes that she enjoys and after preparing exclaims her trademark, “Wow.”

To reduce food obsession, avoid influencers with strict rules, unrealistic promises, expensive products and restrictive food intakes. I know it’s not fashionable today, but seek evidence for unrealistic claims.

Observe instead of obsess. If you set a realistic goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, or getting 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, observe how close you are to the goal and plan how to move closer. And if you don’t make it in week one, there’s always week two — just keep on moving.

Sheah Rarback MS, is a dietitian nutritionist in private practice in Miami. Contact her at sheahr@gmail.com