THE internet is here to stay and the social media is eating up our day. There is no denying the fact that the way we live is now dictated by the digital world.
But how do we cope?
I was recently invited to a forum by leading sports nutritionist Dr. Dana Ryan on “How Filipinos Can Remain Healthy in the Age of Social Media.”
Interestingly enough, I found myself guilty of some of the things she pointed out in her talk like starting and ending your day staring at your cellphone.
According to Dr. Ryan a worldwide study shows that a person uses the social media at the average of two hours and 22 minutes a day. Filipinos, on the other hand, are hooked on the internet for 10 hours a day, including four hours in social media. Ten hours is more than the regular working hours of a common employee.
Did you also know that 45 percent of the world’s population uses the internet.
The question now is how do we stay healthy in the era of social media.
Dr. Ryan, who is also the director for Sports Performance and Education of Herbalife Nutrition, said that “unless you’re doing a physical activity while you’re online, it’s not healthy to stay inactive for long periods of time.”
In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), insufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. It increases the chances of serious diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.
According to the WHO, more than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is “insufficiently physically active” with 1 in 4 adults “not active enough.”
“Not all of us may afford a gym membership, but that doesn’t excuse us from not being physically active on our own,” said Dr. Ryan. “Take up some physical activity that you love. That way, you won’t see it as a chore, so can do it regularly.”
She suggests that you walk at least 30 minutes a day. If you are at work, take a break and stand for a while, stretch your limbs and walk around a little.
Also you can take the stairs rather than the elevator. Make sure you remain active physically not just mentally.
She said that in some cases the more you are hooked in the internet the more you are prone to depression. That is why she said that you should only follow people that bring you joy and block all forms of negativity.
A member of the Herbalife Nutrition Scientific Leadership, which is comprised of leading experts from around the world in nutrition, science, and health, Dr. Ryan likewise advised against cutting certain macronutrients from one’s diet.
“For example, some people believe that they only need protein and cut out carbs from their diet. This is not true. When it comes to keeping healthy, just always remember balance, as the body needs a complex blend of nutrients to remain healthy,” she said. “Indeed, Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that you get about 40% of your calories in the form of beneficial carbohydrates – whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits; along with 30% from proteins, and no more than 30% from fats.”
The secret here is having a balanced diet. You know, the grow, glow and go foods we learned years ago are still relevant today. Just balance what you eat.
“Balance the calories that you take in and what you burn, and your weight would remain stable,” she said.
Dr. Ryan added that staying online is not bad in itself; it’s just that people should remember to be active at times, rather than becoming too absorbed in the online world that they don’t move for hours.
And while you’re hooked online, why don’t you search for sites that gives helpful tips on how to remain fit.
But, Dr. Ryan said, stay away from celebrities and influencers who give you stress.
And for one final helpful tip: Do not keep cellphones within reach when you sleep. Put your gadgets at the other side of the room and, please, keep the notifications beep off.