Just a couple of years ago hashtags were as foreign as an almond milk latte in your local café. Now they are filling up our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook newsfeeds, and I know I’m even guilty of using them in text messages and on snapchat. #noshame
We use them to show solidarity, to make a statement, or use them as a call to action. They can be used to remember a person or an event, or simply just to connect with like-minded others.
This time last year, the #IceBucketChallenge went viral on social media and resulted in ten times the donations to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) organisations. When 273 Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped, our Twitter and Facebook feeds were full of #BringBackOurGirls. In the aftermath of the Sydney siege, #illridewithyou spread rapidly in support for Australian Muslims, and when cricketer Phillip Hughes tragically passed away, photos of cricket bats accompanied by #PutOutYourBats filled our social media to pay tribute.
While there are mixed messages about the impact of social media on our culture, there is no denying social media has become a fundamental part of our social lives and our self-expression. What’s important now is that we take advantage of the power of social media and use it to make a positive social impact within our culture.
So this week, I’m bringing you four hashtags we love from the storehouse .
1. #moderationmovement
The Moderation Movement is a breath of fresh air from the wonderful minds of Accredited Practising Dietitian, Zoe Nicholson, and Jodie Arnot from healthy balance fitness.
This movement promotes the mindful enjoyment of all foods, eating according to our appetites, and setting health and wellness goals that are not focused on the size we wear or how we look in the mirror.
It’s a friendly reminder that we don’t need to suffer guilt, deprivation, guilt, fear of food or anxiety over eating out that come with the confusion and misleading extreme health messages we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
Check out the Moderation Movement on Facebook for heath without the do’s and don’ts.
2. #wednesdaybreakfastclub
This genius idea belongs to Heidi from Apples Under My Bed. Every Wednesday morning on Instagram, nutrition geeks and food lovers are taking snaps of their breakfast and letting fellow breakfast enthusiasts have a sticky beak into their morning routine. It’s also a great opportunity to gain a little bit of #breakfastinspo. I know I credit putting carrot in my porridge, my love of tahini and exploration into poached quince to my Wednesday morning instafeed.
So if you’re looking to brighten up your porridge bowl and happy up your hump day, come and join the #wednesdaybreakfastclub.
3. #EatKit
Created by our very own Emma Stirling and Foodwatch’s Catherine Saxelby, on the third Wednesday of every month, the hashtag #EatKit fills up twitter feeds from 9-10pm AEST. #EatKit is a virtual chat amongst nutrition professionals, students, culinary wizards or anyone interested in learning more about the food we eat.
A new hot topic with the latest research is explored each month. It could be the power of mushrooms, ancient grains or why males seem to dislike salads as a meal. There is always plenty of recipe inspiration and kitchen tips, plus you’ll probably read one too many food puns from yours truly. There are often giveaways where you get to show off how quick you are on the keyboard, test your food and nutrition knowledge and get a super prize in the mail.
It’s a hectic hour, but it’s fun. So if you have a twitter account, please do come join in. If you’re new to twitter, you can simply twisten. Next chat is Wednesday 15 July on healthy oils starting at 9pm AEST.
4. #getyourmaninthektichen
Joel Feren from Hearty Nutrition has started a campaign to inspire men to cook more and eat more healthily. Research shows that males are more likely to suffer from heart disease and colon cancer than women, plus testicular and prostate cancers. We know that poor diet, lack of exercise, too much booze and smoking can increase our risk of these cancers, as well as heart disease and diabetes, so Joel is encouraging men to get into the kitchen and show off their culinary skills.
To see what Joel and other blokes are doing, check out the #getyourmaninthekitchen on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.
Also, keep an eye out on Instagram for #SeeAnAPD & #FuelFabulous which are the new hashtags being used the Dietitians Association of Australia and their Accredited Practising Dietitians.
Storehouse Blog Directory is your one stop shop for credible nutrition content – check out the latest post on the home page or search for a credentialed blogger here.
About out expert
Emma Stubbs is one of our Staff Writers and has been blogging at Broccoli & Blueberries since 2014, check out her Storehouse directory listing here. When Emma isn’t working an Accredited Practising Dietitian in rural Victoria, she can be found at farmers markets, in the kitchen or going for long walks. But really, it’s likely she’ll be waiting in line for delicious bowls of porridge and hashtagging #breakfastinmelbourne.
