how to live with dietary restrictions

since i’m continually encouraging people to speak out and to research, i figured it was time to give my readers some helpful tools. first, if you haven’t already done so, check out the sites on this blog: my “online resources” tab, which is list of health and wellness sites; also, my blogroll in which i’ve recommended blogs that i personally read. second, consider the benefits of social media- current technology allows the transfer of information between anyone in the world.

1) blogs

what they are: they’re basically online diaries- you’re reading one right now.

why you should read them: not only do they provide a venue for sharing personal experiences (you‘re not alone!), you can find individuals you have things in common with and get to know them personally. i have met several writers of food/recipe blogs, who take requests and tailor their content based on reader feedback. it’s also helpful to swap information on areas of expertise- no one knows everything.

2) bookmarking

what it is: sites such as delicious will save a list of whatever internet sites you like.

why you should use it: this is the perfect alternative to web addresses scribbled on sticky notes. like a blog, you can search the site by tags- key words that describe the content. also, for each address you list delicious displays the number of other users who have bookmarked it; clicking on the number provides a list of those people. check their lists because chances are you’ll have dietary restrictions in common so you can swap sites.

3) facebook

what it is: an online community that allows you to network and share personal updates.

why you should join: you’ll be able to view a running list of approved friends’ statuses as well as online facebook groups they’ve joined and things they’re fans of. support causes, promote ideas and discuss issues- there’s even a “like this” thumb up in the comment boxes.

4) stumbleupon

what it is: an online program that’s been described as “channel surfing, if every channel were something you liked.” based on categories and subcategories pre-selected by you, stumbleupon conducts internet searches to find things you’d be interested in. whether a site has been found by you or by the computer, express your opinion with a thumb up or down. over time it “learns” your preferences and can tailor searches accordingly.

why you should become a member: like delicious, stumbleupon stores your favorite sites for future viewing and further circulates them around the internet. it’s found things for me that i would never even have thought to look for, such as a personalized caloric intake recommendation based on factors such as my body mass index and activity level.

5) digg / reddit

what they are: social networking sites that display what’s new and popular, i.e. a ”best of” your peers’ favorite content circulating around the internet.

why you should use them: digg allows users to submit and share internet links and stories as well as vote and comment on other’s submissions. reddit hosts social news like digg does but its focus is science and technology. users can comment on comments left on bookmarked links and vote on the validity of submitted information. not that majority agreement necessarily proves truth but it does provide some accountability. you can be in the know, join conversations and start new ones, all while generating buzz for relevant health and wellness issues such as healthcare, nutrition and medicine.

in my opinion, when it comes to dietary issues, no press is bad press. if we all agree with the current status of things very little change occurs. i appreciate opposing viewpoints because debate stimulates research; each side is eager to prove their position so more research gets done, and fast!