Book Review for Parents: The Social Network Diet

Dear Moms and Dads,

This is a book review for you. While you are busy raising children, shopping for food, preparing meals and making sure your kids get out to play, sometimes your own health goals get overlooked. Periodically I will review books or resources especially for you.

Because your health is as important as your child’s.

Book Review: The Social Network Diet

by Miriam Nelson and Jennifer Ackerman

Although I have never met the authors of this book, I am familiar with Dr. Miriam Nelson from my years of living in Boston. She was also part of the Dietary Guidelines committee and has written a number of books targeted toward women (Strong Women series). When I became aware of this book release, I was curious to read Dr. Nelson’s modern take on nutrition, fitness and getting healthy, particularly since she had the research data at her fingertips when working with the DGAs.

You’ve heard all the diet tricks, tried all the workout plans, but have you tapped into your social network? And how powerful is the social network, as a contributor to your health?

If you’re a movie-goer, you may think that this is talking about Facebook, Twitter or some other online supportive group to help you get healthier. That’s what I thought.

The Social Network Diet is about getting back to the roots of connection: people. It explores the power people have on each other in making choices about their health, nutrition and exercise. And people do have powerful influence—from mom and dad, to extended family and friends. These connections, or social networks, provide support, influence attitudes and provide opportunities for engaging in healthy behaviors, like exercise. Or they keep you heading down an unhealthy path in life.

At a time when the magic pill for health includes fast weight loss through drastic diets, adopting a grueling exercise schedule and the message “it’s up to you,” The Social Network Diet suggests a simpler and different approach.

It encourages you to connect and surround yourself with people who have the same goals and outlook on health, nutrition and exercise. The Social Network Diet shows you how to create social networks and use them advantageously. It promotes exercise in the company of people, assuring you’ll be more likely to stick to it when it’s fun.  And social!

This book also provides you with the nutrition information to find an eating plan that is realistic and long-term. It gives you tools to make good food choices while explaining what people eat and the way they do it.

I thought this book provided a refreshing and different perspective on a popular topic—diet and exercise. I agree that many people who are trying to change behaviors do better with a social circle of support.

I have a social network for exercise—I run (when I don’t have a stress fracture!) with a friend a few times a week, and walk with Father of the Year too. My kids join me on weekend hikes, and sometimes I grab a friend and go to the gym. And sometimes I do it alone.

Do you have a social network to help you stay on track with nutrition and exercise?