I was approached with a question along the lines of how I use technology in my everyday life that helps influence my health. At first I didn’t think technology had any impact on my lifestyle and health, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that it plays a pivotal role in my health.
Technology has it’s downfalls, but it is also a great tool for encouraging a healthier lifestyle, and for helping others develop a healthy lifestyle. We live in a technology based culture, where you don’t have to look far to see someone using technology in some way, shape or form. From iPhones to iPads, iPods and headphones to Garmins. Then you add all the apps that these electronics can have.
I use technology probably more than I would like to admit. I have found that technology can help promote a healthier lifestyle, as it caters to individuals of all walks of life. It’s a great tool for those just beginning their weight loss journey, or a new diet centered on healthy, whole foods, or those looking to start a new 5K training plan.
Here are my favorite technology based tools that help encourage a healthy lifestyle for me on a daily basis.
- Garmin – I use this on a daily basis to track my miles and pace on my runs. It’s an important part of my training. It comes powered with a GPS, so I know accurate distance and times. I wear it on almost every run I go on, especially when exploring new areas.
- Social Media – From Twitter, to Instagram and Facebook, social media is an inspiring resource. I get inspired and motivated by all the other runners or nutrition bloggers I follow. Their posts on workouts, PR’s, and healthy recipes helps to foster healthy relationships and encouragement. Seeing others achieve their goals, gets me inspired and determined to go for mine. Also, Twitter is a great resource for reading nutrition related studies, finding new recipes, being apart of twitter chats with RD’s and health based businesses, etc. You can follow health-minded individuals who are nutrition professionals.
- iPhone – From here I can download apps that cater to my needs. I like Fooducate, Runtastic (for when I forget my Garmin), My Pregnancy, Locavore, Dirty Dozen, SkinDeep, ForkFly. These apps help with healthier food choices, and making sure I buy non-GMO food products and produce, as well as eat at locally sourced restaurants with healthy options.
- Apps – Other apps I use on my iPhone (and you can download to your smart phone of iPad) are GoodGuide, Evernote, Coupons, and Cartwheel. These apps are great for making grocery lists (Evernote) and finding good deals at your favorite stores, or scanning products that are healthy, green and socially responsible (GoodGuide). You’ll be surprised to find that some of those supposedly “eco-friendly” products are not so environmentally friendly.
- Daily Mile – I use this for keeping track of my miles throughout the year and to interact with other members of the running community.
- Pinterest – This is a great tool for finding healthy recipes, races, and workout ideas.
This post was inspired Oscar Insurance, a tech based health insurance company,working to provide members with a more personalized and intuitive healthcare experience. Oscar Health Insurance has coverage in New York and New Jersey. Technology is a huge part of Oscar’s health insurance coverage, as they have a mobile app and a MisFit rewards program that allows members to keep track of their health. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Obviously, the internet plays a very vital role in my health. I love reading research, staying up to date on products and product testing, GMO’s, and reading others blogs for recipe ideas and fitness ideas. Also, finding local races to keep me motivated is a plus.
So, now your turn, how does technology impact your health? In what ways do you use technology to inspire a healthy lifestyle?