Communication
Nutrition Labels and Online Grocery Sites
Researchers report that online grocers and other food retailers are not consistently displaying nutrition labels on their websites.
Food Packaging and Perception
Beverage and food packaging can have a big impact on consumers’ perception of product healthfulness—and the likelihood they will buy it.
Defining Healthy Food Positively
How consumers define “healthy” food has taken on a more positive tone since 2016, as people define it as containing healthful components.
Food Aesthetics Influence Eating Choices
Food aesthetics affect nutrition perceptions, since people tend to believe that pretty-looking food is healthier and more natural.
Social Media Influence on Alcohol Consumption
Another strike against social media influence: Researchers found that time spent on social media increases alcohol consumption in youth.
Food Marketing Effectiveness and Weight
Individuals with obesity tend to be more swayed by food marketing—but when their weight drops, so does their responsiveness to marketing.
“Best If Used By” Label Confusion
The “Best If Used By” food labeling system is still confusing people, signaling a need for better communication, according to a study.
Generic Nutrition Advice More Effective
Universal public nutrition advice appears to be more effective at improving dietary habits than advice tailored to individual needs.
Food in Media is Low Quality
The film industry didn’t get the memo about the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and food in media.
Sugary Drinks and Warning Labels
Using warning labels on sugary drinks, like soda and sports drinks, has been generally linked to notable reductions in purchases.
Food Brand Names Change Perceptions
Food manufacturers who want consumers to buy their healthy products should carefully consider how their food brand names roll off the tongue.
March 2021 Question of the Month: Are Menu Calorie Counts a Health Savior?
Do you believe calories on menus are as effective as the research concludes? Do you use this information to make food choices when eating out?
Modern Food Marketing Needs Old-Fashioned Nutrition Help
Food companies are increasingly choosing online advertising and social media for food marketing, including YouTube videos.
Online Nutrition Searches Follow Food Trends
It’s rewarding to see that some people are searching reliable sources of nutrition information rather than blindly following the fads and opinions littering the online world. The American Society for Nutrition, which publishes four peer-reviewed journals, released a list of ASN articles that received significant press coverage and sharing on social media (some had well over 1,000 tweets).
Do It for the ‘Gram
Instagram’s billion active monthly users and 500 million active weekly users demand your attention. If you’re doing any marketing for your gym or fitness studio, it’s a platform you can’t afford to ignore.
But, being strong on the 'gram doesn’t have to dominate your time.
Excellent Customer Service in the Digital Age
What has changed with customer service in the last decade, and certainly in the last five years? The intersection of customer service and technology. Nowadays, clients interact more with devices, apps and platforms than they do with a live person. In many instances, these online interactions make for rapid, efficient service.
How to Increase Confidence and Fitness Class Size
Group fitness instructors have a reputation for being fearless extroverts. And it does take self-confidence to stand in front of a group of people and lead them through an exercise routine—all while wearing a mic and managing a playlist. The truth is that we’re performing, but that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some of us need to fake it till we make it!
November 2019 Question of the Month: Is Social Media a Nutritional Black Hole?
Nutrition advice from social media “experts” is best viewed with a huge grain of Himalayan pink salt, says new research presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity. British researchers at the University of Glasgow recently combed through popular U.K. nutrition and weight loss blogs to determine how much of the advice being dished out was trustworthy. The social media influencers were graded on transparency, nutritional soundness and use of research-backed references.
November 2019 Question of the Month: Supporting the Next Generation
What are you or your facility doing to support the next generation of fitness enthusiasts? Are you offering any kids’ physical activity programs at schools or other off-site community locations? Are you providing programs free to local youth—or, if fee-based, what are you offering and how are you reaching potential clients? Please share your success stories.
We want to hear from you! Email executive editor Joy Keller, jkeller@ideafit.com.
