3 Ways Twitter Could Improve Your Health

Marissa Jaret Winokur, the host of "Dance Your Ass Off," reports she's trying to lose weight. Her newest strategy? She'll be Tweeting what she eats.

Marissa tell us:

It's kinda like my own little support group... I had never used Twitter before, but I thought what an easy way to beg for support while standing on line at the deli... I guess strangers are like, 'Come on, we can do this', while my family is more like, 'Oh, Marissa is on a diet again!

Apparently, it's been pretty effective so far, stopping Marissa from ordering a vanilla latte at Starbucks (instead she went for the Americano with just 15 calories), amongst other things.

If you're not already using Twitter, here's a brief definition...

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service which allows you to send and read updates known as Tweets. These are text-based posts of up to 140 characters, which are displayed on your profile page and also delivered to your followers. You can send and receive Tweets via the Twitter website, SMS, or external applications.

So, how can Twitter benefit you?

Well, if you're on a quest to improve your health, it can get pretty confusing at times knowing just where to begin. That's why I love the idea of using Twitter to get things on track.

Here are 3 potential benefits of using Twitter to improve your health

1. Twitter Creates Accountability
We all know accountability is key when trying to change something about ourselves.

I personally see Twitter as a simple way to publicly record your goals, which equals accountability for your actions because you know others will be reading what you've written, and checking up on how you're doing.

2. Twitter Keeps You Focused
The fact that you can only use 140 characters per Tweet forces you to be brief, clear and to the point. Clarity is important for goal setting.

3. Twitter Gives You a Support Group
Often I use Twitter to get a feel for what others think about a topic. Most of the time I can get almost instant answers to any question that's bothering me. I've also found many Twitter users to be well informed and really helpful in sharing their tips.

A simple to the point Tweet may go something like this, "I'm really struggling today with motivation to exercise. Tips anyone?"

Most of us are using the Internet more and more these days for all sorts of things, why not give Twitter a go to help you gain better health too?

Do you use Twitter? Can you add anything to what I've said above? Don't forget Diet-Blog is now on Twitter, so connect with us there!