I’d be remiss not to mention the horrific attack that happened in Orlando. Keeping the victims and their families in my prayers.
Instagram is my favorite social media platform for many reasons. I love the colorful photos, witty captions and interacting with other users. Some food photos are to die (or to eat?) for and the pictures of exotic destinations leave me struck by wanderlust.
However, and I say this in the nicest way possible, sometimes that sh*t sucks. Sometimes everyone’s life seems SO DAMN perfect that it’s defeating. Trust me, I’ve been there. I compare myself to my friends and to people I’ve never met (which, let’s be real, is like 99% of my feed). When the comparison trap starts, I do something radical: I take an Instagram break. Even if it’s just a day or two, I don’t open my app. I don’t comment. I don’t post. Social media suicide? Maybe. Necessary? For me, yes.
One of the reasons I love doing these “Behind the Instagram” posts is to humanize some of the photos I’ve shared. By that, I mean share the full story. It’s not that the photos on my Instagram feed are a lie (um…NEVER) but I’m also not going to sit here and pretend that I don’t try to post good photos and captions. I’ll be the first to admit that I put effort into what I share…with lighting, editing and hashtags. As I continue to develop my Instagram style, I hope to find a balance of entertaining and intriguing. Of witty and honest. Of “picture-perfect” and plain ol’ real life. Because, it’s ok to be silly and have fun with it, too.
*P.S. Look out for a post next week on how a special tool helped me build my Instagram and transform my perspective.*
Now that I have that disclaimer out of the way, which I think I mention every time I do these posts (oops), time for the photos.
Behind the Instagram #6
See previous posts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
1. To get this photo I had to find an area of the pool that wasn’t occupied by little kids. Ok, I’ll admit they were cute kids. Then I went to sit down and the only spot was against the wall, which was in prime sunlight and unfortunately blocked the wind. I ate my RXBar, posted this picture and read the magazine. 20ish minutes later I realized the ink had spread all over my hands and I was a mess. It was so. freaking hot. Buh-bye, pool.
Raise your hand if you love Florida ?? ☀️Pure happiness by the pool with my favorites. *Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for @rxbar on my previous post!* #snack #BGBInstaChallenge
2. I had one of my “Instagram husbands” help me with this one (aka my mom…my sister is the other one). “Instagram husband” is a term for someone who is always roped into being the designated Instagram taker. My mom, the only other kombucha lover in the house, was actually better at the “clinking” than I was. She was holding the Gingerade. We had to run inside immediately afterward because the mosquitoes wanted our booch. Not on my watch.
Toasting to the end of Monday and good gut health for life ??#bgbinstachallenge #kombucha
A video posted by Emily (@myhealthyishlife) on
3. The avocado rose. The thing that stood between me and eating my lunch was that damn rose. I cut it on a plate and then had to transfer from that plate to the salad. That was a doozy. It was my first go but, truthfully, I’m still awful at it. Maybe I need better knives? A less ripe avocado? More patience? All of the above.
Just over here working on my avocado rose…let’s just say I have some work to do ? #lunch #whole30 #greatistyou
4. I don’t typically get embarrassed taking obnoxious photos (Instagram or otherwise) but I ended up getting really self-conscious here. Bikini, me looking at a camera and lots of people staring. The beach was PACKED and I just stood in there right up against the water (probably blocking people’s views) to take the photo. My Instagram husband/mom was such a trooper and I think I snapped out of embarrassment.But it was a very summery photo, if I do say so myself :)
Also, I should note that I had such a fun Memorial Day Weekend at the beach with friends. Seriously, from start to finish it was a perfectly relaxing few days. However I left with one of the worst sunburns I’ve ever gotten. Two weeks later and I’m just now healing. So painful and definitely not Instagram worthy. I did wear sunscreen but obviously failed at reapplying….
I don’t always eat perfectly sliced watermelon on the beach. But when I do, you better believe I Instagram it ? #mdw
A photo posted by Emily (@myhealthyishlife) on
5. This apple made SUCH a mess. As the photo caption states, I really #diditforthegram. I never would have made my apple like that if not for the picture. Aaaand I also took it apart to eat in slices, not as a sandwich. I have to admit, it was really worth it because it tasted amazing. My dog licked up the sunflower seed butter that dripped on the floor, so he was happy too.
This was just as messy (and delicious) as it looks. One of those #diditforthegram moments ?. Stuffed honeycrisp apple with @woodstockfoods sunflower seed butter and @paleonola Maple granola ? (True life: I took it apart to eat ?) #healthyish
6. This last one is from one week ago, the first morning with my new puppy. It normally takes me 10 minutes to make breakfast. That morning it took me 30, plus a longer time than normal to eat it. Puppies know no rest and I underestimated the amount of attention they require.
You don’t want to know how long it took me to make this breakfast. Having a new puppy (!!!) is giving me a run for my money. Excuse the poor lighting ?Check out today’s post (link in bio) or follow me on ? snapchat (healthyishlife) for more puppy pics ? . In my bowl: baked white sweet potato, sautéed kale and carrots, a fried @vitalfarms egg and @farmhouseculture sauerkraut ??
A photo posted by Emily (@myhealthyishlife) on
Here is the behind the scenes photo of that breakfast with a side of puppy. He was right behind my feet when I was taking the photo. Cutie on a mission to disrupt my peaceful morning :)
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Girl, your obliques are on fleek. JSYK. I take random breaks from IG when I feel like I have nothing to show, life gets too busy, or I realize that feeling like I have nothing to show is exactly the reason that I need to take a break so that I can regroup and remember why I do it in the first place!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Facial Hair to Flooding to Running to Food Weekend Recap
All about working the angels haha ;)
YES. I’m a big proponent of taking breaks when needed. Helps me get my mojo and perspective back in action.
I love these posts so so much because here – – what ever it is about me – – the behind the front is all the same.
I’m always in awe of the photos on Instagram and I love seeing it’s not on perfection.
Carla recently posted…Gourmesso versus Nespresso: the great caffeine showdown.
Never perfect but filters definitely help glamorize the situation!
Love these posts; they’re some of my favorite to do thanks to YOU! Awesome idea. Your photos always make me drool and don’t insecure ’bout dat rose gurl, it’s gorgeous lolol :)
Lindsay @ A Runnaroundd Life recently posted…five months post-marathon.
Hahah *blushing*. So glad you like them!
I LOVE these posts…And I cannot wait to read your post about building up your IG. :) All of your food photos are AMAZING…especially that sloppy apple one…I cannot even imagine what that first bite is like…DOH!
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…What I Eat For Dinner At Home…
Thanks, Katie! That apple was so delicious and definitely worth the effort :)
I still love these posts and LOL about the avocado rose… I have yet to attempt one because I’m bad enough at transferring regularly-sliced avocado to my plate for a photo let alone the rose. Maybe one day!
Erin @ The Almond Eater recently posted…Almond Butter Protein Bars
I’m awful at transferring it regularly sliced too! I need to figure out a better system haha.
LOL that apple would’ve been a mess, but it sure is pretty! And my avocados are always too ripe for avocado roses… but they’re still tasty :) Love these posts, Emily!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Paleo Trail Mix Bars
That’s what I remind myself…the avocado will still TASTE good even if it doesn’t look pretty!
I usually burn then tan a few days later, so I push through the pain of the burn knowing that in a few days it’ll turn into a tan. I usually have my parents or my brother as my “Instagram Husbands.” I once took pictures in downtown Detroit along the water when EVERYONE and their brother were out and it was totally awkward to try to time the pictures between the few seconds I had when people were not walking by. Those stares you get are just priceless. But, it’s worth it haha
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Race 13.1 Detroit Half Marathon Training Week 1
Those pictures were SO worth it!!!
I love these posts!!!! You are a genius for thinking of this – so great to see what is reallyyy going on behind the scenes. ARCHIE IS SO CUTE!!
Christina @ The Blissful Balance recently posted…Roasted Cauliflower with Basil Avocado Sauce
He wants to meet you!
Haha I love this post and can relate so much with it! I know my boyfriend gets a little annoyed when I make him wait to eat so I can get food photos oops!
Hilary recently posted…Charleston Travels
I’m so glad you like it! My family gets annoyed too but they’ve learned to ask before eating ;)
Love these posts! Prayers are with the Orlando victims, such a tragedy. <3 That is pure dedication with the apple and granola lol. That does look so good though! And the avocado flower is impressive hehe. Have a great Monday Emily!
Thanks, Alyssa! Not sure I’ll make that apple sandwich again…might just go back to the regular slices ;)
Haha I love reading these posts from bloggers. Usually everything that is perfect is not. I need more Instagram husbands because I find that I’m mostly trying to take the photos, which is tough!
Lauren recently posted…ZOOMA Annapolis 2016 Half Marathon Race Recap
Nothing is perfect…I have to remind myself of that because I tend to compare myself to my friends in real life. I definitely take advantage of living at home and having my family help me with photos :)
tha avocado rose still looks pretty good! I haven’t tried yet but I know i will be terrible at it haha. That last pic with your puppy is adorable <3
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Minty Strawberry Avocado Salad With Citrus {Paleo, Vegan + Whole 30!}
I think I’ve done maybe two or three more avocado roses, but neither have been much of a progress!
These posts are the best! While I don’t take that many insta photos, I always fear the weird looks when I take a picture of myself running, or set up a self timer shot somewhere random.
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon Base Building: 6/6-6/12/16
The running shots (and selfies) definitely make me think twice haha. I just tell myself “I’ll probably never see these people again.”
Love these behind the scenes looks and your thoughts behind them. I’m thinking that apple with sunflower butter would be a huge mess for me too!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy recently posted…My Ideal Dinner Party (+ a Giveaway)
Definitely the biggest clean-up I’ve done for a photo! It just dripped everywhere.
My boyfriend is always my “instagram husband” poor thing is so use to it at this point he doesn’t even try to eat food out at restaurants without asking if I need a picture of it first.
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green recently posted…Rock ‘N’ Roll Seattle Marathon Goals
Smart man! Trained him well :)
I burn first, then tan! Usually the tan has begun by now but I haven’t been outside quite as much this summer. Last year I spent hours each day running/walking my dog and studying outside in June and July, this year my runs are at 6am and I only do that on the weekends. Definitely makes for a less Insta-worthy life in some ways, as evidenced by my mostly food photos these days. Hopefully as the summer goes on more happy outdoor moments can be captured :)
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Weekly Workouts and Updates 6/6-6/13
After MDW I’ve tried my best to stay out of the sun, so I’m not as tan as normal either. The running photos are the most difficult for me, unless I’m out with my parents (which is at least once a week).
I love these! Part of the beauty of blogging is you connect outside the “perfect life” and it reminds us that we are all human! Also kombucha is definitely my kind of happy hour!
Kaitlin @ CA Enless Summer recently posted…Life of Late ~ 6.3.16
They need to start serving kombucha on tap in bars ;)
My instagram husband is my sister for sure. Like one time I had to bribe her so hard to take a running shoe picture haha. She had just showered and I forced her to put her shoes back on, roll up her work scrubs, and take a picture on the sidewalk of our feet. Woops:)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…A few things I learned from Ragnar
HAHA best comment I’ve read!
I love these posts! Always such a nice way to remind ourselves that we’re all human and no ones lives look as perfect as instagram! lol.
Kristin recently posted…A Little Bit Of June Instalately
Exactly! While a picture make look great, it’s really super messy behind-the-scenes.
Love that picture of you at the beach. These are some of my favorite posts of yours. I like people who keep it real, and you always do. I’m looking forward to your post about how you built your instagram because you became an #instastar overnight, practically!!
These are some of my favorite to write so I’m glad people like them :) Can’t wait to see all your Boston photos!
I love this and might borrow the idea! Love he story behind the Instagram!
It shows nothing is as perfect as it seems :)
I love these posts! I don’t even TRY for the avocado rose so kudos to you! You’re getting close to getting it :D Also, don’t feel bad about getting embarrassed on the beach; I am so self-conscious when I ask people to take pictures of me (usually my boyfriend is my Instagram husband, haha). I’m always so aware of people staring when pictures are being taken–even when I’m taking pictures of my food at a restaurant :P
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Do What You Love
When it comes to taking pictures in restaurants I have to decide beforehand if the lighting and backdrop are worth it. Then when the food arrives I pretend I’m alone in my own little world haha ;)
lol ily. This is amazing. I seriously sometimes get so annoyed with myself when I take way too long to take a picture of my meal and all I want to do is EAT. Props to the avo rose, I have yet to give that a go myself ;-)
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Protein Cookies [ vegan, gluten-free ]
When I made turkey burgers for a blog recipe a few weeks ago I had to reheat them for dinner because they had gotten cold in the process! I’m sure you can relate to that :) I have a feeling you’d be an avo rose PRO.
My instagram husband is actually my husband ;) I burn in the sun. Aaron tans and I’m really hoping Annabelle gets his skin. Love the behind the scenes. It’s hard to not compare, for sure!! Sometimes the best thing is just to take a break.
heather @Fitncookies recently posted…Welcome to Lunging Through Life
Exactly. Taking a break is not a bad thing! P.S. LOVE your new site :)
I love these posts! So fun to hear the behind the scenes details of all your beautiful pics!
[email protected] recently posted…Run 10 Feed 10 2016
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them :)
These posts are so great. I need to get me an instagram husband…it’s a struggle doing it on your own! I love that shot of your apple snack creation. What an incredible effort.
Megan recently posted…50 things you didn’t know about me
It is a struggle! Or maybe a tripod and clicker for my phone? Do those exist?
Haha, I always love these posts! I definitely have an instagram husband – who also happens to be my real husband :P
He’s also my personal sunlight fixer (as in, I’ll make his stand holding boards etc so I don’t have such harsh light when photographing), personal taste tester and recipe approver :P
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Easy Homemade Baked Falafel
I need to find myself a real husband solely for that purpose haha ;) He sounds like a keeper!
I always love this series! I’m “lucky” in that I burn but then usually tan within a few days. As for an Instagram husband (LOVE that phrase), I do often ask my mom to help me pick the best picture ;)
Casey the College Celiac recently posted…5 Traveling Life Lessons from Celiac Disease
That’s what mom’s are for, right? :) I’m so glad you liked the post!
Definitely love how much work you put into each picture, and I truly appreciate it Em. Drippy sunflower butter… You sacrifice a lot to bless others with good photos. :) And your hard work and dedication shows. I always wonder how people handle the drippy photos, and I guess they are kind of a mess. :D A mess that’s worth it. :) And I need to get brave enough to have my family help me more with photos.
Emily recently posted…Currently: Cake, Scales, and the Elephant
It’s become really fun for me to put effort into the photos! Another way to show some creativity :) Thanks for your sweet words!
guuuurl ! you look good ! keep this pic forever :)
i do tan a bit but stay outta the sun. whats the point ? go on vaca then come back to work and have a tan for literally 1 week that no one will see. LOL. truly i have skin cancer on both sides of my fam so i try not to get much sun at all. im always wearing sun block. but if i go to the beach i do still tan a bit / freckle.
I love your “Behind the Instagram” posts! They’re always so fun to read. The beachy watermelon shot is so cute– my first thought when I saw it on Intagram.
I don’t have an Instagram husband/mom/sister but I think I need one! My family puts up with my picture-taking but I don’t want to push my luck haha.
Thanks, Liv :) My sister tolerates it less and less so I have to go in with a plan if I make her take a picture lol
Yes to these kind of posts! I’ll have to catch up on your previous ones as it’s refreshing to read your notes on the actual happenings. I find myself laughing at the most obviously staged pictures by some bigger accounts because they’re clearly just #doingitforthegram. It always makes me wonder if there actually are ANY people who don’t see this.
The idea of a complete Instagram break when feeling overwhelmed or sucked in by comparison is very wise. While not that I’ve been setting my phone aside at least for an hour or so, not looking at it, when the pressure of liking and commenting becomes too much.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Week in review: The things I didn’t do.