Use the hashtag #sweetandstrong on Instagram

I initially started Sweet and Strong over two years ago as a place for me to share how I balance a healthy lifestyle and a love for baking and eating all things sweet. You will never hear me label my diet. While I’m not opposed to anyone that does, I just know my life cannot go on without pizza and cake, I just refuse to give certain things up.

But I also believe in eating as much real food as possible and being active. I hope this blog has shown you a good balance of all things sweet and indulgent, fitness, and healthy food choices.

I honestly never imagined Sweet and Strong would grow into a place where I feel connected to other bloggers and where I get the chance to work with some of my favorite brands. It really started like more of a public food and fitness diary and a chance for me to be heard about my lifestyle. Those of you that know me well know that I’m actually a very quiet person in real life. But now I truly feel like all of my readers are a part of the Sweet and Strong community and I want to develop more ways to connect with you all.

But first make sure you’re on the Sweet and Strong mailing list. You’ll be the first notified of new posts and an occasional extra Newsletter, no spam!

Of course you can always leave me a comment below in any blog post, Instagram image, or in my Facebook page. I always try to respond to everyone. I want to get you involved in other ways as well.

After attending a Photography Workshop last week and listening to Rachel talk about Instagram themes and engaging with your followers I decided to use the #sweetandstrong hashtag in a special way. If I can get it to be one of the top IG hashtags, it can be a great space for my followers to form a community. On the topic of engaging with followers, it’s difficult to do that when starting out on the platform which is why many users buy Instagram likes, to boost their online presence. I’ve even heard that some people buy followers too so that their page can have a head start when it comes to setting up. Usually, the more followers you have, the more visible your page is as it can often come up as recommended pages to follow. Not to mention, the more followers a page has, the more the content gets viewed which is great for the person running the page. Some like to use a bot like Ingramer to boost their following whereas others prefer different bots, so it’s all about finding the right fit.

#sweetandstrong Sunday! Starting a traditional on my account every Sunday night ?? Did a mix of workouts during the week ??ate lean protein ? veggies ?and healthy carbs ??. So occasionally I have NO shame in indulging in my favorite sweets. And these doughnuts from @b_doughnut were amazinggggg ???? the traditional glaze are always my fav, oh and anything with sprinkles ? I invite you to post something you treated yourself to this week using the hashtag #sweetandstrong To show others that you can be strong and #treatyourself too. Enjoy your sweet ending to the weekend loves! ?

A post shared by Patricia Petre (@sweetandstrongblog) on Oct 1, 2017 at 3:05pm PDT

Every Sunday night you will see me post an Instagram image of something sweet or indulgent I’m treating myself to. In the caption, I’ll talk about how I am balanced this with exercise or movement during the week along with healthy food choices. I’ve found that being honest and truthful with your following can help you grow your Instagram faster because they can relate to you and understand that you are in fact, a normal everyday person. Not someone who is perfect all the time and not someone who tries to give that impression. You know what they say, honesty is the best policy.

I like to match my sprinkles with my shoes 😉

I want you to not feel embarrassed, ashamed, or upset with yourself for eating the cookie, cake, or whatever it may be. We all do it and #yolo right!

I really hope you’ll join me and post any photo of something you’re treating yourself to each week and how you balanced it with a healthy lifestyle. Whether it be a dessert, a pizza with all the cheese toppings, or some self care. And tag me @sweetandstrongblog in your post and photo and use the hashtag #sweetandstrong.

Each week I’ll share some of your posts in my Insta Stories. And stay tuned for a few other fun ways to get us all connected in the Sweet and Strong community.

Oh did this post make you hungry? Sorry hehe! I’ll leave you with this plate full of salmon and veggies.

Keep life Sweet and stay Strong my friends.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Use the hashtag #sweetandstrong for all those times you need a #treatyourself moment with @sweetandstrong_” quote=”Use the hashtag #sweetandstrong for all those times you need a #treatyourself moment with @sweetandstrong_”]

Linking up with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud and Heather for Friday Favorites.

What’s one thing you treat yourself to each week?

How do you balance exercise and a healthy lifestyle?

If you’re new to a creating a healthy lifestyle what do you need help with?

27 Comments on Use the hashtag #sweetandstrong on Instagram

Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups
October 5, 2017 at 11:55 am (5 years ago)

I love this idea! I am a big believer in balance and room for treats in a healthy lifestyle, also it’s always fun to see what goodies people are enjoying!
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 12:45 pm (5 years ago)
  
  I agree, I love seeing what others are enjoying and feel less guilty when I know others indulge in occasional treats too. Hope you’ll join in!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
October 5, 2017 at 12:13 pm (5 years ago)

What a fun idea! I’m totally with you. I eat healthy most of the time and I refuse to feel bad about pizza OR ice cream. 🙂
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 12:45 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Totally with you Julie! I hope you’ll join in and use the hashtag sometime this week 🙂
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real
October 5, 2017 at 12:31 pm (5 years ago)

Great idea! Life is honestly all about balance, you are not living your best life by saying no to every dessert you ever come across. What’s the fun in celebrations if you can’t have a piece of cake and eat it too?
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 12:46 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Totally agree Maureen! For me a part of enjoying life is eating delicious food and also fueling my body with things that make me feel good. Hope you’ll join in on using the hashtag!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness
October 5, 2017 at 12:56 pm (5 years ago)

I have recently been drinking my coffee without creamer so that is my treat when I get one out. I will allow myself to put some in.
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 4:15 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Love this! I do that too occasionally. But I honestly always forget to buy creamer, it makes coffee taste so much better though!
Ashley @ Whiskers and Weights
October 5, 2017 at 2:28 pm (5 years ago)

Such a good idea! A great way for everyone to showcase the way they balance their nutrition and still enjoy life!
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 4:15 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Thanks Ashley! Hope you’ll join in and share your treat your self moments.
Marina @ Happy Healing
October 5, 2017 at 3:06 pm (5 years ago)

This is such a great, refreshing idea. Love it. I treated myself to some pesto pizza and Reese’s pumpkins last night!
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 4:16 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Thanks Marina! I hope you’ll join in and use the hashtag. And pizza and chocolate sounds like the perfect mid week treat!
Erinn
October 5, 2017 at 3:07 pm (5 years ago)

I love your attitude when it comes to food and fitness! I can’t stand limiting myself and find that if I allow myself a treat everyday (like a little ice cream after dinner) I’m way less likely to binge on something later. It’s all about balance 😉
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 4:17 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Exactly Erinn! I used to deprive myself of these things and binge a lot in college. Now I’ve found the perfect balance and I’m so much happier!
Kayla
October 5, 2017 at 4:02 pm (5 years ago)

All these food pictures are making me so hungry! YUM!! I love this idea, but I really tend to put those treat foods off limits. It is good to always remember to treat yourself and I need to remember this more often! It is all about balance!! Xoxo
- sweetandstrong
  October 5, 2017 at 4:19 pm (5 years ago)
  
  It is all about balance and finding what works for you!
Emily Swanson
October 5, 2017 at 6:36 pm (5 years ago)

Ok, I officially 10000% love this hashtag. I thought of a way I’m hoping to incorporate it into an Instagram post. <3
- sweetandstrong
  October 6, 2017 at 1:58 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Awesome Emily! I can’t wait to see it!
Kaylen
October 6, 2017 at 2:56 am (5 years ago)

Love the tag babe!
- sweetandstrong
  October 6, 2017 at 1:58 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Thanks! I hope I’ll see you using it Kaylen. Happy Weekend.
Bethany
October 6, 2017 at 5:46 am (5 years ago)

I want that pizza! I try to exercise but focus more on just simple movement.

Dark chocolate and ice cream are my treats! My plans of stopping either 😉
- sweetandstrong
  October 6, 2017 at 1:59 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Mmmmm those are delicious treats. No plan on stopping with the sweets either, they just make me too happy.
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
October 6, 2017 at 12:35 pm (5 years ago)

I never would give anything up. Everything in moderation. I treat myself daily, no guilt. I end overnight with a bowl of ice cream, chocolate, whatever it is I’m craving. It helps me get through the day knowing I have that to look forward to.
- sweetandstrong
  October 6, 2017 at 1:59 pm (5 years ago)
  
  YES I totally agree. Knowing what’s for dinner or that I’m gonna have a tasty dessert literally helps me get through the day. I’m so glad I’m not the only one.
Samantha
October 8, 2017 at 12:15 pm (5 years ago)

I love the idea of this hashtag and I will definitely try and participate if I remember!
- sweetandstrong
  October 8, 2017 at 6:10 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Thanks Samantha! I hope you do 🙂