10 Reasons to Stop Watching 'What I Eat in a Day' Videos
As eating disorder therapists, we’ve seen firsthand the very real impact of "What I Eat in a Day" videos can have on people's relationships with food and their body.
We see it all the time- from Kristin Cavallari what I eat in a day videos to Gwenyth Paltrow what I eat in a day articles, reels and videos, these snapshots of celebrity and influencer’s days are normalized, and almost expected.
While on the surface they might seem harmless, these videos often do more harm than good.
Here are ten reasons why it might be time to stop watching what I eat in a day videos:
They Can Trigger Disordered Eating For those struggling with disordered eating (ie approx 72% of women 🫨) or recovering from an eating disorder, these videos can be more than just unhelpful – they can be downright dangerous.
They often glorify restrictive eating patterns, morality around types of food, or obsessive food behaviors. Potentially triggering or exacerbating disordered eating thoughts and behaviors.
They're a Comparison Trap It's all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing your eating habits to those of the content creator. But here's the thing: your body, lifestyle, and nutritional needs are unique to you. Trying to mimic someone else's meals or eating patterns is like trying to wear shoes that don't fit – uncomfortable and potentially harmful.
One Size Doesn't Fit All These videos often present a single day's worth of meals as if it's a universal blueprint for what is popularly viewed as “health”.
In reality, nutritional needs vary widely based on factors like age, genetics, activity level, and health conditions. What works for a 25-year-old fitness influencer (who very well might be struggling with an eating disorder behind closed doors) is likely entirely inappropriate for you.
The Hidden Influence of Orthorexia Many of these videos promote an obsession with eating "pure" or "clean" foods, which can contribute to orthorexia – an unhealthy preoccupation with righteous eating.
Remember, no single food is inherently "good" or "bad," and a truly healthy diet allows for flexibility, satiety and variety.
The Reality Check is Missing Let's be honest: most of us don't have the time, resources, or inclination to prepare picture-perfect, aesthetically pleasing, perfectly balanced meals three times a day.
These videos rarely show the messy, rushed, or imperfect meals that make up real life, creating unrealistic expectations about what normal eating actually looks like.
They Reinforce the "Food Police" Mentality Many "What I Eat in a Day" videos inadvertently promote a rigid, rule-based approach to eating that can feel like you're constantly being monitored by internal "food police."
This mentality categorizes foods as "good" or "bad," leading to guilt and anxiety around eating. In reality, food is just food – it doesn't have moral value.
Instead of fostering a joyful relationship with eating, these videos often strip away the pleasure and spontaneity that can be part of our normal, everyday food experiences.
They rarely show the social aspects of sharing a meal with friends, the cultural significance of traditional dishes, or the simple joy of savoring a favorite treat without judgment or compensation.
Intuitive eating, on the other hand, encourages you to challenge these internal food rules and rediscover the satisfaction in eating. It's about learning to feel and trust your body's signals, honoring your hunger and fullness, and allowing all foods to fit into your life without guilt or shame.
They Oversimplify Nutrition Nutrition is complex.
These videos often reduce it to simple calorie counts or broad categories like "clean eating," ignoring the nuances of balanced and joyful nutrition. This oversimplification can lead to nutritional deficiencies or an unhealthy fixation on certain food groups.
They're Typically Providing Unqualified Advice Most content creators aren't registered dietitians or healthcare professionals.
While they might have the best intentions, they're often sharing personal experiences (often stemming from behind the scenes personal struggles with food and body) rather than evidence-based, trauma informed advice. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and potentially harmful eating practices.
They Promote Food Anxiety Constantly thinking about and planning meals can lead to increased anxiety around food. Eating should be enjoyable, not a source of stress. If you find yourself worrying excessively about your next meal, it might be time to step back from these videos and seek professional help.
The Whole Picture is Missing A single day's worth of meals doesn't represent a person's overall diet or relationship with food. These videos don't show the balance achieved over time, the occasional treats, or how eating patterns might change based on activity levels or special occasions.
Remember, a healthy relationship with food is about nourishing your body, enjoying your meals, and finding balance – not about rigidly following someone else's eating pattern. If you're concerned about your diet, consider talking to a registered dietitian or a mental health professional for personalized support.
Your journey to a healthier relationship with food is unique, and it deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach from a video.
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Looking for an eating disorder therapist in Pennsylvania?
Reclaim Therapy is a group practice that provides therapy for eating disorders for residents of Pennsylvania. We are a group of trauma therapists who are passionate about helping people untangle themselves from the tight grip of diet culture, and reclaim trust and compassion for their one and only body.