The Harm of “What I Eat in a Day” Videos on TikTok and Instagram
In the age of social media, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have brought us closer to each other’s lives than ever before. Among the many trends to surface, "What I Eat in a Day" videos have gained significant popularity. While they may seem harmless at first glance, these videos often perpetuate harmful messages about food, body image, and health.
As a clinical psychologist specialising in eating disorders, I’ve seen firsthand how damaging these videos can be. Here are some reasons why this trend warrants critical examination:
1. Unrealistic Expectations Around Food
The curated nature of social media means that "What I Eat in a Day" videos rarely reflect the reality of a person’s full eating habits. Creators may intentionally or unintentionally leave out snacks, second servings, or fun foods to appear “healthier” or more disciplined. This can set up unrealistic standards for viewers, who might feel like their own eating habits are excessive by comparison.
2. Reinforcing Diet Culture
Many of these videos centre around calorie counting, "clean eating," or restrictive food choices - hallmarks of diet culture. Even when creators disclaim that they’re not endorsing a particular way of eating, the underlying message can often be: "This is what you should eat to look like me."
For viewers already vulnerable to diet culture, these videos can amplify feelings of shame and inadequacy about their own food choices and bodies.
3. Triggering for Those with Eating Disorders
For individuals with a history of disordered eating, "What I Eat in a Day" videos can be particularly harmful. Seeing someone else’s rigid food rules or restrictive intake can reinforce unhealthy behaviors, such as food comparison, restriction, or bingeing.
It’s worth noting that eating disorders thrive in secrecy and comparison. These videos often feed directly into those tendencies, making recovery more difficult for those who are struggling.
4. Misleading Health Messages
Social media creators are rarely qualified to give dietary advice. Yet their influence can lead viewers to adopt eating patterns that may not meet their individual nutritional needs. What works for one person may not work for another, and imitating someone else’s diet without professional guidance can lead to nutrient deficiencies, energy imbalances, or other health issues.
5. Self-Objectification and Hyperfocus on Appearance
These videos often tie eating habits to physical appearance, perpetuating the idea that our worth is determined by how we look. This can encourage self-objectification - a phenomenon where individuals view their bodies as objects to be evaluated rather than as integral parts of their humanity.
For younger audiences, this is especially concerning, as adolescence is a critical period for developing a healthy relationship with food and body image.
Encouraging a Healthier Approach
Instead of consuming "What I Eat in a Day" content, consider seeking inspiration from sources that promote intuitive eating, body neutrality, and food diversity. Here are some alternatives:
Follow registered dietitians who provide evidence-based nutrition advice without perpetuating diet culture.
Learn about intuitive eating, which encourages you to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues rather than external rules.
Focus on food as a source of joy and connection, not just fuel or a means to control your appearance.
If you’ve found yourself negatively impacted by this type of content, it’s okay to hit "unfollow" or take a break from social media. Your mental health and well-being are far more important than keeping up with online trends.
Final Thoughts
While "What I Eat in a Day" videos may seem innocuous, they often perpetuate harmful messages about food and body image. Social media is a powerful tool that shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and self-perceptions. By engaging with content critically and prioritising our mental health, we can foster a healthier relationship with food and our bodies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns, consider reaching out for professional support. Help is available, and recovery is possible.