By Kaity Kempf | LTVN Managing Editor
It’s all over social media. From TikTok to Twitter, the “girl dinner” trend has excited users all over the world. But the question with many food trends is: Is it doing more harm than good?
The trend began after TikTok user Olivia Maher posted a video talking about “girl dinner,” which consists of seemingly random small food combinations that one would eat as a full meal. While the video was posted with no cruel intentions, many are concerned the trend encourages an unfulfilling, dangerous diet.
While some food trends may be triggering for those who suffer from eating disorders or such tendencies, I don’t think the trend is harmful in itself. It is definitely up to the interpretation of those participating. Coming from someone who has suffered from such tendencies, I don’t find it extremely triggering, but again, that all depends on the person.
One of the things I love about this trend is its lack of boundaries when choosing a meal. If you want to eat salami with popcorn and a side of cookies and milk, that is your choice. The important thing to remember with this freedom is that it is important to be conscious of the nutritional components you may be missing.
The trend can also be an amazing way to enrich gut diversity. When eating such a vast array of foods, your gut microbiome can digest and generate nutrients more effectively, so it can be not only convenient but also good for your gut.
As long as you are receiving the proper nutrients and adequate portion sizes, I think it is alright to participate in the “girl dinner” trend. Allow yourself grace. You can participate on a minor scale by intuitively eating during all meals of the day. “Girl dinner” does not mean eating less; rather, it means not caring about what random concoction of foods you have decided to eat.
If you struggle with eating disorders, the Baylor University Counseling Center is available for support. Its dietitian also offers “nutrition counseling within a nonjudgmental space.”