By Tori Templet | Staff Writer
A typical trend that influencers catch on to for their content is “What I Eat in a Day” videos. Many viewers enjoy these videos, but over time, they have been deemed toxic.
Most “What I Eat in a Day” videos are posted by women on multiple social media platforms. These videos consist of daily meals that praise specific eating habits. They bring a certain aesthetic to meals that make girls feel like they need to eat a certain way to look a certain way.
There are some people who find this trend helpful for meal planning and healthier lifestyles, but every single body is different. I’m not sure I would be able to eat the same amount — either more or less — as the girl who is making the video. I typically find myself questioning how I look and how I eat when I watch “What I Eat in a Day” videos. This brings on a sense of insecurity that is seemingly unhealthy, and I know I am not the only woman who feels like this.
Nutrition journalist and dietitian Christine Byrne said that this trend is problematic and that health experts condemn it as promoting eating disorders, disordered eating, comparison and poor self-esteem.
“Many of the posts showcase low-calorie menus that aren’t enough food for most people, and even the ones that feature nutritionally adequate meals and snacks may end up doing more harm than good,” Byrne said.
This trend just recently became popular within the past year or so. Although it first started on YouTube, it has taken up space on TikTok and Instagram Reels. I seem to find at least five videos like this throughout my social media every day. It’s hard to keep your mind off of this kind of lifestyle when content is shoved in your face multiple times a day.
A registered dietitian, Samantha Cassetty, on the Today Show said there is a big difference between an expert and an influencer.
The line becomes kind of blurred when we start seeing influencers as the ones who know everything, but really, they know just as much as we do, and they may just make it look more pleasing to the eye.
“Helping a person make dietary changes involves a deep understanding of nutrition and human behavior and requires specific and ongoing training,” Cassetty said. “An influencer’s job is to share what worked for them, but a dietitian’s job is to share what will work for you. An expert is skilled in analyzing evidence and putting that into practice with people.”
Although “What I Eat in a Day” videos can be fun because of the influencer’s aesthetic and lifestyle, watching this content can cause a constant inner turmoil over body image and eating habits. I think there needs to be some sort of shift, change or end to this trend for the betterment of all women on social media.
If you are seeking help or are in need of any sort of nutrition services, Baylor’s Counseling Center is always available.
