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I really enjoy watching “what I eat in a day” videos on social media. I love food and I love cooking, and watching these videos is a great source of inspiration for my own meals. I find it so fun and interesting to see what people are creating in their kitchens, especially when these videos deliver fresh new ideas for easy meals I can whip up on my own.
But recently, I’ve noticed that some “what I eat in a day” (WIEIAD) videos have taken on a different flavor (no pun intended!). Instead of starting their videos with a shot of food, some creators will begin their videos by body-checking (or showcasing their body size, often in a sports bra and leggings). Sometimes, they’ll even say something like "what I eat in a day to stay skinny".
The message seems to be: Eat what these creators eat, and you can expect to look like they look. Except… all bodies are different. And as much as “SkinnyTok" likes to perpetuate the idea that body size is a direct result of discipline and diet, and portion control, the reality is, genetics and so many other factors affect body size — and eating exactly like someone else doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll look like them. Nor should it! Our bodies are unique.
But the messaging of equating physical size so intimately with what a person eats on any given day (which is ultimately just a snapshot in time, not a comprehensive picture) can reinforce that link. And now, a lot of people are pushing back on “what I eat in a day” videos for that reason. They can lead us down a path of comparison.
“If not framed thoughtfully, these videos can create unrealistic expectations that neglect bio-individuality,” says registered dietitian Anna Bohnengel. “Especially for women who are already feeling vulnerable or confused about what’s ‘right’ for their body. Each woman's body — what constitutes a healthy shape and size for her, and how to best support her health, it's all so personal.”
This can make women in particular feel like they’re failing — like the way they eat and/or look isn’t good enough.
Nuance matters, though
“What I eat in a day” content isn’t inherently harmful, at least not if it is framed thoughtfully.
“When I share my meals, I always make it clear that this isn’t a prescription; it’s just one example of what nourishes me, based on my body, lifestyle, and health history. The goal is to inspire, not to impose,” says Bohnengel. “As a dietitian, I’m much more interested in helping women tune into what their body needs — not follow what’s trending on Instagram.”
This is an important element here: Yes, people often issue a disclaimer that this way of eating is simply what works best for them, but when the focus is on both body size and food in one minute-long video, it’s hard not to draw a connection.
The thing is, we all have different preferences, different needs, and different shapes. And “what I eat in a day” content can potentially lead us to think there’s one “right” way to eat… and look.
The body shots are a big part of the problem
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“When ‘what I eat in a day” content starts with body checking or weight-loss framed as the ultimate goal, it shifts the focus from nourishment to appearance. That can be especially harmful for women navigating disordered eating, orthorexia, or body dysmorphia,” adds Bohnengel. “These intros send the subtle message that our worth (and health) is defined by our size.”
Not all people will have the same reaction to "What I Eat in a Day" TikToks
As someone who has a pretty healthy relationship with food, who views food as a way to connect with loved ones and a source of fun and pleasure (in addition to its ability to fuel my body, of course), I don’t feel as negatively affected by this type of content. I don’t find myself feeling guilty for eating ice cream for dessert when an influencer created a cottage cheese dessert instead, or for eating pasta for dinner while a creator says she avoids carbs after 2 pm, for example. I don’t always manage to avoid the comparison trap — I’m human, after all — but for the most part, these videos are a net positive in my life.
But I absolutely see how for someone with body image issues, or a history of disordered eating, this type of content could be really triggering.
According to Bohnengel, women who feel inadequate or ashamed of their bodies, or are confused about what healthy eating really looks like, are especially vulnerable to this type of content and the comparison game it can set in motion.
And quite frankly, with our world of unrealistic, ever-changing beauty standards — not to mention our extreme, also ever-changing cultural ideas about what a healthy diet really looks like — it’s nearly impossible for women not to struggle with these issues.
“We live in a culture that constantly tells women their worth is measured in how they look,” says Bohnengel. “But here’s what I want women to remember: what works for someone else might not be right for your body, your hormones, or your season of life. And that’s okay. There is no one 'right' way to look or to take care of your body.”
Personalization over perfection
That’s why the expert tends to emphasize personalization over perfection, and sometimes, this type of content can threaten someone’s ability to make personalized decisions around food.
“The best thing you can do for your health is to stop copying, and start listening: To your symptoms, your energy, your cycle cues, etc. Your body has its own story to tell. Comparison drowns it out,” she says.
Is this content interfering with your ability to personalize your habits?
There are some signs that perhaps “what I eat in a day” content may be leading you down an unhealthy path.
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“If you find yourself feeling down on yourself, ashamed of your choices, ultimately feeling worse — not better — after watching “what I eat in a day” content, that’s a red flag,” says Bohnengel. “Food inspiration should leave you feeling empowered, not anxious or inadequate.”
If you find yourself second-guessing your meals, feeling guilt or shame around what you eat in a day, or find yourself falling into restrictive patterns, you may need to set some boundaries around this type of content.
“I often remind my clients: you don’t owe anyone access to your attention,” says Bohnengel. “Curating your feed, muting triggering accounts, or taking social media off your phone can be one of the most healing choices you make. You deserve content that nourishes you, not content that drains you.”
You can also check in with yourself, ask what you’re hoping to find from this type of content, and remind yourself that these videos can be entertaining and fun, but ultimately not a place to seek out advice about what is healthy for your body.
An uncomfortable truth about what people eat
These videos seem to be received differently based on the creator's body type. A “thin” or “fit” creator may be praised for incorporating a cookie into their day (balance!), while someone with a different body type may be shamed for doing the very same thing. And that’s indicative of something deeper.
“This speaks to an uncomfortable but important truth: we live in a culture that often equates thinness with health, discipline, and credibility, especially when it comes to food and wellness,” says Bohnengel. “When someone in a smaller body shares what they eat, it’s often praised as inspiring or aspirational. But when a person in a larger body shares the exact same meals, it may be judged, questioned, or even dismissed. That’s not just unfair — it’s harmful. It reinforces weight stigma and ignores the fact that health is not defined by body size.”
Here’s what we all need to remember
“What I eat in a day” content can be a lot of fun. It’s interesting to see how other people eat, and it can be really useful to get your meal inspiration right there beneath your fingertips.
But this type of content — if not presented and consumed responsibly — can prey upon our insecurities. If you feel that happening, it might be time to consider setting some boundaries around this type of content.
Zara Hanawalt is a freelance journalist and mom of twins. She's written for outlets like Parents, MarieClaire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, and many others. In her (admittedly limited!) free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her family.