Have We Finally Outgrown "What I Eat in a Day" Videos?
Our take
The internet’s fascination with observing the daily routines of others is a well-documented phenomenon, and few formats have captured that attention as thoroughly as the “What I Eat in a Day” (WIEIAD) video. For years, these videos have dominated platforms like YouTube and TikTok, promising a glimpse into the eating habits of influencers, celebrities, and everyday individuals. However, the article “Have We Finally Outgrown ‘What I Eat in a Day’ Videos?” suggests a potential shift in consumer interest, and it’s a development worth examining closely. The relentless pursuit of relatability through detailed food logs seems to be losing its allure, raising questions about the future of online content consumption and the broader wellness landscape. The inherent appeal, the vicarious satisfaction of observing someone else’s choices, is perhaps fading as audiences seek more nuanced and meaningful engagement. Consider the growing focus on holistic wellness – exemplified by stories like Lauren Murawski’s journey navigating celiac and Crohn’s disease [Celiac and Crohn's Made Every Meal Feel Like a Risk. Here's How She Healed.], which offers a far more compelling and relatable narrative than a simple food diary.
The saturation of WIEIAD videos is undoubtedly a factor. The format has become predictable, often showcasing aesthetically pleasing but ultimately superficial depictions of eating. The initial novelty of witnessing someone’s daily meals has worn off, replaced by a sense of fatigue and, for some, even judgment. There’s also a growing awareness of the potential for these videos to promote unhealthy eating habits or unrealistic body standards. The emphasis on portion sizes, calorie counting, and seemingly perfect meals can be triggering or contribute to disordered eating patterns. Furthermore, the rise of more authentic and emotionally resonant content—like Vanessa Hudgens's embrace of a "Comfort Era" [Welcome to Vanessa Hudgens's "Comfort Era": Inside Her New Campaign]—demonstrates a desire for connection that transcends the superficiality of documenting every bite. People are craving vulnerability and genuine stories, and a meticulously curated food itinerary simply doesn't offer that depth. The conversation around nutrition and wellness is also evolving, moving beyond restrictive diets and calorie counting toward a more inclusive and science-backed approach, as explored in articles questioning the necessity of extensive vitamin routines [Do You Really Need a Vitamin Routine?].
The decline of WIEIAD videos doesn't necessarily signal a rejection of wellness content altogether. Rather, it suggests a refinement of what audiences find valuable. The era of performative wellness, where online personas meticulously showcase idealized lifestyles, appears to be waning. Instead, there's a growing demand for content that is honest, informative, and genuinely helpful. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend towards authenticity and a desire for content that fosters a sense of community and shared experience. The focus is moving away from external validation and towards inner wellbeing, prioritizing mental and emotional health alongside physical health. This means content creators need to adapt, offering more than just a snapshot of a day's meals; they need to provide insights, education, and inspiration that empower viewers to make informed choices and cultivate a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
Ultimately, the potential fading of the WIEIAD format raises a crucial question: what will replace it? Will we see a rise in content focused on mindful eating, intuitive nourishment, or the broader cultural context of food? Or will a new, equally pervasive trend emerge to capture our collective attention? It’s likely that we’ll see a diversification of content, with a greater emphasis on personalized nutrition, sustainable food practices, and the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. The future of online wellness content lies in fostering genuine connection and empowering individuals to cultivate a holistic sense of wellbeing, moving beyond the superficiality of documenting every meal.
If there's one thing the internet loves, it's watching what people eat. For proof, just look to the virality of "what I eat in a day" (WIEIAD) videos. By now you likely know the format: a quick body check subtly implying that the creator's physique is a direct result of their diet. Then come the meticulously prepared meals (all three if you're lucky). Bonus points for an undisclosed greens ad or a small sweet treat for "balance."
Some commenters applaud these videos for being so transparent and honest about food. Others (including registered dietitians) have entire platforms dedicated to calling out disordered eating, dangerous calorie deficits, and other problematic behavior within these WIEIADs. But is any of this content actually helping anyone? And if not, why are these videos so hard for us to quit?
Experts Featured in This Article
H. Coakley, RDN, is an eating disorder dietitian and the owner of Pando Wellness.
Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN, is an intuitive eating dietitian and personal trainer.
Are There Any Benefits to WIEIADs?
You know 'em, you might even love 'em, but are WIEIAD videos actually doing us any good? According to H. Coakley, RDN: not really. "The implication I find right under the surface of these videos is basically, 'If you eat this way, you'll look/be/feel like me. And you should follow me for even more tips on how to do that,'" they explain. This line of thinking is also extremely lucrative for many WIEIAD creators, which is rarely acknowledged.
"It often seems that the people filming this type of content already fit within a certain 'ideal' appearance: thin, cis woman, usually white," Coakley adds. That's not to mention the problematic nutritional advice shared within the videos themselves.
Still, while WIEIAD content can certainly be problematic, it's not all bad either. "When shared with transparency and flexibility, these videos help normalize varied eating and occasionally highlight practical approaches or insights to nutrition," says dietitian Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN. These videos might also provide meal inspiration, so long as you approach them with the right mindset. Many WIEIAD videos could be much better if they just emphasized honesty, practicality, and responsible nutrition.
Do WIEIADs Cause More Harm Than Good?
Some might argue that occasional WIEIAD videos can help with meal inspo or motivation. But even if it's fun to watch in the moment, experts say WIEIAD content won't do much for you in the long run. "These videos usually contribute to the same tropes you see in dieting — they tend to feature small portions, low calories, and expensive products that take a lot of time and energy to prepare," Coakley says. "Many of my clients find that watching these videos causes an uptick in their eating disorder thoughts and behaviors."
If your feed is full of WIEIAD videos, you also might notice yourself falling into negative thought patterns like: "I don't eat like that," "I should eat like that," or "If only I ate that way . . ." Coakley adds. This is especially relevant when we consider that many of the people watching WIEIADs may already be insecure or overly focused on their diet.
"Watching these videos causes an uptick in their eating disorder."
These negative effects are seen across the board, even with content that may seem more realistic (from the outside looking in). "Even when intentions are positive, these videos often uphold diet culture and promote restrictive, unrealistic eating norms," Draayer says.
"Whatever the intention of the creator, idealized versions of anything mostly serve to make people feel worse, not better," Coakley adds. "It's not hard to see why many studies are showing a clear link between social media use and the rise of loneliness, anxiety, and eating disorders in young adults and teens."
Alternatives to WIEIADs
WIEIADs aren't doing much for us, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. Here are some expert-approved ideas for talking about nutrition on social media in a more productive way.
Highlight joy: Food isn't just about fuel. In an effort to move away from the comparison and anxiety sparked by WIEIADs, Draayer suggests "exploring food satisfaction, diverse cultural food experiences, and the joy of eating without judgment."
Disrupt stigma: What we eat is a vulnerable topic filled with stigma. To offset this, Coakley likes content "that disrupts that stigma, rather than perpetuating it." Think creators with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder who film themselves trying new foods, or people with ADHD talking about the meals they make when feeling overstimulated.
Nix the body checking: As it stands, body checking on camera is a huge part of many WIEIAD videos. Moving forward, "creators should intentionally disconnect food choices from appearance goals and avoid any form of body checking within food or nutrition content," Draayer says.
Keep it realistic: The majority of people don't have time to cook three beautifully curated meals a day. Draayer's suggestion? "Offer practical cooking skills and flexible meal-planning ideas that adapt to individual needs." Coakley adds that creators can show themselves actually cooking or feature quick meals with just a few ingredients.
Let go of strict rules: "Time and time again, I find that people have a more easeful relationship with food when they are able to be gentle with themselves," Coakley says. "When we can pull from videos useful tips that make eating easier or more pleasurable or more varied, I'm all for that. But if it doesn't serve a kinder, more useful, or more expansive view of ourselves and our bodies, it's probably not worth watching."
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Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and producer for PS Fit. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.Read on the original site
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