In the age of social media, we are bombarded with countless videos showcasing people's daily lives, including their meals. One popular trend that has gained significant traction over the years is the "What I Eat in a Day" videos. While many find these videos entertaining and informative, there is a growing concern about their impact on viewers' relationships with food and body image. In this blog post, I will delve into the reasons why I choose NOT to create such videos and the underlying issues they can perpetuate.

1. The Illusion of Perfection:

In the past, I used to watch these "What I Eat in a Day" videos with the hope of copying the eating habits of those featured and attaining their desired physique. However, this pursuit of perfection led me down a dangerous path of disappointment and depression when I couldn't replicate their eating patterns precisely.

For instance, a popular fitness influencer's video showed her eating a well-portioned, colorful salad for lunch and a protein-packed quinoa bowl for dinner. The video might have left out the fact that she indulged in a slice of cake at her friend's birthday party earlier in the day, or actually only ate half of her dinner portion leaving viewers with an incomplete and unrealistic picture.

2. Hidden Realities:

One significant drawback of these videos is that they fail to reveal the real relationship the person creating the content has with food. What may seem like a healthy and balanced meal plan on the surface might hide disordered eating habits, restrictive diets, or even unhealthy obsessions with food.

For example, consider a food blogger whose "What I Eat in a Day" video showcased an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While it seemed like a nutritious day, behind the scenes, she may struggled with orthorexia, a fixation on eating only "clean" foods, which limited her enjoyment of various cuisines and social interactions.

3. Irrelevance of a Single Day:

Focusing on what someone eats in a day is misleading and often irrelevant to their overall health and well-being. True wellness is a long-term journey, shaped by the eating choices made over weeks, months, and years. Placing too much emphasis on a single day's food intake can create a skewed perspective on nutrition.

Imagine a fitness enthusiast who proudly shared her "What I Eat in a Day" video featuring a protein shake, grilled chicken breast, and vegetables. However, viewers might be unaware that this was merely a high-protein day in her otherwise balanced weekly meal plan. This narrow focus on one day's intake can promote an unsustainable approach to eating.

4. Lack of Authenticity:

Viewers of these videos are left in the dark regarding the authenticity of the portrayed meals. There is no way to determine if the person genuinely consumed what was presented or if they indulged in additional snacks or treats not shown on camera.

For example, a popular vlogger's video showcases her enjoying a variety of nutritious meals throughout the day. However, what might not be disclosed is that she struggled with binge eating and edited out certain parts of the day when she indulged in large quantities of less nutrition dense snacks.

5. Misleading Messages:

Some creators begin their videos by showcasing their seemingly perfect bodies or defined abs, implying that copying their eating habits will lead to a similar physique. This messaging is harmful and reinforces the harmful notion that our worth is tied to our physical appearance.

A fitness model's "What I Eat in a Day" video might display her eating a few hundred calories less than her actual daily intake to maintain her sculpted figure, leaving viewers with an unrealistic expectation of how much they should eat.

6. Portion Distortions:

Often, these videos display portion sizes that are either too small or too large for the average person. This further adds to the unrealistic expectations and misguided beliefs about appropriate serving sizes.

For instance, a fitness enthusiast's video might showcase her eating a tiny bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, leading many viewers to believe that it's the ideal portion size for them. However, it's essential to consider individual factors such as activity levels, height, body composition, and goals before determining the right amount of food to eat which is of course NOT mentioned in the video.

The Right Perspective:

While I respect the freedom of content creators to make "What I Eat in a Day" videos and viewers to watch them, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with these videos. The allure of "What I Eat in a Day" videos can be strong, but we must approach them with caution and critical thinking. Understanding that they may not represent the truth behind someone's relationship with food is of utmost importance. Instead of perpetuating the unrealistic notion of "What I Eat in a Day," there are healthier and more constructive ways to share meal ideas. Content creators have a unique opportunity to present balanced ways of eating, discuss the importance of overall dietary patterns, and promote a positive relationship with food and body image.

It's important to be mindful of the impact these videos may have on vulnerable individuals. Many of us are prone to comparing ourselves to others, especially when it comes to our bodies and diets. Falling into the trap of unrealistic expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and even harmful behaviours. Instead, it’s more effective to shift our attention to embracing balanced and individualised approaches to nutrition, health, and self-care.

Let's shift our focus from short-term fixes to long-term well-being and embrace a more balanced and compassionate approach to our health and nutrition. True well-being is a journey that encompasses various aspects of life and should not be confined to a single day's portrayal. Remember that genuine health and happiness come from nourishing our bodies and minds with self-care, balance, and kindness.