Remembering Girl Dinners: Were They Nourishing or Toxic?

Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux

Giiirlll diiiiinner. In 2023 the world witnessed the creation of yet another TikTok trend. However, rather than revolving around fashion or dancing, as they commonly do, this trend was about food. What started as a playful joke—highlighting the tendency to throw together a plate of cheese, crackers, fruit, and other easy-to-grab foods—quickly evolved into a broader conversation about eating habits, nutrition, and social media’s influence on food culture.

But what is a "girl dinner," and why did so many people relate to it? Well, "girl dinners" are essentially meals composed of snack-like foods rather than a traditional, structured plate. They are almost like small faux charcuterie boards. Think: cheese and crackers, a handful of gherkins, olives, a piece of bread with butter, or a random assortment of whatever is in the fridge. Olivia Maher, the creator of Girl Dinner, described it as "No preparation, just vibes.”

Girl Dinners and their overarching concept of low-maintenance meals resonated with many because it reflected the way people—especially girls—often eat when they’re alone, prioritizing convenience over conventional meal structure. Many connected with the concept of sporadically eating little bites just based on the ingredients/resources they have available. Overall, this trend took off because many saw it as a way of celebrating low-effort, satisfying meals without guilt or pressure.

However, as the trend spread, some grew concerned at the different iterations of "girl dinner." While many "girl dinners" people posted online balanced proteins, fats, and carbs, others were alarmingly small—sometimes consisting of little more than a Diet Coke and a few almonds. This led to a debate about whether "girl dinners" were actually promoting healthy and intuitive eating or unintentionally glorifying disordered eating habits.

While the majority of these "girl dinners" are simply meant to be girly, relatable, and even a little fun, it's important to recognize how elements may be unhealthy for young girls and teens who are still forming their relationships with food. Images online of plates with just two olives and a pickle could unintentionally prompt young people to develop unhealthy ideas about portion sizes and eating habits.

As a result, since the creation of the "girl dinner" trend, many other influencers and dieticians have taken to social media to address the potential harmful effects. In fact, several people on social media have rebranded the trend as "well-fed Girl Dinner" and used it to post low-demand meals that provide more appropriate calorie and serving sizes. Many have found these "well-fed Girl Dinners" to actually be more relatable and connected to their lifestyles.

So, was the "girl dinner" trend actually nourishing or secretly toxic? Unfortunately, the answer is not completely clear-cut, rather it depends on how different individuals approach the trend. For some, it was a way to listen to when they were truly hungry and embrace an easy, satisfying meal. For others, the small portion sizes led them into harmful spirals and reinvigorated restrictive eating habits. That's why you must remember that while social media can bring creativity and community to food culture, it also requires a weary eye. After all, something that works for one person may not work for another.

Thumbnail Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-variety-of-cheeses-crackers-and-meats-on-a-platter-ESxXLJW3B-k