#GirlDinner has become a popular trend on TikTok with over 2.7 billion views. It involves women choosing to have snack boards instead of traditional dinner meals with a typical "Girl Dinner" consisting of bread, some type of cheese, fruit; usually grapes or apple slices, and pickles, but it can be customised based on individual preferences, such as comfort food or leftovers. However, while some people praise this trend as a culinary revolution that celebrates individuality, encourages the exploration of new gastronomic horizons and pokes fun at stereotypes, it is important to remember that what goes viral on social media is not always synonymous with health. Content creators may not always consider the message they convey, especially for their younger demographic, who may be more impressionable to develop unhealthy relationships with food.
The Girl Dinner trend could lead to unhealthy eating habits, affecting healthy habits, blood sugar levels and causing deficiencies in essential nutrients. As we immerse ourselves in the holiday season, often synonymous with snacking and overindulgence, one can still adopt a healthier approach to the Girl Dinner trend by making smart substitutions in meals. These thoughtful choices can enhance the overall nutritional content of your food. These can be anything from a change in cooking style to switching out ingredients to more wholesome alternatives.
Here are a few tips and tricks for making #GirlDinner more filling, healthy and balanced:
Consistency is key. Pack your snacks and plates with colourful and varied fruits and veggies to ensure you get the nutrients your body needs. Be smart with your portions – fill your plate half full of veggies and then add a quarter of a plate of fibre-rich carbohydrates (brown rice, pasta or potatoes) and a quarter of protein (meat, poultry, seafood or eggs). And don't forget to celebrate!
