Let’s talk about the video trend that’s been taking over our feeds: “What I Eat in a Day” (WIEIAD). On the surface, these videos might seem harmless, even inspiring—but if you dig deeper, you’ll find they can set unrealistic standards and overlook personal nutritional needs.
With the New Year and new resolutions in full swing (yep, that time when many people vow to improve their health), it’s easy to get sucked in. Here’s why you might want to reconsider.
The New Year Weight-Loss Boom
Many of us approach the New Year with a focus on fitness and weight loss. Statistics suggest that nearly half of all New Year’s resolutions center on eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight. When you have a goal like that in mind, a first point-of-call tends to be hopping online and looking for quick tips to shape up fast. This might look like reading health blogs, signing up to obé Fitness, or watching WIEIAD videos.
WIEIAD videos show a curated snapshot of someone else’s eating habits. Search it on TikTok and you’ll see more than two million videos with the hashtag
#whatieatinaday. You might think it’s helpful, especially if the video creator has a fit body—the physique on your vision board. Surely if you eat like them, you’ll get the same results. Right? Probably not.
Why “What I Eat in a Day” Videos Can Be Misleading
Before you get invested in any creator’s WIEIAD videos, take a second to read these reasons as to why these types of videos can be pointless at best and damaging at worst.
1. They Ignore Bio-Individuality
We all have unique nutritional needs shaped by factors like age, lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals.
For example, someone who is 5ft 8 needs significantly more calories a day than someone who is 5ft 2. Similarly, someone with an active lifestyle needs more calories than someone more sedentary. Women with menstrual cycles may need more calories at certain points in the month, the same as women who are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Even if you’re the same height, age, activity level, and in the same time of month as another woman, you still might have different caloric and nutritional needs.
A snippet of someone else’s diet plan can’t capture what your body actually requires. Just because a fitness influencer thrives on a specific calorie count or macro balance doesn’t mean you’ll feel great on the same routine.
2. Unrealistic Portrayals
You’re often seeing a heavily edited version of someone’s day, complete with perfectly plated meals under ideal lighting. Rarely do these videos show the late-night snack, the rushed convenience foods, or the second helping of dessert. This “highlight reel” can fuel guilt or frustration when your own eating habits look, well, more real.
Plus, who’s to say this particular influencer is actually finishing the dishes they show? They may be curating meals for good content, but eating something else entirely—or only eating half of what they show you. You should never take this type of content at face value.
3. Potential for Disordered Eating Patterns
Rigid “What I Eat in a Day” videos can glorify restrictive diets and unhealthy mindsets around food—especially when they come with disclaimers like, “This is how I stay lean” or “No cheat days allowed.” If you’re prone to obsessive tendencies or are just trying to establish a balanced relationship with food, these videos might lead you down a slippery slope.
READ MORE: 5 Science-Backed Reasons You Shouldn’t Cut Out Carbs
4. Comparison Trap
It’s easy to start comparing your snack choices to an influencer’s 100% organic, homemade “superfood bowl.” While variety is healthy, these videos can make you feel like you’re never doing enough. Spoiler: you are doing enough when you’re meeting your body’s needs.
Seeking Inspiration? Go for Substance Over Aesthetics
It’s not that you can’t find any good nutrition inspiration online, but choose sources that offer context and nuanced advice. Look for certified professionals who talk about balanced meals, portion sizes, and how to listen to your hunger and fullness cues. Or dive into obé’s Nutrition Fundamentals—a course where you’ll find real, practical tips to help you build a routine that genuinely supports your goals and lifestyle.
The course covers essential topics such as mastering the basics of nutrition, debunking calorie myths, and identifying top foods that support hormone health. Learn more here—and try this ‘Nutrition for Body Recomposition’ course if you’re seeking to lose weight or build muscle in a healthy, sustainable way.
Embrace a Sustainable Approach to Wellness This Year
The New Year doesn’t have to revolve around restrictive eating or replicating an influencer’s daily meal plan. Here’s how to approach it in a healthier, more realistic way:
1. Set Balanced Goals
Instead of “I need to lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks,” aim for goals like “I want to eat more veggies every day” or “I’ll add one more weekly workout.” These baby steps add up without piling on the pressure.
2. Honor Your Body’s Signals
Pay attention to when you’re hungry, when you feel full, and what foods energize you. If you follow someone else’s daily breakfast but notice you’re still hungry afterward, it’s a sign that you need more food. Learning to trust your body is a game-changer, and it’s something no video can teach you.
3. Focus on Movement You Enjoy
From HIIT to Yoga, the obé platform has options for everyone. When you find activities you love, exercise feels more like a celebration than a chore. And you won’t feel compelled to punish yourself for indulging in weekend treats.
4. Eat Mindfully
Take a few moments to breathe before meals, savor your food, and genuinely tune in to the eating experience (that means no screen time!). Mindful eating can help you appreciate your meals, improve digestion, and reduce mindless snacking—no influencer video required.
Consume More Good Food, and Less Bad Content
Watching “What I Eat in a Day” videos might be tempting—especially when everyone’s trying to start the year off strong—but these snapshots often set unattainable standards and ignore what’s best for you.
So are you ready to ditch the copycat diets and design a routine that actually suits your body? obé’s got you covered with workouts and wellness resources that promote a healthy relationship with food and exercise—no comparison traps allowed. Embrace your unique journey, and let this new year be the time you truly put your needs first.
READ MORE: Why Extreme Weight Loss Diets Never (Ever) Work
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