What is a ‘girl dinner’ and why has it sparked controversy?

‘Unfortunately, these types of trends normalise and add to the already misinformed diet culture,’ says nutritionist Nicole Frost, who also points out that the name itself is problematic. ‘The word ‘girl’ implies a smaller portion,’ she adds.

“girl dinner” you have an eating disorder

— steph 🙂 (@steph_philo) July 14, 2023

For Frost, concern lies in the fact that there’s a social comparison factor at play when we’re watching viral videos of what others are eating, especially for impressionable young people who may then begin questioning their own levels of consumption.

‘It’s almost the humble brag in a way, to show off you’re not eating that much,’ echoes Chelsea Kronengold, who has a master’s in clinical psychology with expertise in body image, eating disorders, and the impact of social media.

With this in mind, both experts stress the importance of steering clear of content that leaves us vulnerable to this kind of negative thinking and to cater to our individual needs alone.

Writing for Bustle and in defence of the phenomenon’s light-hearted intentions, Jillian Giandurco argues against this notion.

‘It seems as though one of the biggest appeals of girl dinner is how it takes away the pressure of having a perfectly curated meal, which is something you don’t often see on social media these days,’ she says.

@siennabeluga Pls put a little more food on that plate babe dont be using girl dinner as camo for your…you know… #girldinner #ededdneddy #fyp ♬ original sound – hanana

‘Plus, in a busy world of on-the-go dinners over the sink, the trend also serves as a reminder that it’s important to nourish your body to the best of your abilities, no matter what that looks like.’

Evidently, therefore, while the ‘girl dinner’ trend may just be a bit of fun, without the necessary attentiveness it puts Gen Zers (considering they are what they eat) at risk of being diet culture personified.

So, as usual, all that’s required is a balanced outlook.

If you’re entertained by these videos, great, but if not, it’s helpful to put these images into context and remember the source of your consumption explains Kronengold.

‘The videos you’re seeing often come from everyday people or influencers who do not have a background in nutrition, so you’re getting your ‘inspiration’ or advice from someone not qualified to give that,’ she says. ‘It’s important to consider the source.’