"Girl Dinner" Meaning (& What TikTok Has to Say About It)

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Discover if “Girl Dinner” is healthy or harmful
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You may have heard the phrase “Girl Dinner” on TikTok, but what exactly does it mean? This viral term refers to any random assortment of foods you whip together and call dinner, and it’s the latest trend taking over the app. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about “Girl Dinner,” including its meaning, origins, and what TikTok users have to say about it.

Things You Should Know

  • The term “Girl Dinner” refers to the popular TikTok trend of women eating snack boards for dinner, instead of traditional entrées.
  • The typical “Girl Dinner” is a snack plate with bread, cheese, fruit, and pickles, but it can also be whatever you like—your go-to comfort food or even leftovers from the night before.
  • Some TikTok users believe “Girl Dinner” challenges the expectation that wives must cook and care for their husbands. However, other users believe it promotes eating disorders.
Section 1 of 3:

What is “Girl Dinner?”

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  1. It usually resembles a charcuterie board with bread, cheese, fruit, pickles, and nuts, but it has evolved into any low-effort meal you make when you’re alone—and there’s no one there to judge your eating habits. Whether it’s instant ramen, leftovers, or a bag of Doritos, anything that’s satisfying and easy to prepare qualifies as “Girl Dinner.” [1]
    • The term “Girl Dinner” was coined by TikTok user Olivia Maher (@liviemaher), who shared a video of her dinner back in May 2023. In the video, she pans over an assortment of bread, cheese, grapes, and cornichons, claiming it’s “something a medieval peasant might eat.”
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Section 2 of 3:

Discussion About “Girl Dinner” on TikTok

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  1. Traditionally, women are expected to cook, clean, and care for others, and this includes preparing complicated meals for their husbands. “Girl Dinner,” on the other hand, allows women to be lazy and take a break from the kitchen. They can eat whatever they want for dinner, without picking up a single pot or pan, which feels incredibly liberating and self-indulgent. [2]
    • In order to have a successful relationship , both partners need to agree on how to split household labor. This could look like taking turns cooking dinner every other night, or assigning specific tasks to one person. [3]
  2. While the “Girl Dinner” trend is all about sharing easy and relatable meals, some people have used it to highlight how little they eat. Some “Girl Dinners” include a can of Coke, a bowl of popcorn, or just a few pickles, and these types of videos can be problematic if people promote and applaud them. Young girls are already at high risk for developing eating disorders, and the trend may trigger people who have a poor relationship with food. [4]
    • While it’s totally okay to eat a bunch of snacks for dinner once in a while, it’s not healthy to prepare “Girl Dinner” every night. If you’re using “Girl Dinner” as an excuse to undereat or skip proper meals, talk to a doctor or dietician to help you develop healthier eating habits .
    • Foster good self-esteem and body image by curating the media you consume. If you follow any accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards, unfollow them or limit the time you spend on social media each day.
  3. Since the “Girl Dinner” trend features women eating whatever foods they want, some users believe it’s a positive response to diet culture. Instead of restricting calories and banning certain foods, “Girl Dinner” encourages people to listen to their body and eat what feels right to them. [5]
    • When making “Girl Dinner,” try to diversify the types of food on your plate. Incorporate fruits, veggies, carbohydrates, and protein, and try to include various colors and textures.
    • To eat mindfully , chew slowly and savor your food. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to signal that you’re satisfied, so pay attention to how long you’ve been eating and how much is left on your plate. [6]
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Section 3 of 3:

“Girl Dinner” Ideas

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  1. Whether it’s ramen, udon, or mac and cheese, read the instructions on the package carefully so you don’t overcook your noodles. If you want to elevate your dish, add extra ingredients ! Condiments like Sriracha, sesame oil, and soy sauce complement Asian noodles perfectly, while toppings like breadcrumbs and bacon bits pair well with mac and cheese.
  2. Is there anything easier than tossing a few waffles in the toaster? Probably not! Stick with syrup, or add whipped cream, peanut butter, honey, or chocolate chips to make your dinner even more decadent.
  3. Guacamole is one of the easiest dips to make because it only requires a few ingredients—avocado, onion, jalapeno, salt, cilantro, and lime juice. Make guac at home or buy it from the store, and serve it with your favorite chips or veggies.
  4. Take inspiration from TikTok, and create your own personalized snack board. Boiled eggs, whole grain crackers, cheese, sliced apples, grapes, carrots, and cucumbers are excellent options for a balanced “Girl Dinner.” [7]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/health/girl-dinner-tiktok-trend-wellness/index.html
      2. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/jul/10/explain-it-to-me-quickly-what-is-a-tiktok-girl-dinner-and-should-i-eat-one-tonight
      3. ↑ https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/03/counting-invisible-work-in-household-division-of-labor/
      4. ↑ https://childmind.org/article/eating-disorders-why-are-girls-more-affected/
      5. ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-girl-dinner-tiktok-eating-trend-healthy-nutrition-experts/
      6. ↑ https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/What-happens-when-you-overeat.h23Z1592202.html
      7. ↑ https://www.eatthis.com/girl-dinner-recipes/

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