Diet Diaries: The problematic nature of food comparison culture and why we need to change the conversation
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, bombarded with perfectly arranged avocado toast and meticulously measured protein shakes?
I have. And I’ve always felt strange about it.
Is it the perfectly staged meals?
The implied “this is how you should eat” or “look how disciplined I am” messaging?
The Comparison Trap We Never Asked For
“What I Eat In A Day” content creates a comparison that serves almost nobody.
When was the last time you watched someone else’s food diary and genuinely thought, “Wow, that was helpful information that addresses my unique body’s needs!”
Instead, these videos often leave us feeling one of two ways: inadequate for not eating “clean” enough, or smug about eating “better” than the person sharing.
Neither reaction nurtures a healthy relationship with food.
Your Body Is Not Their Body
This type of content completely ignores biological individuality. Your nutritional needs are as unique as your fingerprint – influenced by your:
Age and developmental stage
Hormone levels and cycles
Activity levels and type
Genetic predispositions
Current health conditions
Medication interactions
Sleep patterns
Stress levels
Personal food history and culture
People share what (allegedly) works for their body on that specific day.
Yet somehow, we treat these shares as aspirational templates rather than what they are: a single data point from a sample size of one.
The Hidden Reality Behind the Camera
Some creators might:
Show only their “good” days
Omit snacks or “cheat” foods
Under-portion for aesthetic purposes
Create meals specifically for content rather than satisfaction
Film multiple “days” on the same day
This might not be done on purpose – it’s the nature of content creation.
The Path Forward: Curiosity Over Comparison
Rather than asking “What should I eat based on what others are eating?”, what if we asked more meaningful questions:
“Does this meal bring me satisfaction and joy?”
“Am I honouring my hunger and fullness cues?”
“Is this sustainable for my lifestyle and preferences?”
“Does this nourish not just my body, but my relationship with food?”
These questions turn the focus inward – where the real wisdom about your nutritional needs lies.
Finding Your Food Story
Your relationship with food is a lifelong journey, not a competition or performance. It’s an intimate conversation between you and your body that deserves privacy, respect, and nuance.
Recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural food traditions are all beautiful things to share.
But perhaps we can shift away from the “eat like me to be like me” paradigm toward something more helpful and honest.
What if instead of “What I Eat In A Day,” we shared:
“How I learned to listen to my hunger cues”
“Ways I’ve found joy in nourishment”
“How my food needs change with my menstrual cycle”
“Meals that support my specific health condition”
These framings acknowledge the personal nature of nutrition while offering valuable insights.
So the next time you feel that twinge of comparison watching someone’s food diary, remember: the most nourishing diet is the one that honours your unique body, mind, and life circumstances.
Ready to Transform Your Relationship with Your Body?
During this transformative session, we will:
Uncover the hidden factors that might be blocking your progress
Identify your unique metabolic strengths and challenges
Create the first steps of your personalised journey
Determine if we’re the right fit for each other to move forward
This isn’t just another consultation—it’s the beginning of a new relationship with your body, one built on understanding, compassion, and science-backed strategies that work.
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