I didn't plan to write this blog post, but TikTok has birthed a new trend known as 'girl dinner,' where women celebrate the simple pleasure of snacking as a meal, so I decided to react.
With more than 30 million views, the trend showcases artfully arranged snack plates, enabling individuals to relish a personalized feast without considering others' preferences. From slices of cheese and salami to olives and fancy crackers, 'girl dinner' offers both chaotic indulgence and a reprieve from the expectations of traditional meals. While critics highlight concerns about disordered eating, proponents see it as a rebellion against diet culture, finding joy and pleasure in their eating experiences. So, who says "girl dinner" is exclusively for girls? Or that snacking is bad? It's a feast anyone can savor, regardless of gender.
You know, this "girls' dinner" trend, which is not really new and is traditionally referred to as a "cold plate", got me thinking. While my thoughts are indirectly related to the ongoing debate, I still decided to share them.
@liviemaher #girldinner #medievaltiktok ♬ original sound - Olivia Maher
From a psychosomatic perspective, I can see a rational aspect of the "girls' dinner" concept and in the arguments of supporters of this type of snacks.
The main postulate of psychosomatics is the recognition that there is a strong connection between the mind and the body. It suggests that psychological and emotional factors can have a significant impact on physical health and well-being. This field of study emphasizes the influence of thoughts, emotions, and social factors on the development and progression of various physical symptoms and diseases. It acknowledges the interplay between psychological and physiological processes and the importance of addressing both aspects in understanding and treating health conditions.
What is truly best for a person's physical health and well-being?
The first option. Constantly being under the pressure of a culture that emphasizes healthy eating, the need to cook not just any food but healthy food, and having full meals can be overwhelming. Everywhere you turn, there are messages telling you what you should and shouldn't eat. Some foods are labeled as potential causes of diseases, while others can make things even worse. And what about those who simply don't enjoy cooking or don't know how to cook?
In reality, this constant mental pressure can lead to fear that something might harm us or a lingering sense of guilt towards ourselves and our bodies. We might feel guilty for not preparing a healthy dinner and instead opting for a slice of pizza from the refrigerator or a sandwich with sausage, cheese, and a couple of cucumbers. We might find ourselves standing in the kitchen, forcing ourselves to cook when we're not in the mood or when we simply dislike the act of cooking, all while thinking, "Cooking again... I don't want to do this. But... I have to eat healthy."
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding healthy eating can also weigh heavily on a person. There are numerous diets out there, such as vegetarianism, veganism, and the keto diet. There's an abundance of information available about them, and this information is often contradictory. Each diet has its supporters and opponents, and one can find evidence both for and against their positive effects.
One study might draw one conclusion, while another study contradicts it, only to be refuted by a third study later on. All this information overload falls on the heads of ordinary people who already have enough troubles in life.
Such confusing thoughts and unpleasant emotions create internal conflicts and can take a toll on a person's well-being, and from a psychosomatic perspective, they can be truly harmful.
The second option. There's the opposite side of the spectrum, where a person genuinely enjoys their food and benefits from the convenience of a quick breakfast or a snack to get on with their day or indulges in a pleasurable dinner featuring bacon, cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes. In this case, the pressure of the healthy food culture and the internal conflicts surrounding it are absent. Instead, a person experiences pleasant emotions and firmly believes that there's nothing wrong with their food choices. Isn't that better?
We live our lives based on our beliefs, and our beliefs create frameworks or limitations we impose on ourselves. So, wouldn't it be better if these beliefs in terms of food brought us comfort and a sense of safety?
On the other hand, humans strive for complete freedom without limits, but that's a separate topic altogether.
If a person is psychologically and mentally healthy without any internal conflicts—which usually aren't readily apparent but rather concealed—it's unlikely they will face issues with obesity or eating disorders.
The human body doesn't inherently fall ill; it simply reacts to internal and external stimuli. Such internal irritants can be psychological conflicts that trouble a person and potentially lead to eating disorders.
When we observe the feeding behavior of animals, we can see that they possess sensors enabling them to determine whether food is edible or not. Humans also have sensory mechanisms such as sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Aren't these sensors bestowed upon us to determine the edibility of food?
However, we've been conditioned to believe that the human body, which is perfectly suited for life in this world, requires crutches in the form of opinions and statements from authorities, gurus, bloggers, and so on.
At a certain point in my life, I came to believe that the primary objective of the human body is survival, and it accomplishes this task flawlessly. As a result, my approach to food underwent a complete transformation. I now love and trust my body, and I no longer worry about food. I know that my food choices cannot be inherently wrong.
Yes, my meals are simple and quick to prepare, and I tend to favor natural products, mainly because they're readily available to me. However, I have absolutely no issues with indulging in pizza, ice cream, or fast food from McDonald's.
Sometimes, while shopping at the supermarket, I get a craving for cookies and yogurt, for instance, and I eat a substantial amount until I'm full. It's delicious, and it brings me joy.
The interesting thing is that afterward, I don't feel the urge to eat yogurt and cookies repeatedly for quite a while, usually a long time, because I've satisfied my body's needs. Typically, in a normal and calm state of mind, I simply desire my regular meals.
I think I made my point. So, why not enjoy a dinner consisting of bread and butter, cheese, olives, and some vegetables and grapes?
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