Some days, you just can’t be bothered to cook dinner. Whether it was a busy day and you’re getting home late or the thought of doing a mountain of dishes fills you with dread, sometimes a handful of popcorn, chocolate, and a glass of wine is as good as it’s going to get.
This is not a new concept – people have been eating cereal and snacks for dinner, since the beginning of time (probably). However, TikTok has christened this makeshift meal with a new, catchy name: Girl Dinner.
I fully endorse making your meals as simple as possible and treating yourself to a less healthy dinner every so often. However, having Girl Dinner every night is not the BEST way to meet your health and fitness goals. So, let’s take the spirit of Girl Dinner, and all its convenience and fun, and add a healthy twist! Dinner can be easy, quick, and indulgent without being junk – here’s how.
Girl Dinner Explained
If you’re completely lost on the concept of Girl Dinner, the requirements are simple: You’re a girl. You don’t want to make dinner. You grab random snacks/leftovers/junk food around the kitchen and compile it into a meal. Voilà! Girl Dinner.
This is an appealing concept to many as it removes much of the pressure of creating a fully planned out dinner every night. You don’t need to cook anything – just put it together and eat. Let your cravings and what you have on hand in your pantry be your guide.
Why We Love Girl Dinner
There are so many reasons to get on board with Girl Dinner. The biggest appeal is how low maintenance it is. There is minimal prep required and clean-up is a breeze. If your schedule is packed to the brim and planning out dinner is just one task too many, Girl Dinner can feel like just the reprieve you need.
What’s more, Girl Dinner is yummy! Let your intuition guide your choices; you eat what sounds good and is available to you. It can be a welcome break from eating foods that aren’t your favorite, but you often eat for health benefits (broccoli, I’m looking at you.)
One of the best things about Girl Dinner is how it has connected so many women in this shared experience. Many of us can relate to this silly little ritual, and knowing we all take part in Girl Dinner in our own way feels like a warm hug. I love that Girl Dinner has been a fun way to empower women to make meals accessible for their schedules and normalize that dinner doesn’t always have to look a certain way.
Tips for a Healthier Girl Dinner
It’s easy to see how Girl Dinner might lead to some unhealthy eating habits like snacking too much or using it as an excuse to eat ice cream for dinner (no judgement, I’ve been there). Here are some tips to keep Girl Dinner fun and healthy!
Healthy Girl Dinner Do’s
- Make it fun: The number one thing about Girl Dinner is cultivating an element of whimsy. It feels indulgent and special – something out of the norm and a treat for just for you.
- Have snacks ready and on hand: Stock your pantry and refrigerator with a variety of healthy snacks. Pre-made popcorn, veggies, hummus, and cheese are all great options.
- Indulge every so often: While the focus of this article is to make Girl Dinner healthy, allow yourself a treat occasionally. Chips and salsa for dinner is not something you want to do every week, but indulging every now and then won’t do any harm.
- Eat What Makes You Happy (within reason): Listen to what your cravings are telling you. If a fresh fruit salad is calling your name, dig in. Charcuterie boards fuel your fire? Assemble and enjoy. Use Girl Dinner to satisfy some of your cravings in a healthy manner.
Healthy Girl Dinner Don’ts
- Don’t use it to restrict calories: Using Girl Dinner to cut calories can be a short and treacherous path to disordered eating. Avoid making Girl Dinner into a punishment by only allowing yourself a meager ration of whatever is in your snack drawer. Refer to Girl Dinner Do #1 and think of this meal as a treat!
- Don’t use it as an excuse to eat junk (at least not all the time): While have already established that it’s okay to indulge from time to time, don’t let Girl Dinner spiral into a justification for eating junk food every night. The occasional treat meal is fine, but don’t make it into a regular habit.
Try it For Yourself!
Here are some suggestions that you can use to participate in Girl Dinner while also sticking to a healthy and nutritious diet!
- Apple slices & peanut butter with a side of cheese: Apples provide you with fiber and carbohydrates for energy, while the peanut butter and cheese fill you up with protein and fat.
- Hummus & Veggie Sticks with Deli Meat: Who doesn’t love hummus? To make this choice even easier, opt for baby carrots or other pre-cut vegetables.
- Your Classic Charcuterie Board: This is always a great option, especially if you’re having Girl Dinner with your friends!
- Caprese Skewers: Assemble your skewer in an alternating fashion between cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Yogurt, Granola, & Fruit: This can be a great option for satisfying your sweet tooth, as well as being a protein rich choice. Take Coach Annora’s advice and add some protein powder to your yogurt! You won’t regret it.
The Last Bite
The moral of the Girl Dinner story is that healthy food doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. If you’re in a pinch, a healthier Girl Dinner will provide you with the nutrients your body needs while fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. That alone is an empowering act of self-care. You go, girl. ;)
