Eat What You Want Day

Eat What You Want Day History

Eat What You Want Day is founded on the principle of indulging in your favourite foods without judgment or guilt. The day is about breaking free from the strict dietary regimen most of us follow in our routine life and enjoying the food we love, regardless of calories or nutritional content. For just one day, individuals are encouraged to indulge their culinary cravings, whether that means savoury bacon, rich truffles, or a heap of poutine.

Thomas and Ruth Roy of Pennsylvania, USA, established Eat What You Want Day in 1995. The foundational intent of this observance was to promote body positivity and accentuate the importance of happiness and satisfaction derived from one's favourite meals. In Canada, this day holds particular resonance given the cultural diversity in culinary preferences. From coast to coast, Canadian cuisine is influenced by numerous cultures, resulting in a diverse gastronomic landscape. This enables all Canadians to participate and enjoy a wide range of foods on this day.

In Canada, people commemorate Eat What You Want Day in various ways, and these often include indulging in typically Canadian dishes such as butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, or poutine. Some arrange or attend food-tasting events and themed parties, while others prefer a quiet celebration over a home-cooked meal. Eat What You Want Day in Canada is observed on May 11 each year, reminding Canadians to reward themselves occasionally and enjoy the great diversity of food their country has to offer.

Eat What You Want Day facts

• According to Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate, in a day, the average person should eat 50% vegetables and fruits, 25% whole grains, and 25% protein. They also add plant oils like olive or peanut.
• Celebrate by eating what you want, but try to be mindful of just how much you eat. According to a Harvard study, the average fast food combo meal contains about 1200 calories. Included in these calories is about 14 grams of fat, 68 grams of sugar, and 2000 milligrams of salt.
• Canada is famous for its diverse food culture. On Eat What You Want Day, Canadians can explore the many different options available to them, including traditional Canadian dishes like poutine, bannock, or butter tarts.
• According to the Mintel 2023 Global Food and Drink Trends report, 57% of Canadian consumers prefer food and drinks that offer health benefits such as heart health, gut health, stress management or immune support.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Eat What You Want Day

Top things to do in Canada for Eat What You Want Day

• Explore popular burger chains. Choose your favorite burger place or discover a new one.
• Canada is known for its diverse food scene, and there's no better day to explore it than on Eat What You Want Day. Try out local foods, street foods, or international cuisines.
• Visit one of the many food festivals happening throughout Canada on Eat What You Want Day, where you can taste a variety of local and international cuisine.