Fun Facts About National Eat What You Want Day ~ Friday Humor
A Guilt-Free Day of Delicious Freedom
National Eat What You Want Day is celebrated every year on May 11th. It’s a fun, unofficial holiday that encourages people to set aside food restrictions for a day and indulge in their favorite meals, snacks, or guilty pleasures—whether that’s a double cheeseburger, a chocolate sundae, a giant plate of pasta, or anything else they’ve been craving.
History of National Eat What You Want Day
National Eat What You Want Day was created in the early 2000s by Thomas and Ruth Roy, a couple from Pennsylvania, USA. They are known for inventing over 80 quirky, fun holidays through their website Wellcat Holidays, aiming to encourage people to break routines, de-stress, and enjoy life’s little pleasures.
Purpose Behind the Holiday
The idea behind Eat What You Want Day was simply to permit people to indulge, especially in a culture where diets, food guilt, and restrictive eating are common. It’s a day to take a break from calorie counting, food fads, or societal expectations, and enjoy food for the joy and comfort it can bring.
Why It Caught On
- It taps into a universal love of food.
- It offers a “cheat day” without shame.
- Social media helped popularize the concept, with people sharing their indulgent meals and using hashtags like #EatWhatYouWantDay.
Though it’s not an official public holiday, it’s celebrated widely in the U.S. and worldwide, especially among foodies and on platforms that promote body positivity and mental wellness.
Would you like ideas for foods to indulge in based on your favorites?
Interesting Ways to Celebrate National Eat What You Want Day
Treat Yourself
Forget the calorie counts, diet plans, or food restrictions — today is all about satisfying your cravings. Whether it’s that extra cheesy pizza, a triple-chocolate cake, or a massive plate of lasagna, permit yourself to indulge in the food you’ve been daydreaming about all week. It’s your day, your rules!
Try Something New
Step out of your food comfort zone and explore new flavors. Always wanted to try sushi, escargot, kimchi, or deep-fried Oreos? Be adventurous and give your taste buds something unexpected. This is the perfect excuse to experiment with global cuisines or that unusual dish you’ve always been curious about.
Host a Potluck Feast
Gather your friends, family, or co-workers and ask everyone to bring their ultimate guilty pleasure dish—from creamy pastas to spicy wings to decadent desserts. It’s a great way to share stories, laughter, and a table full of tempting comfort food. Bonus: You’ll probably discover some new favorites, too.
Go on a Local Food Tour
Plan a food crawl to make a day out of eating. Visit your top local restaurants, cafes, or food trucks—try an appetizer here, a main dish there, and a dessert somewhere else. Whether it’s street tacos, bubble tea, or gourmet burgers, it’s a fun way to celebrate and support local eateries simultaneously.
Cook a “Bucket List” Meal at Home
Dust off that recipe you’ve bookmarked a dozen times or saved on Pinterest—maybe it’s homemade lasagna from scratch, fancy French macarons, or a sizzling steak with all the sides. Turn your kitchen into your restaurant and make that dream dish a delicious reality.
Fun Facts about National Eat What You Want Day
Here are some fun facts about National Eat What You Want Day that make it even more enjoyable:
1. It Was Made to Break the Rules
The creators, Thomas and Ruth Roy, designed this holiday to give people a guilt-free excuse to eat anything, from fast food to dessert for breakfast, no questions asked.
2. Diets Are “On Pause” for the Day
People who follow strict diets use this day as a “cheat day” to enjoy their favorite foods, like pizza, cake, fried chicken, or mac and cheese, without guilt.
3. Social Media Loves It
Every May 11th, social media fills up with mouthwatering posts using hashtags like #EatWhatYouWantDay, where people proudly show off their most indulgent meals and snacks.
4. It’s One of the Most Relatable Food Holidays
Unlike holidays that celebrate specific foods (like National Donut Day), this one celebrates any food — sweet, salty, savory, or all at once.
5. It’s Not Just About Junk Food
Some people use the day to enjoy more expensive or exotic meals they usually skip, like lobster, sushi, or gourmet desserts, making it a celebration of luxury as much as indulgence.
6. Restaurants Sometimes Join In
Though unofficial, some restaurants and fast-food chains have been known to offer discounts or promote indulgent menu items on May 11th to mark the occasion.
7. It’s a Mental Health Boost
Encouraging people to let go of food guilt for one day can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with eating, promoting a healthier relationship with food.
Here are top family tips for healthy living.
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