May

National Eat What You Want Day May 11

National Eat What You Want Day May 11

Imagine a day when calorie counting is tossed out the window, and you can savor every bite of your guilty pleasures without a shred of remorse. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, National Eat What You Want Day turns that dream into reality every May 11th, offering a one-day hiatus from the strict rules of dieting that govern our daily lives. Born out of a desire to push back against the tide of diet culture that surged in the late 20th century, this day champions the simple joy of eating for pleasure. It's a 24-hour celebration that encourages us to break free from dietary restrictions and indulge in our most craved foods, be they sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. Moderation and balance are still part of the conversation, reminding us that it's okay to enjoy life's culinary delights as long as we don't make overindulgence a habit. So, why not let loose for a day and celebrate the freedom to eat what you want?

Key Takeaway

National Eat What You Want Day is an unofficial food holiday celebrated on May 11 in the United States.
The day encourages people to indulge in their favorite foods without guilt or restrictions, but moderation is still important for a balanced and healthy diet.

Day Activities

  1. Morning Munchies: Kick off National Eat What You Want Day with a bang by diving into breakfast without a care in the world. Whether it's stacks of syrupy pancakes, crispy bacon, or a gooey cinnamon roll, today's the day to satisfy those AM cravings. Friends and family can join in, making it a communal feast where everyone's favorite breakfast dishes are on the menu.

  2. Afternoon Adventures: As the sun climbs higher, why not take your taste buds on an adventure? Food trucks, local diners, and hidden gems in your city await to serve you their best dishes. From savory tacos to sweet treats, the goal is to enjoy every bite. It's a perfect time for a spontaneous food crawl with pals, sampling everything that catches your eye.

  3. Evening Extravaganza: Wrap up this food-filled day with a dinner that pulls out all the stops. Host a potluck where guests bring dishes they've been craving but haven't indulged in for a while. It's a great way to discover new flavors while enjoying the company of loved ones. Don't forget to end the night on a high note with a dessert that makes your heart sing.

Interesting Facts

1. Guilt-Free Indulgence

National Eat What You Want Day encourages enjoying favorite foods without guilt.

2. Origins Are Mysterious

The origins of National Eat What You Want Day are not well-documented.

3. Not About Unhealthy Habits

This day emphasizes moderation, not endorsing unhealthy eating.

4. A Break From Diet Culture

It's a response to the late 20th-century diet obsession.

5. Part of a Bigger Picture

Joins other food holidays celebrating culinary delights.

Why We Love This Day

  • Freedom to indulge: Who doesn't love a day where you can munch on whatever your heart desires? National Eat What You Want Day is like a free pass to savor all your favorite treats, from that double chocolate cake you've been eyeing to the greasiest, most delicious burger in town. It's a day when calorie counting is out, and indulging is in, making everyone's food dreams come true.

  • Break from diet culture: Let's face it, we're constantly bombarded with messages about what to eat, what not to eat, and how much to eat. National Eat What You Want Day throws all those rules out the window, giving everyone a much-needed break from the pressures of diet culture. It's a breath of fresh air, reminding us that it's okay to enjoy food without guilt or second-guessing. After all, life's too short not to eat the cake!

  • Celebration of diversity in food: This day isn't just about letting loose; it's a celebration of the vast array of foods available to us. From exotic dishes from far-off lands to the comfort foods of our childhood, National Eat What You Want Day encourages exploration and appreciation of different cuisines. It's a day to step out of your food comfort zone, try something new, and maybe even discover a new favorite. So, go ahead, grab that fork and dive into a culinary adventure!

Past & Future Dates

MonthDayYear
MAY112022
MAY112023
MAY112024
MAY112025
MAY112026
MAY112027
MAY112028

FAQ

How to celebrate Eat What You Want Day?

Celebrating Eat What You Want Day is all about indulgence. Kick off the day by treating yourself to your favorite breakfast, whether that's a stack of fluffy pancakes or a hearty full English. Gather friends for a lunch where everyone orders their top craving. For dinner, consider hosting a potluck where guests bring a dish they absolutely love but don't eat often. Don't forget dessert! Splurge on that slice of cake or scoop of ice cream you've been eyeing. Remember, today's the day to enjoy without counting calories.

What is May 12 National Day?

May 12 packs a punch with celebrations! Not only is it Mother's Day and International Day of Plant Health, but also International Nurses Day, National Nutty Fudge Day, and National Limerick Day. Clearly, there's something unique for everyone to honor and enjoy.



Also Happens on May 11

On This Day in History — May 11

  • 2016 — More than 110 people are killed in an ISIL bombing in Baghdad.
  • 2014 — Fifteen people are killed and 46 injured in Kinshasa in a stampede caused by tear gas being thrown into soccer stands by police officers attempting to defuse a hostile incident.
  • 2013 — Fifty-two people are killed in a bombing in Reyhanlı, Turkey.
  • 2011 — Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 attacks in Lorca, Spain.
  • 2000 — Second Chechen War: Chechen separatists ambush Russian paramilitary forces in the Republic of Ingushetia.
  • 1998 — India conducts three underground atomic tests in Pokhran.

More about history on this day →

Notable Births on May 11

  • 1999 — Sabrina Carpenter, American actress
  • 1995 — Gelson Martins, Portuguese footballer
  • 1994 — Hagos Gebrhiwet, Ethiopian runner
  • 1994 — Nene Macdonald, Papua New Guinean rugby league player
  • 1993 — Maurice Harkless, American-Puerto Rican basketball player
  • 1993 — Jirapong Meenapra, Thai sprinter

Notable Deaths on May 11

  • 2015 — Jef Geeraerts, Belgian author and playwright (b. 1930)
  • 2014 — Reg Gasnier, Australian rugby league player, coach, and sportscaster (b. 1939)
  • 2014 — Martin Špegelj, Croatian general and politician, 2nd Croatian Minister of Defence (b. 1927)
  • 2012 — Jack Benaroya, American businessman and philanthropist (b. 1921)
  • 2012 — Tony DeZuniga, Filipino author and illustrator (b. 1932)
  • 2011 — Maurice Goldhaber, Ukrainian-American physicist and academic (b. 1911)

Sports on May 11

  • WNBA: Phoenix Mercury @ Golden State Valkyries Final
  • MLS: Houston Dynamo FC @ LAFC Full Time
  • NHL: Vegas Golden Knights @ Anaheim Ducks Final
  • Serie A: Bologna @ Napoli Full Time
  • La Liga: Girona @ Rayo Vallecano Full Time
  • Premier League: Leeds United @ Tottenham Hotspur Full Time

All sports schedules for May 11 →