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Get ready to indulge on National Eat What You Want Day on May 11! Whether you're a fan of sweet treats, savory snacks, or something in between - this is the day for you. This holiday was started by restaurant owners in New York City as a way to encourage people to break out of their traditional diets and enjoy meals they wouldn't typically try. So go ahead and treat yourself - there's no wrong way to celebrate!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New York: Foodie Capital</div><div class='timeline-text'>New York City started to gain reputation as a foodie capital with diversity of cuisines, making the city a melting pot of food cultures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dieting Fads Embrace</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 90s saw the rise of numerous dieting fads influencing people to regulate their dietary intake. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Genesis</div><div class='timeline-text'>Two New York City restaurant owners, Thomas and Ruth Roy, created National Eat What You Want Day, amidst growing diet culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Recognition Grows</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the mid-2000s, the holiday began to gain wider recognition with the media promoting it further.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Going International</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday began to be acknowledged internationally, promoting fun and joy over dietary restrictions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lifewire: Food Filtering Tool</div><div class='timeline-text'> On National Eat What You Want Day, Lifewire launched its first food-centric search tool to help people discover new foods.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook something special</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your favorite ingredients and create a meal that is just what you want. Whether it's a gourmet dish, comfort food, or something completely experimental, now's the time to make it happen.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Order takeout</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you don't feel like cooking, order your favorite dish from your local restaurant. Have them deliver it or pick it up yourself and just enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite some friends over for a potluck and let everyone bring their favorite dish. You'll be able to sample all sorts of different dishes and have a great time with your friends.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a food truck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food trucks are becoming more and more popular, so why not visit one on National Eat What You Want Day? Search online for food trucks in your area and try something new, or get your favorite dish from a truck you already love.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for brunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sometimes it's nice to leave the cooking (and cleaning) to someone else. Gather some friends and head out for brunch at your favorite spot. Enjoy pancakes, omelets, french toast, eggs benedict - whatever you want!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages healthy eating habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you pick and choose what you eat, rather than sticking to a strict diet plan or meal plan, it allows you to develop healthier eating habits. This helps to establish an awareness of what foods make your body feel good and which ones don’t. This is important for overall health and wellbeing!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a great excuse to indulge</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>We all have those cravings for our favorite treats now and then. On National Eat What You Want Day, it's totally acceptable to indulge in that piece of cake or scoop of ice cream without the guilt. As long as it's done in moderation, having the occasional treat is nothing to be ashamed of!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It can help break bad habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>If you're trying to kick some unhealthy eating habits, such as reaching for junk food when stressed or snacking late at night, designating one day out of the year as "Eat What You Want Day" can help you develop better eating patterns throughout the rest of the year. That way, you'll still get to enjoy your favorite treats but won't overindulge!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Variety food intake can be beneficial for health</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to health experts, adding variety to your diet can help to ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients. National Eat What You Want Day could be the perfect opportunity to try new foods!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eating pleasurable foods can trigger happy hormones</h3><p class='facts-content'>Foods you love can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine. No wonder we feel so joyful when we're eating our favorite meals!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>'Breaking' the diet once in a while is okay</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to popular belief, occasional indulgences are not likely to significantly impact long-term weight maintenance efforts - as long as you're generally sticking to regular balanced food habits.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The joy of sharing food is centuries old tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Eat What You Want Day" can be a chance to share that joy with friends or family, introducing them to your favorites and experiencing theirs. Food sharing is an age-old social activity to foster closer bonds.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cultural Exchange through Food</h3><p class='facts-content'>Eating different foods also encourages cultural exchange! Dishes from various cultures feature unique techniques, ingredients, and flavors. 'Eat What You Want Day' can be a passport for a culinary trip around the world!</p></div></div>
National Eat What You Want Day is celebrated on May 11th every year. In 2024 National Eat What You Want Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
May 11
Thursday
2024
May 11
Saturday
2025
May 11
Sunday
2026
May 11
Monday
2027
May 11
Tuesday
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