National Eat What You Want Day

Next celebratedTuesday, May 11, 2027

Celebrate National Eat What You Want Day without guilt - whatever your favorite food is, it's time to indulge and enjoy!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMay 11

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDining

INTRO

Introduction

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!

TIMELINE

National Eat What You Want Day Timeline

New York: Foodie Capital

New York City started to gain reputation as a foodie capital with diversity of cuisines, making the city a melting pot of food cultures.

Dieting Fads Embrace

The 90s saw the rise of numerous dieting fads influencing people to regulate their dietary intake.

Holiday Genesis

Two New York City restaurant owners, Thomas and Ruth Roy, created National Eat What You Want Day, amidst growing diet culture.

Holiday Recognition Grows

By the mid-2000s, the holiday began to gain wider recognition with the media promoting it further.

Holiday Going International

The holiday began to be acknowledged internationally, promoting fun and joy over dietary restrictions.

Lifewire: Food Filtering Tool

On National Eat What You Want Day, Lifewire launched its first food-centric search tool to help people discover new foods.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Eat What You Want Day

Cook something special

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.

ORDER

Order takeout

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.

HAVE

Have a potluck

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.

VISIT

Visit a food truck

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.

Go out for brunch

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!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Eat What You Want Day

It can help break bad habits

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!

It encourages healthy eating habits

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!

It's a great excuse to indulge

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!