You might have heard of the ‘almond mom’ phenomenon, a term that originally referred to a mother giving her daughter a few almonds to stave off hunger.
But now, the trend has taken a new twist with Gen Z, leading to even more concerns.
TikTok is flooded with videos of young women and teens proudly labeling themselves as ‘almond daughters,’ showcasing their minimalistic, super-healthy meals and intense workout routines.
The term ‘almond mom’ first came into the spotlight through Yolanda Hadid, who suggested her supermodel daughter Gigi eat ‘a couple of almonds’ when she felt weak.
This concept initially focused on mothers who encouraged their children to eat tiny portions, often sharing their own restrictive eating habits online.
However, the trend has now shifted, and daughters are embracing the same extreme practices.
Some TikTok users, like @taylorflesherr, have posted videos declaring their commitment to daily walks and minimal eating, while @agleavefit shared a meal with the caption: ‘POV: you don’t have an almond mom but you’re 1000% an almond daughter.’
The reaction to these ‘almond daughter’ videos has been mixed.
One user, @mariiapakhomovva, posted a reel of her meals, which included a large salad, dark chocolate snacks, and protein powder.
Commenters were divided: some criticized the videos as indicative of unhealthy eating disorders, while others defended them as simply healthy choices.
This split reflects a broader debate on whether the trend is harmful or just a reflection of healthy eating.
The Origins and Criticisms
The term ‘almond mom’ gained traction last year, with a hashtag amassing a billion views.
It originated from a clip of Yolanda Hadid advising her then-teenage daughter Gigi Hadid to eat almonds to curb her hunger.
Yolanda later dismissed the criticism, claiming she was ‘half asleep’ during the exchange and that the narrative was exaggerated.
In a playful response, she even shared a video of herself enjoying a large bowl of almonds while performing various activities.
The Bigger Picture: Historical Context and Modern Implications
This trend echoes the restrictive eating habits from the 90s ‘heroin chic’ era, where extreme thinness was fashionable and eating disorders were prevalent.
Experts have warned that ‘almond moms’ may contribute to unhealthy food and body obsessions in their children.
Videos from this trend often feature comparisons between large and small meal portions, highlighting these unhealthy practices.
Notable Figures and Cultural Impact
Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow have been labeled as ‘almond moms’ due to their restrictive diets and extreme fitness routines.
The trend also intersects with Y2K fashion’s emphasis on slim figures, reinforcing the desire for thinness through any means.
Many TikToks use a soundbite associating Kate Moss with anorexia, adding a troubling layer to the trend and suggesting that it may not be purely about healthy living.
Seeking Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to this trend, support is available.
Beat’s helpline is open every day of the year at 0808 801 0677, and their website offers additional resources.
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