Is ‘That Girl’ Actually Healthy? – The Unrealistic Expectations of Wellness Trends

If you’ve spent even five minutes scrolling on TikTok, you’ve probably come across That Girl. She wakes up at 5 AM, makes a matcha latte, journals with perfectly neat handwriting, does a Pilates workout, and somehow has time for a full skincare routine before starting her super-productive day. She wears sleek, minimal outfits, eats aesthetically pleasing meals (that are probably just a smoothie bowl), and generally seems to have her life completely together.

At first glance, the That Girl trend seems like a great thing. It promotes wellness, self-care, and productivity—all things that can be good for you. But is it actually healthy? Or is it just another impossible standard wrapped up in a pastel aesthetic?

The Rise of ‘That Girl’ Culture

Wellness trends have always existed, but That Girl took off as a lifestyle movement during lockdowns when people were looking for ways to improve themselves. Suddenly, social media was flooded with morning routine videos and “how to become That Girl” guides. The idea was that anyone could transform into the best version of themselves by following a specific routine.

The issue? That Girl is almost always the same kind of girl. She’s slim, conventionally attractive, financially comfortable, and seems to have an endless amount of free time to dedicate to self-improvement. The trend rarely shows the messy parts of life—bad mental health days, periods of burnout, or the reality of not always being able to afford expensive wellness products.

The Problem with Perfection

One of the biggest issues with the That Girl trend is that it promotes an ideal that’s not always realistic. Waking up at 5 AM and working out every day might work for some people, but for others—especially teens balancing school, homework, and social lives—it’s just not practical.

When wellness becomes more about aesthetic than actual well-being, it can start to feel toxic. The pressure to have a perfectly curated life can make people feel like they’re failing if they don’t measure up. If your version of self-care looks different from what you see online, you might feel like you’re not doing enough.

Is That Girl Just Diet Culture in Disguise?

A huge part of the That Girl lifestyle revolves around food—specifically, “clean eating.” While eating healthy is important, the way it’s presented in these videos can sometimes verge on toxic. Smoothie bowls, green juices, and avocado toast are shown as the only acceptable meals, and there’s rarely any mention of balance.

The idea that certain foods are “good” and others are “bad” can lead to unhealthy relationships with food. It’s basically diet culture disguised as a wellness trend. The obsession with being that level of healthy can actually be harmful—both physically and mentally.

The Mental Health Side of It

The That Girl trend promotes self-care, but ironically, it can have the opposite effect on mental health. The pressure to stick to a rigid routine, constantly improve yourself, and look perfect while doing it can be exhausting.

If you feel like you have to wake up at the crack of dawn, work out every day, and eat only nutrient-dense foods to be your “best self,” you’re setting yourself up for burnout. True self-care means allowing yourself rest, balance, and real joy—not just following an aesthetic that looks good on social media.

So, What Is a Healthy Approach to Wellness?

If you like aspects of the That Girl lifestyle—like journaling, moving your body, or having a morning routine—that’s great! But the key is making it work for you. A healthy lifestyle isn’t about looking perfect; it’s about feeling good physically and mentally.

Here’s how to approach wellness in a more balanced way:
– Listen to your body – Rest when you need to, and don’t feel guilty for skipping a workout or sleeping in.
– Eat intuitively – Food isn’t just fuel; it’s meant to be enjoyed. Balance is key!
Move because it feels good – Exercise doesn’t have to be a rigid routine. Find movement that you actually enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or just stretching in your room.
– Let go of perfection – You don’t have to follow a strict routine to be your best self. You’re doing enough as you are.

At the end of the day, That Girl isn’t real—she’s a curated version of life designed for social media. Real wellness isn’t about looking a certain way; it’s about feeling good in your body, on your terms. So, if waking up early and drinking green juice makes you happy, go for it! But if sleeping in and eating pancakes makes you feel just as good, that’s valid too.

The healthiest version of you? The one that prioritises balance over perfection.