International No Diet Day: 5 Dishes I’m Enjoying Without Guilt

May 6 is International No Diet Day, and honestly, I’m all for it. It’s about letting go of the rules, the guilt, and the idea that you have to “earn” your food. It’s not about going overboard—it’s about enjoying what you eat, listening to your body, and reminding yourself that it’s totally okay to eat without all the pressure from diet culture.

And since this week also leads up to Mother’s Day, I’ve been thinking about how so many of our earliest food memories come from the women who first fed us—our moms, grandmas, or mother figures. From packed lunches to comfort dishes, they nurtured us with quiet care, showing us that food is more than sustenance; it’s love, tradition, and connection. So it feels only fitting to celebrate this week by savoring five dishes from the City of Firsts—each one a tribute to the love and tradition that first taught us to find joy in food.

1. Golden Truffle Mac & Cheese (Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen)

There’s something about mac & cheese that feels like home—especially when it’s this rich, creamy, and packed with generous amounts of mozzarella. It’s clear Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen doesn’t hold back, and that’s exactly why this dish hits the spot. It reminds me of the kind of comfort food a mom would make after a long day—no frills, just love in every bite.

Visit Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen at Level 2 of Gateway Mall 1.

2. Murgh Makhani (Prana at World Kitchens)

This butter chicken is spicy, creamy, and feels like a warm blanket in a bowl. International No Diet Day isn’t just about eating freely—it’s about celebrating food, and with it, culture. Trying a dish like butter chicken is a way of honoring traditions beyond our own. It also makes me think of how moms, no matter where they’re from, pass down flavor through generations. Each recipe becomes part of a family’s story—stirred, simmered, and served with love.

Try the Murgh Makhani by Prana at World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2.

3. Spinach Dip / Spinaci.Zola (Cibo)

Okay, this one is indulgent in the best way. It’s creamy, salty, a little funky from the gorgonzola—and I could eat it with a spoon (but I used bread, I promise!). I used to avoid things like this because “cheese dip” was a no-no in my old food rulebook. But now? I just let myself enjoy it. And I did. It makes me think of the way moms sneak a little extra cheese into a dish—not because it’s “healthy,” but because they know it’ll make you smile.

Get your hands on the Spinaci.Zola by Cibo at Coliseum Plaza, Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2.

4. Almond Pretzel (Auntie Anne’s)

This one’s pure nostalgia. Every time I walk past Auntie Anne’s, I swear I can smell childhood. Warm, buttery, soft pretzels with a little bit of crunch on the outside—it’s such a simple thing, but it makes me happy. I used to get one as a treat after errands with my mom, and that little moment felt like the biggest reward. Sometimes, the smallest snacks hold the biggest memories.

Taste the flavorful Almond Pretzel by Auntie Anne’s at the Ground Floor of Gateway Mall 1.

5. Matcha Mochi Custard (Sticky Sweet at World Kitchens)

There’s something about mochi that feels meditative. The chewiness, the soft sweetness—it slows you down. I had a few pieces from Sticky Sweet and just let myself enjoy them without checking ingredients or thinking if it was my “cheat day.” Mochi reminds me of how moms often encourage us to pause and savor life’s gentle moments. Just like love, mochi isn’t loud—it lingers quietly, sweetly.

Order the Matcha Mochi Custard by Sticky Sweet at World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2.

International No Diet Day isn’t about ditching health—it’s about ditching shame. It’s about listening to your body, respecting your cravings, and saying no to that little voice in your head that makes you feel bad for simply eating. No labels, no guilt—just straight-up joy having a place at the table.

Today, I’m just eating what I’m in the mood for. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go for something lighter—maybe not. Either way, no more guilt about what’s on my plate. And this week at Araneta City, I’m raising my fork to good vibes, good food, and the moms who served us meals with love, letting us eat whatever we liked—guilt-free, just like we did when we were kids.