In our journey towards better health and wellness, many of us take pride in making choices that align with what we perceive as "healthy" eating. Opting for a salad over donuts, for instance, can feel like a victory in our daily battle against unhealthy temptations. However, when the pursuit of a healthy diet becomes an obsession, it can lead to a lesser-known but increasingly recognized disorder called orthorexia nervosa.
Orthorexia nervosa, a term that translates to "proper appetite," is characterized by an unhealthy fixation on eating food that one considers pure, clean, or healthy. Unlike other eating disorders that focus on the quantity of food, orthorexia is all about the quality. It's when the desire to eat healthily becomes so extreme that it negatively impacts both physical and mental health.
When Healthy Becomes Harmful
People with orthorexia may create strict dietary rules and feel intense guilt or anxiety when they deviate from these guidelines. This pattern of behavior goes beyond the normal discipline associated with dietary restrictions for ethical or health reasons. It's about an obsession that starts to dictate one's life, leading to potential malnutrition, social isolation, and emotional distress due to the rigid avoidance of certain food groups.
Interestingly, orthorexia is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the guide used by psychologists to diagnose mental conditions. However, awareness and discussion about it have been increasing, with more research being conducted to understand its implications.
The Signs of Orthorexia
Identifying orthorexia can be challenging since the line between being health-conscious and having an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating is thin. Some warning signs include compulsive checking of ingredient lists, cutting out numerous food groups, an unusual interest in the healthiness of what others are eating, and experiencing distress when "safe" foods aren't available.
The social aspect of eating—sharing meals and experiences with others—can also suffer. People with orthorexia may avoid social gatherings to stick to their strict eating habits, leading to isolation and missing out on the joy of communal eating.
Seeking a Balanced Approach
The key to distinguishing healthy eating from orthorexia lies in moderation and the ability to adapt. A truly healthy lifestyle recognizes that deviations from a strict diet are normal and should not be seen as personal failures. Orthorexia, by contrast, creates a cycle of guilt and shame that can be hard to break without help.
Treatment options for orthorexia, while not yet well-studied, often involve psychotherapy methods similar to those used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. These methods focus on exposure and relapse prevention, gradually reducing the fear and anxiety associated with "forbidden" foods.
Orthorexia nervosa serves as a reminder that even our best intentions can lead us astray if not balanced with a healthy perspective on food and eating. Open Eating highlights the importance of flexibility, self-compassion, and seeking joy in our dietary choices rather than letting them become sources of stress. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of orthorexia, reaching out to a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is a crucial first step towards recovery. Our health is not just about the food we eat but also about maintaining a balanced, joyful life.
You 100% deserve to be both happy and healthy. You are worth it. Take back your life!