ORTHOREXIA: WHEN HEALTHY EATING GOES TOO FAR. The obsession over healthy eating. | Edukale

Orthorexia: when healthy eating goes too far. The obsession over healthy eating. Is there such thing as too healthy?

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What happens when healthy eating goes too far? Orthorexia is one example. Every once in a while, I like to write an article to remind you that healthy eating is not all that matters in life.
First of all, don’t get me wrong: eating healthy, nourishing foods is highly important. A plethora of articles on my blog backed by scientific evidence attest to it.
But do you know what’s even more important than eating healthily?
Living healthily. Actually being healthy.
Now in most cases, these coincide. But not always. This may be because one has an altered perception of what healthy eating is (eating lettuce leaves and celery sticks all day isn’t healthy). Or because one takes healthy eating too far, obsessing over the purity of their food and opting out of social situations involving “unhealthy” foods. Being obsessed with healthy eating is a sign of orthorexia.

Dr. Bratman's orthorexia self-test: https://www.orthorexia.com/the-author...

What is orthorexia, can you be too healthy, why is it dangerous, and how can you overcome it?
Orthorexia is a pathological obsession with healthy eating, excluding any “impure” food from one’s diet, all under no medical obligation. A person suffering from orthorexia follows a restrictive diet, has very specific eating habits, and avoids “bad” foods at all costs.
They are obsessed with the quality (rather than the quantity) of their food. To them, taste and pleasure are secondary.
Orthorexia may stem from or be reinforced by society’s obsession with eating well, choosing healthy, organic foods, and the constant pressure to lose weight and improve health.
This often starts out by simply wanting to eat healthier and paying attention to food quality.
When this enthusiasm for healthy eating turns into an obsession, it’s orthorexia. Sometimes, this happens after a traumatic event, and the orthorexic behaviors are seen as a way to regain control.
What are the symptoms of orthorexia?
Eating very healthily turns into orthorexia when one’s relationship with food affects different dimensions of their life. This could mean social events, their own pleasure, their mental health, their relationships, etc. They follow very strict rules regarding their nutrition. These rules often aren’t very compatible with eating out or participating in social events that include food. Even if orthorexic behaviors are motivated by a desire for optimal health, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies, medical complications (anemia, digestive issues, impaired bone health…) and a poor quality of life.
How to overcome orthorexia
Even if orthorexia isn’t recognized as an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, it’s still important to know the signs and find ways to overcome it. If you think you may be developing orthorexia, it’s a good idea to get help from a doctor, a psychologist, a dietician, or all three. I also suggest adopting a more mindful approach to eating.
Why clean eating can be unhealthy.
Sometimes, when you solely focus on eating healthily, you fail to see the bigger picture, which is to actually be healthy. Orthorexia is an example of that and calls for professional help.
To prevent this, it’s important not to let yourself get too consumed with healthy eating. It shouldn’t take up all of your time. It shouldn’t come at the expense of your social life or your personal happiness.

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All information posted is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. While I do have a master’s degree in biology specialized in nutrition and health, I am NOT a doctor or dietician. I'm just stating my informed opinion, and these videos are NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Any decision to act upon the advice given in these videos is done at your own risk.