Within my field as a nutritional therapist, I have undertaken specialist further training working with disordered eating clients. A large area of my work is therefore supporting individuals to navigate, challenge and work through various food beliefs and eating behaviours which may have developed over time...
I (perhaps oddly to some people) find the concept 'healthy eating' an interesting one - whilst on the surface we can all perhaps connect with what this idea 'generally' means for us... where is the line? How do we know if our vision of health, and strive for caring for ourself nutritionally is normal, and to what level?
When does healthy eating 'cross the line'? A few examples include but are not limited to:
When one may follow a specific diet for the belief it is 'healthier' - cutting out a vast array of food groups / food types
Compulsive checking of ingredient labels & nutritional information
When one feels the need to log & calculate everything consumed
The inability to have flexibility around food types & timings
When food is refused if one is unclear about preparation methods, or exactly what it contains i.e. at a restaurant or friend's house for dinner (allergies aside).
When food is refused if not made by the individual and/or high levels of anxiety and stress present if a meal doesn't 'fit the rules'.
When one feels the need to compensate for food eaten by over-exercising or engaging in restrictive / purging behaviours.
Some of the examples listed above have sadly become so common, that as a society, many don't acknowledge these behaviours and beliefs as being abnormal. It seems diet culture has become more and more ingrained.
The rise of Orthorexia:
While not yet an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, Orthorexia is a mental illness which requires professional support to recover.
Orthorexia nervosa is defined as a "fixation on righteous eating" - essentially a preoccupation with the quality and purity of food; an obsession with being "healthy". There may be a desire for food to be 'clean', raw, fresh, organic, GMO-free, etc, to the point that it interferes with your quality of life, and ability to engage in social eating events or joyful experiences where food is involved (celebrations i.e. birthdays, festivities, travel, dining out).
Orthorexia can lead to essential nutrients being excluded and neglected, along with significant negative impacts on physical & mental wellbeing. Nutritional therapy & psychotherapy support should be considered for recovery.
Food is not black or white - food is not good/bad/dirty/clean. It's FOOD - and all foods have different nutritional properties and purposes which can welcomely have a place in our life.
Sometimes the perceived 'healthiest' food choice isn't necessarily always the most nutritious either - yes you heard that right! Context is essential. What one person requires nutritionally can vary hugely to another. There is NEVER a one size fits all approach (and if you read something where someone states they have cracked the 'optimal' way to eat - they are kidding you. It literally doesn't exist. That's why working with a nutrition practitioner with a personalised approach is key - to help YOU figure out your own groove with food for mind & body peace.
Stress and anxieties around food can additionally have a negative impact on:
Digestive system & immune function
Hormonal & reproductive system health
Mental health & risk for co-morbidities
Food is supposed to be pleasurable as well as essential, and you deserve to have happy, fulfilling food experiences, not ones filled with rules, restriction and fear.
Begin to trust yourself and your body, and please realise it's absolutely possible to un-learn certain eating habits and beliefs you have around food for ultimate food freedom and joy.
Please get in touch if you'd like support with this - I'd love to help you.
L x