When Healthy Eating Goes Too Far

Most people know healthy eating is essential to look and feel their best, but how do you know when it has gone too far, and turned into an obsession?

When healthy eating becomes an obsession and an unhealthy focus it is defined as Orthorexia. You might be thinking, but wait, weren't we all taught to focus on healthy eating? Although, it is important to care for your body, balance is key. This type of disordered eating has key features that turn it from healthy habits to unhealthy obsessions.

The most common key features of this type of unhealthy thinking, are excessive rules around clean eating, and harsh restrictions. If you find yourself having obsessive thoughts and feelings around eating, that doesn’t go away after fueling your body… it might just be a clue. Anxiety, or even fear around not being able to eat “clean foods” are also signs you may be struggling with an unhealthy focus.

If what I am telling you resounds with you, find a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. Working alongside them, can help you change the way you think and view food. If you are on the border of being heath conscious, but find yourself being neurotic from time to time, take this assessment at the end of this article and see where you land.

As a nutrition coach

I pay careful attention to the words my clients use when they talk about food. Coaching is messy and can evoke a variety of emotions. When I find they have excessive rules, restrictions, or an “all or nothing” approach. This assessment comes up. I am not a replacement for a therapist, in fact I always encourage my clients to find one when potential issues come up. Rules and restrictions, serve a purpose for a time, but as we grow those same restrictions that once kept us safe can end up doing more harm than good if we let them.