When Healthy Habits Become Unhealthy: Recognizing Orthorexia
The quest for better health is a noble one. Striving for a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential aspects of a fulfilling life. However, like many things, it's possible to take even the healthiest of habits too far. This is where orthorexia comes in, an increasingly worrisome condition.
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia Nervosa, while not yet a formally recognized diagnosis, is a term used to describe an unhealthy obsession with "healthy" or "pure" eating. Individuals with orthorexia often fixate on food quality and composition to an extreme degree, leading them to significantly restrict their food choices.
As a dietitian, I often see clients initially seeking to improve their health suddenly consumed by a restrictive and inflexible way of eating that ironically can become detrimental to their overall well-being.
“While adapting healthy eating and movement habits is usually a positive step towards a healthier lifestyle, when it becomes obsessive it can lead towards Orthorexia.”
This is the key concept to keep in mind. Eating well and exercising should enhance your life, not control it.
Signs and Symptoms of Orthorexia
If you, or someone you love, displays any of the following behaviors, it may be a sign of orthorexia:
Compulsive Checking: Studying ingredient lists and nutrition labels with obsessive scrutiny, searching for anything deemed the slightest bit "unhealthy."
Meal Planning Fixation: Spending excessive amounts of time planning meals or analyzing restaurant menus, leaving little room for spontaneity or flexibility.
Cutting Food Groups: Eliminating entire food groups (grains, dairy, etc.) based on self-imposed dietary rules rather than genuine allergies or medical recommendations.
"Unhealthy" Food Anxiety: Experiencing distress, self-loathing, or panic when unable to eat according to strict self-imposed standards.
Social Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and activities to maintain rigid control over food.
Malnutrition Risks: Due to severe restrictions, an individual might lose vital nutrients, leading to potential health complications.
The journey to overcoming orthorexia is about finding a new, balanced relationship with food and your whole self. If you're ready to take that step, consider the holistic approach offered at Integrative Healing. Our team of dietitians, eating disorder therapists, psychiatrists, and nursing staff, understand the intricate interplay between body, mind, and dietary habits.
Overcoming Orthorexia: Integrative Healing Can Help
The journey to overcoming orthorexia is about finding a new, balanced relationship with food and your whole self. If you're ready to take that step, consider the holistic approach offered at Integrative Healing. Our team of dietitians, eating disorder therapists, psychiatrists, and nursing staff understand the intricate interplay between body, mind, and dietary habits.
A Bit About Our Program
Integrative Healing is launching a specialized, innovative outpatient eating disorder program. Our mission is to provide compassionate, inclusive care that treats the whole person – physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
Here's what sets our program apart:
Tiered Approach: We personalize treatment with a flexible tiered system, ensuring you receive the right level of guidance and support based on your unique needs.
Group Work and Exposure Activities: Building community and facing challenges together is essential for recovery.
Focus on Resilience and Empowerment: We help you build the tools and confidence for lasting healing.
Holistic Perspective: We take into account all aspects of your life, including any religious, spiritual, or cultural background that may be relevant to your recovery journey.
Collaborative, Experienced Team: Our team of therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and nursing staff work together to create a truly individualized plan.
If you're struggling with disordered eating, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.