Wait! Isn't eating healthy a good thing? Well....not always. Let me show you what I mean. It can actually turn into an obsession that can cause anxiety, fear, and depression. This is commonly known as Orthorexia.

Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy or only "pure" foods. It is not an officially recognized eating disorder, but it can be just as serious and harmful.

People with orthorexia are typically fixated on the quality and purity of the food they eat, and may become isolated from friends and family because of their strict food choices. They may spend excessive amounts of time planning meals and thinking about food, and may experience distress when unable to eat foods that they perceive as "pure."

Unlike eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, orthorexia is not primarily about losing weight. Instead, it is driven by a desire to be healthy and to avoid perceived "impurities" in food. However, this obsession can lead to severe malnutrition and other health problems.

You heard me say obsession right? Do you think this can be related to OCD as well?

Orthorexia and OCD

Orthorexia and OCD are two mental health conditions that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. While they may share some similarities, they are two distinct conditions with their own unique symptoms and treatments.

While orthorexia and OCD may share some common features, such as an obsession with purity and cleanliness, there are some key differences between the two conditions. For example, orthorexia is primarily focused on food and eating habits, while OCD can involve obsessions and compulsions related to a wide range of topics. Additionally, the treatment approaches for orthorexia and OCD are different, with OCD often being treated with medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy, while orthorexia may be treated with a combination of therapy and nutritional support.

Well, then how do I know if I just want to be healthy or if it's orthorexia?
Here are some symptoms to look for:

-Obsessing over the quality and purity of the food one consumes
-Becoming isolated from friends and family because of food choices
-Spending excessive amounts of time planning meals and thinking about food
-Experiencing distress when unable to eat "pure" foods
-Prioritizing healthy eating over other aspects of life, such as relationships or work

If left untreated, orthorexia can lead to serious health problems, such as malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances. It can also cause psychological problems, such as low self-esteem and anxiety.

In a world of harmful labels around food and fad diets, this condition can often be praised by those around us because they do not see the mental or emotional toll it's taking on an individual. You can imagine how difficult this is when they are seeking help. You go to a doctor who is not knowledgeable about this condition and instead praises you for your "good choices." To many I've spoken to who struggle with this, they have had these experiences.

Some people may misunderstand orthorexia by thinking that it is simply a desire to eat healthy, which I think is a normal response. However, orthorexia can become a problem when it becomes an obsession and interferes with a person's ability to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle. It can also lead to malnutrition if a person becomes too restrictive in their food choices.

It is also important to remember that healthy eating is about balance and moderation, not strict rules and perfection.

Treatment for orthorexia

Treatment for orthorexia typically involves a combination of therapy and nutrition education. A qualified therapist can help you develop healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety. Typically we will use what is called exposure and response prevention.

This treatment slowly introduces foods into someone's life that they would not otherwise eat. It's sitting through the discomfort and changing their relationship with that specific food. We want the individual to make food choices a preference more than a "have to" -- So we're not going to a fast-food restaurant and ordering the most unhealthy things we can find. Instead, most need the slow and steady route. It's not an all-or-nothing approach. In fact, that's what we're trying to break. It could be adding a little salt to the food. Maybe eat a piece of candy for dessert. Maybe, put some cream in the pasta. Choose to leave out the peas for this meal. It could be choosing to eat something deemed as "unhealthy", but in reality, we're not labeling things as healthy or unhealthy. Food becomes food. Individuals choose to respond differently to what they eat. "Yep, I'm loving this food right now." "What a great opportunity." "Maybe, maybe not." Oh, I shouldn't eat that extra piece of candy. Yoink! I'm doing it!

The brain is really good at looking at the research and data on unhealthy or "unpure" foods and making it harder to change. What's pretty cool is that once we break these patterns, individuals get to live life. They take risks. They eat what they want. They may still feel uncomfortable, but it's worth the fight.

Some see benefit in seeing a registered dietitian that can help you learn how to balance your diet and incorporate a variety of healthy foods, without becoming overly restrictive or fixated on the purity of your food. They can also provide guidance on how to overcome any nutritional deficiencies that may have developed as a result of your orthorexia.

Overall, the goal of treatment for orthorexia is to help you develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, and to improve your overall physical and mental well-being. This may require a significant amount of time and effort, but with the right support and guidance, it is possible to overcome orthorexia and live a healthy and fulfilling life. It's okay to feel discomfort and break the rules that your brain has created. Because what this means is that you'll be able to live the life you want to live.

Let me know in the comments if you've ever struggled with orthorexia.

To know more about OCD and to look at the signs, take a look at this video right here. It'll help you better your recovery and gain confidence.

Thanks so much for watching and I'll see you next time.