Orthorexia...It sounds like a wort, mumbo-jumbo, a fly or medical prescription...it's a condition. A condition term that has been around a long while but only recently has surfaced as a serious issue and become more common. Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by fixation on eating healthy or “righteous” food. The term was first coined by Dr. Steven Bratman in the early 1990s--so why is it just now gaining popularity?
The "healthy eating" front has come a long way in a short period of time. From Michael Pollan's 'The Omnivore's Dilemma" and Fast Food Nation to PETA, Whole Foods, Co-ops, farmer's markets, range-free and "organic". All of this jargon is part of our eating world and we become obsessed with improving ourselves, economic status, and planet. Those don't seem like such bad virtues--until they go over the top. Anything in excess becomes an obsession and therefore a problem. You can take a good thing and turn it negative when viewed or acted upon in an improper way. How do we know where a passion for healthy food and fitness end, and psychological disturbance begin?
It's a fine line. Eating healthful, environmentally aware foods is a great cause. It's finding a balance and not letting it dominate your life. Any diet or lifestyle can be put to ill use when a person is intent on unhealthy goals; to say that veganism is responsible for orthorexia is like blaming exercise for the fact that some people become exercise bulimics. It’s the mindset of the person who’s eating, not what’s on their plate, that ultimately distinguishes a generally healthy approach from orthorexia.
We all have the power to make balanced choices. With that in mind, let’s all give healthy eating a good name by eating foods that are good for our bodies and the planet, but eating plentifully and with a sense of fun.
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