An obsession with eating healthy foods is a disorder called orthorexia.This may not sound like a bad thing, but orthorexia can be a disabling disease that impacts people's lives in very real ways.It can hurt your budget, your health, and your social interactions.Some consider it an eating disorder like Anore nervosa.It is possible to get yourself or a loved one psychological help if you recognize orthorexia.It is a condition that many people recover from.
Step 1: It's a good idea to watch for obsessive label reading.
People with orthorexia want to read the labels of their food.While reading labels can provide valuable information about the ingredients of the food you consume, it can also lead to a behavior that impacts other aspects of your life.If you worry that you missed an ingredient, you have to re-read labels several times.If you can't read labels, you will develop anxiety or panic attacks.You don't like labels entirely.
Step 2: If your travel plans are affected by food worries, notice.
Many communities don't offer alternatives for people with special needs.Some people may need to travel to a nearby city to get certain products.This is understandable and normal, but people with orthorexia might take it to the next level.They may be afraid to travel for fear that they won't have access to their regular food sources.Think about the amount of food you don't buy in your town.Do you really need to travel outside of your community?Is it because you need to, or because of your compulsion?It is possible that traveling for food or being unwilling to travel because of diet-related concerns is taking time away from family, work, or your social life.If it's true, you may have orthorexia.
Step 3: Don't put major limitations on your food.
While limiting foods can be helpful to improving health, many people with orthorexia take this to an extreme level.You may have a problem if you cut out most of the foods people eat.If you can't verify the ingredients of some of the foods, consider cutting out all of them.
Step 4: You should watch your weight.
There is a risk of weight loss for people with orthorexia.They may have trouble maintaining their weight if they eliminated so many food options from their diet.If you have dropped your weight, you may have orthorexia.If you want to know if your weight loss is healthy, try to determine if it is a result of exercise or food choices.Losing 5 or 10 pounds over the course of a month is healthy, while losing 20 or 30 pounds may be severe.Do you want to lose weight or do you need to?If your food choices lead to weight loss, you may need to seek help.
Step 5: Think about how you exercise.
Some people have obsessive exercise habits.This could lead to problems.Take a moment to think about your exercise routine.If you have trouble with your food choices and exercise routine, you may have orthorexia.If you can't complete your exercise routine, consider whether you become anxious or have panic attacks.
Step 6: Discuss your general nutrition needs with a doctor.
Some health problems can be traced to people's food choices.You should consult a physician if you want to keep an eye on your nutrition and vital statistics.Blood work to get a sense of your overall health is one thing a physician may check.
Step 7: Call a mental health professional.
One of the best ways to find out if you have orthorexia is to consult a mental health specialist.They will give you a proper diagnosis of your psychological state by evaluating your habits, lifestyle, and other factors.They can help sort out whether or not you have an eating disorder.Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish between the two eating disorders, because some people with Anorexia have an obsession with eating only the "correct" foods.Look for a mental health specialist who focuses on nutrition and body image.Don't hold anything back from the mental health professional.There are licensed and unlicensed life coaches who have experience with nutrition and health issues.
Step 8: The person may suffer from depression or anxiety.
If the person suffers from depression or anxiety related to their orthorexia, that's the biggest factor to consider.Does the person have more anxiety if they can't get the food they want?The person talks about food in a nervous and constant manner.Is the person depressed if they can't get the food they want?Does the person lose control of their diet?Do they worry about what they eat even if they don't have special restrictions?
Step 9: They should watch for problems in their relationships.
People's relationships can be damaged by orthorexia.People with orthorexia may want to recruit other people to their way of life because they may be overly strict about their diet.People who don't have their own diet may argue with people who do.People with orthorexia dislike other people's eating habits.Some children might be harmed by a parent making them eat a restricted diet.People will avoid dining with friends because they don't share their food choices.If someone has orthorexia, it's a good idea to suggest restaurants that are friendly to their needs.If the person continues to decline, they may have orthorexia.
Step 10: Family life and holidays are impacted by the person's food tastes.
If a person's food choices negatively impact other people in their life, it is an indicator of orthorexia.Does the person want other people to prepare their dishes?Is the person avoiding family gatherings and meals because they disagree with other people's food choices?Does the person act rude to family members because of the food they prepare for a family gathering?