Understanding Orthorexia
By Mira Dessy
When it comes to the concept of wellness and nutrition, it’s easy to celebrate healthy choices, and we should. Choosing nourishing foods and fueling your body with intention is a powerful act of self-care. But sometimes, what starts as a desire to eat well can slowly turn into something more rigid, more obsessive, and far less healthy. It can lead to a condition called Orthorexia.
Orthorexia is a form of disordered eating characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating “clean,” “pure,” or “perfect” foods. Unlike other eating disorders, orthorexia isn’t necessarily about weight—it’s about control, fear, and a deep-rooted belief that health can only be achieved through strict dietary rules. And while it may start with good intentions, it can often spiral into anxiety, social isolation, and even malnutrition.
This condition can be especially difficult to identify because our culture often praises clean eating. We’re exposed to a variety of media sources, all promoting the concept. Sadly, although the concept is good, it can go too far.
When someone feels guilt, shame, or panic over eating something “off-plan,” avoids social gatherings to maintain their food routine, or spends excessive time researching ingredients and rules, these may be warning signs that their eating patterns are out of balance.
The truth is that food is meant to be enjoyed. Meals are meant to be shared. Nourishment is about more than just the nutrients on your plate; it’s also about connection, pleasure, and flexibility. No one meal makes or breaks your health. And chasing a “perfect” diet can come at the expense of your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Aiming for 80% nourishing, whole-food choices gives you structure without rigidity. It makes room for birthday cake, spontaneous picnics, a night out with friends, or a quiet cup of coffee with something sweet. That 20% isn’t a cheat—it’s part of a well-rounded life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with orthorexia tendencies, know that restoring a healthy relationship with food is possible. It starts by softening the rules, inviting joy back to the table, and remembering that true wellness includes both nourishment and freedom.
Let’s shift the conversation—from perfection to balance, from control to connection. Because food isn’t just fuel, it’s a part of how we live, love, and experience the world.
[We’d like to thank our friend and colleague, Mira Dessy, for allowing us to share this article with our audience. Mira is a Nutrition Educator, speaker, and the author of The Pantry Principle, a great resource if you want to know what is lurking in the foods you purchase. Her book is available in our office.]