Orthorexia and “Clean Eating”

“Wellness”. “Clean eating”. “Being healthy”. When it comes to diet, these sorts of things come up time and time again, and are often linked with concepts of discipline or even self-care. But when food choices become driven by fear and moral rules rather than nourishment or enjoyment, something else may be going on…

Today, we’re looking at orthorexia: an unhealthy obsession with eating “pure” or “healthy” foods. While not formally listed in diagnostic manuals, it’s becoming increasingly acknowledged in clinical settings. Safia shares her own experience of orthorexic elements within her ED: how it initially felt health-focused, but how it became restrictive, anxiety-driven and all-consuming. We explore how wellness culture can blur the line between health and harm — why this makes orthorexia difficult to spot in the first place — and what recovery can look like.

Topics covered:

* What orthorexia is and where the term originated

* How it differs from other eating disorders

* The role of wellness culture, documentaries, and influencers

* Moral ranking of foods and fear around ingredients

* Excessive researching of food, nutrients, and labels

* The mental, social, financial, and physical costs

* Why orthorexia is so hard to spot sometimes

* What recovery involves: rebuilding flexibility and redefining health

Connect with us:

Meg

Instagram: @megsy_recovery

YouTube: Megsy Recovery

TikTok: megsy recovery

Safia

Instagram: @safia_edrecoverycoach

Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Website: [https://www.safiaed.com](https://www.safiaed.com)

Em (copywriter & editor)

Instagram: @em_schone

Tallulah Self (podcast editor)

Instagram: @tallulahself

[DISCLAIMER]

Please keep in mind we’re not medical professionals, and the podcast content reflects our own experiences and opinions. It shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, please reach out to a medical professional to discuss your own situation and get professional support.