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Can eating healthy become unhealthy? We're constantly reminded to eat more vegetables, cut back on processed foods, and pay closer attention to what goes into our bodies. But what if constantly choosing nutritious choices can make us too focused on eating healthy? What if it can actually be a bad thing?

Of course, there's more to the story than simple good or bad, just like how there's a difference between being mindful of what goes on your plate and feeling distressed whenever you eat something "unhealthy." For some people, though, the pursuit of perfect nutrition can get so restrictive that it interferes with everyday life. This pattern is known as orthorexia. Let's dig in.

What Is Orthorexia?

Orthorexia, sometimes called orthorexia nervosa, is an unhealthy fixation on eating foods perceived as healthy; in other words, it refers to an obsession with proper nutrition. You might think this sounds pretty similar to other eating disorders, but unlike, say, anorexia nervosa, which commonly involves fears surrounding weight gain, orthorexia primarily centers on the perceived quality of food. Concerns about weight and appearance, however, can still overlap with this condition.

The development of orthorexia can be gradual: oftentimes, it begins with an innocent desire to improve eating habits. You might, for example, initially eliminate certain unhealthy ingredients, only to later on become increasingly concerned about additives, preparation methods, or even entire food groups. It doesn't help, either, that social media can reinforce these fears by promoting severely restrictive diets, touting them as necessary for optimal health. Over time, your ultimate goal might be to simply follow strict nutritional rules, regardless of your hunger or enjoyment.

That said, orthorexia isn't actually currently recognized as a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5 TR). Researchers are still investigating its diagnostic criteria and debating whether it should be classified as a distinct eating disorder, which may explain why many may not even know there was a name for such a condition. Nevertheless, no eating disorder should ever be downplayed.

How Can You Tell When Healthy Eating Has Gone Too Far?

Uh-oh, you might think: do you have orthorexia? You're concerned about eating healthy, of course, but how can you really tell whether it's become an obsession? Well, one of the clearest warning signs is experiencing intense anxiety or guilt after eating something you've labeled "bad." Do you spend hours researching ingredients, checking nutritional labels, or planning meals to avoid making the wrong choice? If every meal makes you stressed or you're constantly questioning whether you made the "right" choices, you might want to be wary.

Take note of how you behave in social situations, too. Since it can be difficult to maintain a diet when eating out, another sign of orthorexia is when you turn down invitations altogether. In your mind, because you can't control how the food is prepared, you deem it best that you avoid outside food. You may even stop attending celebrations where healthier choices might not be available! When it gets to this point, where dietary rules rule over everything else, that's a clear indication that you might want to chat with your doctor.

Orthorexia can be particularly dangerous because although your habits might appear healthy from the outside, all that excessive restriction can actually deprive your body of essential nutrients. Think about it: is eliminating multiple food groups healthy? Is it really a "good" choice if you're not getting any enjoyment out of eating it?

How Can You Build a Healthier Relationship with Food?

Okay, so how do you build a healthier relationship with food? You want to pick nutritious choices, but you also don't want to be too restrictive, but you also want to limit your intake of certain foods, so... Where do you draw the line? Well, before you get too deep in those thoughts, it'll help to recognize that your not-so-healthy eating habits first. Consider whether your dietary choices are based on personal preference, medical necessity, or an overwhelming fear of eating something unhealthy. Are you comfortable making occasional exceptions, or does doing so make you overly anxious? Asking yourself these questions might help you identify potentially concerning patterns.

Thankfully, developing a better approach to nutrition doesn't mean you have to abandon healthy eating altogether. Instead, you need to understand that building a balanced diet means you can accommodate different foods without following strict rules. Setting rules in the first place is a no-no! Allow yourself greater variety; you'll thank yourself for it. If you do find it challenging to overcome your habits, speak to a professional—they may be able to suggest treatment plans that help you address your fears.

Ultimately, caring about nutrition should never get to the point where you sacrifice your well-being or enjoyment of food. There's nothing wrong with wanting to eat healthfully! But if you become too obsessive or restrictive, you'll only limit yourself. Remember: healthy eating should support you, not make you feel miserable every time you see food.