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Ask the experts: orthorexia<br />
Nutritional therapist and eating disorder recovery coach<br />
Sasha Paul answers your questions on orthorexia<br />
Read more about Sasha Paul on nutritionist-resource.org.uk<br />
Q<br />
I’ve heard the<br />
term orthorexia<br />
being used,<br />
but I’m not sure what<br />
it means – can you<br />
explain it?<br />
A<br />
Orthorexia is a word used<br />
to describe an unhealthy<br />
obsession with healthy eating.<br />
What often starts out as a wellintentioned<br />
health goal, can<br />
become a serious problem that<br />
affects all areas of a person’s life.<br />
Those experiencing orthorexia<br />
tend to follow rigid food rules<br />
around what they ‘should’ or<br />
‘shouldn’t’ eat – and, over time,<br />
the number of foods they allow<br />
in their diet can reduce. It is very<br />
common for those with orthorexia<br />
to spend a lot of time thinking<br />
about food, and to feel a<br />
significant amount of distress<br />
if the foods they deem to be<br />
healthy are not available.<br />
Although healthy eating is not<br />
a problem as such, it’s when<br />
the pursuit for health stops<br />
being about balance, that<br />
things can start to tip towards<br />
unhealthy.<br />
Q<br />
My relationship<br />
with food feels<br />
unhealthy,<br />
but I’m not sure what<br />
to do about it. How<br />
do I know if I need<br />
professional help?<br />
A<br />
Recognising a potential<br />
breakdown in your<br />
relationship with food is an<br />
incredible step. My ethos is that<br />
if your relationship with food is<br />
affecting your life in any way,<br />
then you are absolutely right<br />
to seek out support. And the<br />
sooner you reach out, the better!<br />
The next step is to find a<br />
practitioner who specialises in<br />
this area, so that you receive the<br />
right support for your journey.<br />
I strongly believe that eating<br />
problems require a holistic<br />
approach that incorporates<br />
work on understanding nutrition,<br />
shifting unhelpful thought<br />
patterns, and emotional<br />
support. Together, this can<br />
change your relationship with<br />
food for years to come.<br />
Many health professionals<br />
will offer you a complimentary<br />
initial call, where you can<br />
ask about their approach<br />
to this problem and if they<br />
have experience in this area.<br />
This is also an opportunity<br />
for you to make sure that you<br />
feel comfortable with the<br />
practitioner.<br />
Nutritionist Resource is part of the Happiful Family | Helping you find the help you need
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