This makes me think a lot about my own relationship with food and how it’s evolved over the years. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on orthorexia – you know, that obsession with eating only “pure” or “healthy” foods. It’s kind of fascinating, but also pretty intense when you dig deeper into it.
For me, it started out as just wanting to eat better. I began cutting out processed foods and focusing on fresh ingredients. At first, it felt empowering. I was cooking more, trying new recipes, and oddly enough, it made me feel more in control of my health. But somewhere along the way, that control turned into something a bit darker. There were days when I would stress about every little ingredient. If it didn’t fit my “healthy” criteria, it was a hard no.
I found myself avoiding social situations or feeling anxious about dining out because I couldn’t guarantee what was on the menu. It’s funny how something that started as a positive shift ended up feeling like a prison. I mean, who wants to feel guilty for enjoying a piece of cake at a birthday party?
It’s been a journey to recalibrate my view on food. I’ve learned to ask myself questions like, “Is this making me happy?” or “Am I enjoying life?” It’s about balance, right? I think it’s important to bring awareness to orthorexia because it’s so easy to slip into that mindset, especially with all the wellness culture out there.
How do you all approach your own eating habits? Have you ever felt that pressure to eat perfectly? It would be interesting to hear your experiences—there’s so much we can learn from each other!