Do you consider yourself a healthy eater? What exactly do you eat? If you eat little more than fresh vegetables, you may be something called an orthorexic.
An orthorexic (latin for “correct eating”) is a person who is compelled to eat only pure, natural and healthful foods. Some go so far, according to a Yahoo! Health article, as to not eat anything that is processed, contains artificial colors or flavors, or anything that has come into contact with pesticides. They also may avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, salt, wheat, and dairy foods.
These people aren’t concerned about weight loss or body image, but tend to lose weight simply from not eating a well-rounded diet. The condition is similar to anorexia nervosa in that it can cause similar wasting away and health risks to the person affected.
If you think you or someone close to you may have an eating disorder, contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Do you have a question about eating disorders? Check out EmpowHER’s pages. Sign-up, post a question, share your story, connect with other women in our groups and community, and feel EmpowHERed!
Resource:
Yahoo! Health: New Eating Disorders: Are They For Real?
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Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.