By Nadia Rivas
In a society where health trends, diet culture, and fitness influencers exist, you would believe that eating healthy would be praised. Instead, those choosing a healthy choice are often met with skepticism, or even worse,presumptions that they have an eating disorder. Why is it that when people decide to ‘limit sugar’ and become more mindful of the food they’re eating, they’re labeled as “ too strict” or “obsessive?”
The truth is that society has complicated it’s relationship with food for some time. On one hand, we are bombarded with messages about ‘ eating clean’, losing weight, and staying in shape. Yet, when someone goes through with these ideals and makes it their priority to be in the best shape ever, they’re questioned: “Are you eating enough?’ “That sounds restrictive,” “Just enjoy yourself.”
While some of these assumptions might come from a place of care, they often reflect a misunderstanding of what a balanced diet looks like. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), an eating disorder is characterized by an unhealthy fixation on food, weight, or body image to the point where it interferes with daily life (NEDA, 2023). However, being mindful of what you’re putting into your body shouldn’t automatically be deemed as having an eating disorder. The difference between the two is that people with an eating disorder feel controlled by food, whereas those making a different choice with food are doing it simply for their well-being.
A majority of the problem is that social media normalizes unhealthy eating habits. Fast food is everywhere, portion sizes have tripled, and ultra-processed food has been taking over most grocery store shelves. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that over 36% of adults in the U.S. consume fast food almost every day ( CDC 2018). Compared to the majority eating “high sugar meals”, ‘greasy food,’ and ‘sodium, eating healthy seems “extreme” compared to their diets.
This culture shift comes with health consequences. The increase in processed foods has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (Monterio et al., 2018). Yet, when people try to avoid these types of foods by making healthier choices, they are often met with criticism. The irony is that while society pressures people to be thin, it also discourages the very behavior that leads to genuine health.
That’s not to say eating clean can never become harmful. Orthorexia, a term first introduced by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997, describes an unhealthy fixation on healthy eating (Bratman, 2017). Unlike having a balanced diet, this can lead to anxiety around certain foods and can cause nutritional deficiency.
However, diagnosing someone with orthorexia or even anorexia should be left to the professionals. The assumption that anyone who eats a whole food diet is struggling with disordered eating is not only inaccurate,but can also discourage wanting to start a healthy lifestyle. Instead of labeling people based on their food choices, we should encourage a balanced approach to nutrition— one that allows for both mindful eating and occasional indulgence.
Moreover, we need to shift the way we talk about food. Eating healthy should be viewed as self-care rather than a red flag. Instead of questioning those on their health journey, let’s respect their decisions and understand that balance looks different for everyone.
So the next time someone declines junk food, don’t assume the worst. Supporting a balanced lifestyle means recognizing that healthy choices are just choices, not red flags.