Once considered a trend, “clean eating” is now a widely embraced way of eating. The definition can vary depending on who you ask. Generally, clean eating involves consuming foods that are minimally processed, possibly organic, and with few chemical additives or preservatives. A clean diet typically includes whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, while avoiding highly processed snacks and packaged foods with added sugar and salt. It is often associated with terms like plant-based, grass-fed, sugar-free, or gluten-free. Overall, clean eating is seen as a way to promote health and well-being.
This concept is particularly popular among younger consumers who are active on social media. Celebrities, bloggers, and other influencers often share their clean-eating meals and recipes on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
A Darker Side of clean eating
Clean eating can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations. In a study of teenagers and young adults, 71% saw healthy eating as a positive approach, but a few thought it was unhealthy due to its strict rules. Another study of college students found that even though healthy eating was linked to good health, it caused emotional distress and functional impairment. Some healthy diets suggest cutting out certain food groups like dairy, wheat, or sugars. The term “healthy” implies that not following this diet is “unhealthy,” leading to food restrictions and an obsession with eating healthily. While healthy eating isn’t always about losing weight, it can hide signs of an eating disorder. Extreme clean eating can have negative health effects similar to eating disorders, osteoporosis, amenorrhea, difficulty concentrating, and depression.
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a term created by physician Steven Bratman in 1997, but it is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5. ON involves an intense focus on healthy eating to achieve dietary “purity,” which can lead to distress, anxiety, or obsessive behavior. Unlike anorexia nervosa, which focuses on weight loss, ON is centered on maintaining a healthy diet. Some experts see ON as an extreme form of clean eating, where the pursuit of control and restriction can become unhealthy.
It is important to note that enjoying healthy foods is not harmful. Our society encourages healthy habits to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. Making dietary changes to lower the risk of these diseases can be empowering. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic conditions that may lead to hospital visits and stress. Therefore, it can be challenging to differentiate ON from normal, healthy behaviors. Those at higher risk for ON may have a history of eating disorders, perfectionistic tendencies, or work in health-related fields.
In conclusion
Clean eating is a concept that promotes health by encouraging the consumption of minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and fats. However, it is not regulated, so the definition of clean eating can vary widely among individuals and in the food industry that sells “clean” products. Taking clean eating to an extreme has been linked to an increased risk of eating disorders, such as orthorexia nervosa. If you experience heightened anxiety around food, avoid food-related situations, or have an obsession with food that disrupts daily life, seek assistance from a doctor, counselor, or dietitian.
Sources:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/clean-eating/
