My blog, and the message I try to address as I become a group fitness instructor, is about a healthy relationship with fitness and food. This is because fitness (and food, of course) is something I love, but have struggled with in the past. Orthorexia is defined as an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy. Orthorexia also commonly pairs itself with compulsive exercise.

This is an eating disorder that is often not talked about because people mistake it as just extreme health habits. Once healthy living becomes an obsession, the question must be asked of whether it is truly healthy anymore. It often goes undetected as a person suffering may be of a normal healthy weight, but it can develop into other disorders such as anorexia nervosa. A person with orthorexia may have a list of ‘forbidden foods’ that they will not allow themselves to eat, or may panic if they miss a workout, prioritizing exercise above all else.

The  best thing you can do is build a positive relationship with food before anything else. This is incredibly important. Understand that it is ok to allow yourself to eat a treat. Make sure to take a day off from working out at least once a week. Focus on your mental health as well as the physical.

Make sure to keep an eye out for warning signs in your friends and yourself. The latter can be far more difficult. If you notice your friend becoming obsessive over their diet, say something, reach out. It is a problem that needs to be talked about. While it is not yet officially recognized by the DSM, it is a very real thing, and awareness needs to be spread, especially in the fitness community.

What do you do to keep a healthy relationship with your body? What is your favorite treat food? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Tell me in the comments down below. Thank you for reading!