The surge of enthusiasm for becoming "healthy" is a trend that resurfaces each summer. There's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle, but problems arise when pursuing “health” becomes an obsession. Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where individuals engage in "clean” or “health-focused” eating or movement, often resulting in disordered or restrictive behaviors and eating.

By: Regina Colie

The DSM has not yet classified orthorexia as an eating disorder, yet it is as dangerous as other eating disorders. This time of year is often rife with diet culture messaging, which can be highly triggering for struggling individuals.

Why Do We Strive to be “Healthy” in the Summer

The motivation to be “healthy” in the summer often stems from societal pressures, media portrayals, and sometimes personal insecurities. During the summer, people return home from school, the weather changes, vacations get planned, and often our wardrobes shift. People view it as a break from everyday routines and embracing their newfound freedom. However, the summer can be stressful for people struggling with an eating disorder or navigating eating disorder recovery. The social media trends of "clean eating" and achieving the “perfect summer body” are amplified during this season. This desire for a particular body aesthetic or a 'perfect' eating pattern can potentially catalyze orthorexic tendencies. For individuals already battling eating disorders, this amplified summer “health” trend can make their recovery journey more challenging, as it may inadvertently validate their disordered behaviors and thoughts.

What Are Signs of Orthorexia?

According to the Center for Discovery, some symptoms of this eating disorder can include:

Avoiding entire groups of food
An obsession with consuming supplements
Increased amounts of time thinking about food
Avoiding food prepared by others
Feelings of guilt or shame when eating foods that are considered "unhealthy"

Tips For Navigating The Allure Of A "Clean Eating" Summer

Navigating orthorexic tendencies in summer can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas that might help you feel more peace around food during this season.

Reach out for Support

Your treatment team or a loved one can help you during stressful food-related moments this summer. Ask for support in choosing recovery and a balanced approach to food. Expressing your thoughts and feelings around food can be an excellent first step toward making a plan to alleviate stress and anxiety. Lean on your support system to make this easier.

Dress for Success

Wear or buy clothes you feel comfortable wearing in the summer heat, regardless of trends. Wearing clothing that makes you feel good can help you focus on eating mindfully and aligning with your hunger and fullness, desires, and tastes.

Tune Out Diet Culture Messages

In the summertime, diet culture is rife with messages labeling foods as “good,” “bad,” “clean,” “guilt-free,” and other moralizing terms. Be aware of the content you consume - do you see these messages? Remember, foods have no moral value. Try eating what sounds good, not what diet culture tells you is appropriate.

Explore Gentle Movement

Gentle movement, like walking, yoga, or stretching, fosters a mindful approach to eating and self-care by reconnecting you with your body's natural cues while promoting a positive mindset and reducing the risk of harmful exercise patterns through a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to physical activity.

Educate Yourself

Educating yourself on eating disorders, orthorexia, and diet culture is vital for healing, providing essential knowledge and understanding. Use the BALANCE blog and free webinars to gain expert insights, practical tips, and further support.

Let this summer be the first of many without your eating disorder, robbing you of the fun, freedom, and memories you could have. This summer with BALANCE, reduce eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, gain tools to navigate all the pressures the summer months bring, foster community with specialized groups, get the support you deserve, and more. Learn more about our summer programming here.

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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).

Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.

References

Bazzini, M. (2023). That “Clean Eating” Trend is Glamorizing Eating Disorders - Project HEAL. ProjectHEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/blog/that-clean-eating-trend-is-glamorizing-eating-disorders

Contributor, D. (2021). Warning Signs of Orthorexia Nervosa. Center for Discovery. https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/more-orthorexia-nervosa-warning-signs/

Delgado, D. (2018, June 4). 5 Reasons Eating Disorders May Flare Up in Summer Months. Psychology Today. Retrieved July 10, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/eating-disorders/201806/5-reasons-eating-disorders-may-flare-in-summer-months

Disordered Eating and Orthorexia Tendencies in the Summer