Healthy eating has become a popular trend in recent years, with more and more people focusing on consuming nutritious foods for optimal health. However, for some individuals, this commitment to healthy eating can become obsessive and harmful.

Orthorexia nervosa, a term coined by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997, refers to an unhealthy fixation on consuming only pure and uncontaminated foods.

If you follow a strict diet and find yourself constantly worrying about the quality of your food, you may be wondering if your healthy eating habit has crossed the line into orthorexia.

Take this quiz to assess if your relationship with food has become unhealthy:.

Quiz: Do You Show Signs of Orthorexia?

Read each statement carefully and choose the answer that best represents your thoughts or behaviors. Be honest with yourself as you respond.

1. I spend a significant amount of time planning my meals and researching the nutritional information of the foods I eat.
   • a) True
   • b) False
2. I experience anxiety or guilt when I eat foods that are considered unhealthy or impure.
   • a) True
   • b) False
3. I avoid social gatherings or events that involve food because I am afraid of consuming something that doesn’t meet my strict standards.
   • a) True
   • b) False
4. I feel superior to others based on the food choices I make.
   • a) True
   • b) False
5. I have eliminated entire food groups from my diet without any medical reason.
   • a) True
   • b) False
6. I feel intense fear or worry when I am unable to control the ingredients or preparation of my meals.
   • a) True
   • b) False
7. I spend a disproportionate amount of my income on high-quality or organic foods.
   • a) True
   • b) False
8. I judge others based on their food choices and think less of them if they don’t eat as healthy as I do.
   • a) True
   • b) False
9. I have difficulty enjoying meals that I haven’t prepared myself or that haven’t been made with my specific dietary restrictions in mind.
   • a) True
   • b) False
10. I feel distressed or anxious when I am unable to follow my self-imposed dietary rules.
    • a) True
    • b) False

Evaluating Your Results

Now, calculate your score based on your answers:.

Related Article Are You Obsessed with Eating Healthy? Take the Orthorexia Test

1. For every “a) True” response, assign 1 point.
2. For every “b) False” response, assign 0 points.

Here’s what your score means:.

• 0-2 Points: Your eating habits appear to be balanced and healthy.
• 3-5 Points: You are at moderate risk for developing orthorexia. It’s crucial to assess your relationship with food and consider seeking support or guidance if needed.
• 6-10 Points: You are showing significant signs of orthorexia nervosa. It is important to seek professional help to address your unhealthy relationship with food.

Conclusion

Orthorexia nervosa is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. While striving to eat healthily is generally a positive goal, it is essential to maintain a balanced and flexible approach to food.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with orthorexia, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Remember, true health goes beyond just the food we eat. It encompasses a holistic approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

Finding a balance that allows for enjoyment of food while also nourishing your body is the key to a healthy and sustainable relationship with food.