Michael Pollen in his new book, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto,
describes eloquently the issue of becoming nutrient obsessed. His manifesto
lays out a simple plan:
” Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
He also describes a new nervosa called, orthoexia nervosa which basically
describes people who become obsessed with all the food that is
either really bad for them
or
really good for them.
Dr. Steve Bratman coined the term and it is an actual diagnosable disease:
orthorexia as an unhealthy obsession (as in obsessive-compulsive disorder) with what the sufferer considers to be healthy eating . The subject may avoid certain foods, such as those containing fats, preservatives, or animal products, and suffer malnutrition. Bratman asserts that “emaciation is common among followers of health food diets.”
Extremely obsessed.
I actually haven’t read Pollan’s latest book that just came out.
I’m still reading Pollans’ brilliant The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
Then I will start in on In Defense of Food.
My point today is,
yes,
we can get obsessed with our health.
I am guilty of this to a certain extent.
Heck, I own a health food store, people!
However,
I am a strong advocate in the concept of
everything in moderation.
And live it up a little.
And do it if it feels good.
And indulge your senses especially taste
because this is why we are alive….
to experience life fully.
Eat chocolate this week if you feel so moved.
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us.
Indulge in something rich.
Enjoy yourself in some comfort food.
Fall off the health food wagon for a spell.
Have some fun.
Live it up.
Let’s love ourselves fully in our imperfections.
We are perfectly imperfect and that is ok!
