What is the difference between a health conscious person and someone with orthorexia?
Never before have people been so health conscious and had so many resources available at the click of a mouse. Most health conscious people will practice moderation; they eat well most of the time and don’t feel guilty if they eat a food considered “nutrient poor.” Some have chosen to eat organic or gluten free for a variety of reasons, some of which are supported by science, to become healthier. This is not a problem unless the diet takes a life of its own. The key difference is the orthorexic will obsess about food choices/food quality and feel guilt if they stray from the rigid diet. Social isolation is often a component to orthorexia.
