Have you ever heard of orthorexia? 

It's an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating. People with orthorexia are often overly concerned with the quality of their food and may restrict their diets to only "healthy" foods. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and impaired athletic performance.

So, what's the deal with orthorexia and athletes? 

Athletes are often under a lot of pressure to perform at their best. They may believe that eating a "healthy" diet is the key to success. And, unfortunately, this can lead to orthorexia.

Here are some of the factors that can contribute to the development of orthorexia in athletes:

• A desire to improve athletic performance. Athletes may be more likely to develop orthorexia because they are constantly striving to improve their performance. They may believe that eating a "healthy" diet is the key to success.

• A history of dieting. People who have a history of dieting are more likely to develop orthorexia. This is because they may have learned to associate food with punishment or restriction.

• A perfectionist personality. People with perfectionist personalities are more likely to develop orthorexia. This is because they may set unrealistic expectations for themselves and may be overly critical of their own eating habits.

If you're an athlete, here are some things you can do to prevent orthorexia:

• Focus on overall health and fitness, not just weight loss. Remember that there is more to health than just your weight. Focus on eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.

• Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is different and has different body types. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

• Be kind to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. If you slip up and eat something that you consider to be "unhealthy," don't beat yourself up about it. It is ok to have flexibility in the foods you eat….yes, that includes a donut every now and then! 

If you are struggling with allowing flexibility in your diet without feeling guilty about it, now might be the time to talk to someone about it! A dietitian is a great place to start learning how to view food as more than just fuel.