The Obsession with "Clean Eating"

Ah, clean eating—sounds healthy, doesn’t it? At its core, it’s about eating fresh, whole foods, avoiding processed items, and sometimes cutting out things like refined sugars, dairy, or gluten, whether or not you’re intolerant to them. It started off as a well-meaning idea—encouraging people to think about what they’re putting in their bodies. But, as with so many trends, it’s been taken to extremes, especially on social media.

You’ve probably seen those picture-perfect smoothie bowls or meal preps arranged like works of art. For young men and women who spend a lot of time on Instagram or TikTok, that’s their daily diet of content—pun intended. And here’s where it gets tricky: clean eating can spiral into something called orthorexia.

Orthorexia isn’t officially recognised as a medical condition yet, but it’s a form of disordered eating where people become obsessed with eating “pure” or “healthy” foods. It’s not about weight, like in anorexia—it’s about this relentless pursuit of perfection, health, or control through food. Sounds harmless? It’s not. It can lead to anxiety, social isolation (ever turned down dinner because the restaurant doesn’t meet your “standards”?), and even malnutrition if people restrict too much.

Social media fuels this. Young people, especially those who are vulnerable to comparison, are constantly bombarded with influencers posting their “clean” diets, often with pseudo-scientific claims about toxins or inflammation. It sets up this impossible standard that makes them feel guilty or “dirty” for eating a pizza or enjoying a pudding. And it’s not just women; young men are being drawn in too, thanks to fitness influencers and the rise of “clean bulking.”

The problem is that this obsession can erode their mental health and relationships. They’re so busy striving for this idealised version of health that they lose the balance that real well-being requires. Food should nourish not just your body, but also your soul and your social life. When it becomes a source of stress or shame, that’s when we’ve got a real problem.

So, what’s the answer? A more balanced narrative, both online and offline. Less “clean eating” and more “enjoy everything in moderation.” It’s about teaching young people that health isn’t just kale and quinoa—it’s also a cheeky takeaway with your mates or a slice of cake at your gran’s birthday.