[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/02\/ELLIE-WARDELL-senior-pic.png” title_text=”ELLIE WARDELL – senior pic” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”The Story” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
In honor of February being eating disorder awareness month, I have decided to share my experience with Orthorexia. Right now, you may be thinking, \u201cWhat is Orthorexia?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Orthorexia Nervosa is an unhealthy focus on eating in a healthy way. Although eating healthy is good, orthorexia is an obsession with eating healthy that is often paired with extreme exercise and calorie counting. This disorder is becoming more common, yet little education has been provided on what this disorder is and what it\u2019s signs and symptoms are.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My name is Ellie Wardell and I am a student-athlete here at Winona State majoring in Movement Science. I have struggled with orthorexia for 8 years. My hyperawareness of clean eating and compulsive exercise began in middle school. I was a super health-conscious, fit 7th grader. I began developing the mindset that if I ate clean and put in the extra work outside of soccer practice, I could become the best on my team and achieve my goals. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Over the years, my focus on food became a constant thought and stressor in my life. I began cutting out food groups, and rejecting food that was given to me because it did not match my standard of \u201chealthy.\u201d\u00a0 If I didn\u2019t prepare or plan my meals ahead of time, I was anxious. To cope with the fear of eating indulgent foods, I started to exercise excessively and limit my daily calories.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By my freshman year of college, orthorexia had become an obsession that took control of me. I became obsessive with the number on the scale to make sure I didn\u2019t gain the <\/span>Freshmen-15<\/span><\/i>. I started increasing my physical activity and limiting the number of calories that I ate. If I didn\u2019t work out to the point of exhaustion or meet the required calories that I was supposed to burn\u2013I wouldn’t eat. To me, <\/span>food was something that was earned, not deserved<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I lost my period, weight and began getting injured more frequently. I lost 10 pounds by the end of the year, developed anemia, stress fractures, and my performance on the soccer field decreased dramatically. I couldn\u2019t hold my own in 1-on-1 battles. I was easily fatigued, despite all the extra miles I ran outside of practice. I was not getting enough calories and it was taking a toll on my body. However, my obsession with calories continued.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This past summer, I was working out, on average, three hours a day. I ran 4\u201310 miles, practiced soccer for an hour and a half, and walked about 6 miles for my job as a landscaper. I developed shin splints and a stress fracture due to the amount of stress I put my body through.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My eating habits and calorie intake remained consistent despite my activity level; I was eating about 1500-2000 calories a day while burning an average of 2000 calories alone in exercise. I felt extremely stressed, anxious, irritated, and guilty.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Eventually, my obsession led to me relating how I looked with my weight, as well as how much I ate and exercised. <\/span>The worst part of this disorder is the fact that I cannot let myself be satisfied and feel beautiful.<\/span><\/b> I cannot let myself rest and be okay with taking a day off.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So why am I sharing my story? I believe coming forth with my experience is part of my healing process. This past year, I was confronted by my roommates about my unhealthy habits. An ultimatum was given, which resulted in me coming to terms with the fact that I have let this disorder take hold of me for too long. I needed help.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I have gradually made progress; however, every day is a battle. I know that <\/span>Orthorexia will always be part of me, but it\u2019s not going to define me<\/span><\/b>. I would like to thank all of you for letting me share my story.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 Ellie Wardell ’23<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”If you are struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. ” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”Help Links” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Reach out to counseling service at <\/span>counseling@winona.edu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n