Could Veganism be a Cover for an Eating Disorder?

Could going Vegan actually be a cover for an Eating Disorder? This is a question on many people’s minds. Let me start off by saying the answer to this question; yes, it COULD be, however this doesn’t mean that everyone who decides to go Vegan is doing so to cover up for an Eating Disorder.

I have seen people who have used Veganism as a form of restriction. This dietary choice may have been consciously to restrict or more on an unconscious level where they convince themselves that this choice is “all about the animals.”
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It’s important to note that there are many people who choose to lead a Vegan lifestyle because of ethical reasons. I do believe that it is possible for a person without disordered tendencies to be able to live a healthy life as a Vegan. Notice I said a person without disordered tendencies. If a person struggles with disordered eating or is in recovery from an Eating Disorder, choosing to go Vegan is likely not in their best interest.

Also, I do believe that some people who struggle with Eating Disorders may believe that they are genuinely doing it for solely ethical reasons, but that usually is partially true. While the person genuinely may be concerned with the ethical issues behind why a person may become Vegan, they are using it (possibly unconsciously) as a form of restriction.

The fact that it often is used as a form of restriction is one of the reasons that most Eating Disorder treatment centers will not accept people who are strict to Veganism. Not only is it a bit more difficult to accomodate in these centers, but it also isn’t doing the person any favors by allowing them to restrict because they want to adhere to certain dietary restrictions.

Separate of this, even if the person is doing it for purely ethical reasons, it does inhibit full recovery and make it more difficult. It is more difficult to get all the proper nutrients in as a Vegan than it is if your eating were unrestricted. I’m not saying it is impossible, but for someone with an Eating Disorder, it is difficult. Typically, in order to get all the nutrients in as a Vegan, one needs to eat significantly more to get the right amount of nutrients, which of course is difficult for someone with an Eating Disorder.

There certainly are legitimate ethical concerns which is why some people choose to eat Vegetarian or Vegan. However, you may hear of someone being a “flexitarian” which basically means that you can adhere to the guidelines set forth for a typically Vegetarian or Vegan, but you can be flexible on this. If you are Vegetarian and are really craving a burger, let yourself have it. I know it sounds confusing, but check out this video on Flexitarianism if you’d like to learn more about it;

I hope you found this post helpful! If you know anyone else who could benefit from reading this, please share with them. If you have any questions, concerns or requests for future posts, please leave a comment or message me privately.

I wish you wellness on your journey to finding your State of Balance!

Also, check out my Youtube Channel for more inspiration!

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