Can you really have a diet that is too healthy? Yes, there is a point at which the desire to eat healthy turns into a disorder called orthorexia. It has been characterized as a "fixation on righteous eating" and usually develops when people are concerned over quality to the exclusion of all else, possibly to the detriment of their own health. According to California doctor Steven Bratman, many are raw foodists, vegans, fruitarians or have habits so unusual, they is not yet an official name, as in one case Bratman came across where the patient was "committed to eating only yellow foods." Some people may only eat skinless chicken and other completely plain foods, for example, but basically it is manifested as trying to eliminate anything that could be considered "toxic" and people with the problem constantly revise and restrict their diets. It seems to be social wellbeing that suffers the most, as Bratman reported that many orthorexics rarely get out and spend their time being consumed by thoughts of what their next meal will be, sometimes refusing to spend time with others and avoiding restaurants.

In 2004, the University of Rome conducted a study that indicated as many as 6% of people could have the condition in some form, but it is not yet accepted as a disorder in its own right, largely because the milder forms are socially acceptable. But the diet can overlap with anorexia in its more severe forms, where all food is eventually classified as "toxic" by the afflicted patient, so doctors and who are studying it are working to get it recognized so that treatments can be developed to prevent the progression of the disorder.

If you have been following the Light Life column, or are just interested in healthy foods and healthy living in general, you might be interested in checking out our newest sister blog, That's Fit, which is about every health and fitness related topics that's fit to blog about.

Of particular interest to the food-obsessed are the Food and Nutrition articles, as well as features like How Many Calories?, which provides a quick quiz to see if you really know what you're eating or not. Readers can also look forward to features on how to get inspired to eat healthier and some alternative dietary lifestyles, such as veganism and raw foodism.

If you're feeling too good after reading the blog, though, you can always come back and check out some food porn to get you back on track.