Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Food phobias and fears

JUST because I am a complete foodie and always talking about it, I realise that not everyone has a healthy relationship with eating. For some, instead of being a pleasurable thing, food is the source of discomfort, fear and anxiety. For others, it becomes an unhealthy obsession and eating disorders are lonely and isolating illnesses.

From my experience, there is a lot of shame surrounding food fears and eating disorders. Most of us are lucky enough to take normal attitudes to food for granted and make daily choices about what we would like to eat, and we can experience the vast array of food groups and cuisines avail- able. But some people hide their issues with food and often suffer in silence.


A former work colleague of mine had a son who was on the autism spectrum – he would only eat foods that were white in col- our. A school friend would not eat eggs un- less what she called as the ‘eye’ had been taken out before cooking. I later discovered the correct term for this is the chalazae the white

string-like

substance in an egg, which in effect is a ropey strand of egg white an- choring the yolk in place. It is neither an im- perfection nor the beginning of an embryo.

I think sometimes in modern western so- ciety, with the busy, stressful lifestyles we lead, it causes us to eat at our desks and work through a lunch break, or drink coffee on a packed train carriage. Some of us eat alone more often than we would like, and cooking for one is not all that much fun.

In other cultures around the world, they take time over food and enjoy eating togeth- er around a big table or sipping their coffee while talking to friends. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen in the UK, but to me food is something that brings people together and breaking bread with someone is a bonding experience.

The message I want to get out there is no matter how big or small your issues are, whether a minor phobia or a serious eating disorder, there is no need to feel ashamed and you are definitely not alone.

So don’t suffer in silence and ignore it, get the help you need because it is out there. Treatment, helplines, online support groups and peer support groups are available if you need help, support or guidance.

They include Beat, the UK’s eating disor- der Charity

(www.b-eat.co.uk); National Centre for Eating Disorders (www.eating- disorders.org.uk/) and NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/Eating-disorders/Pages/

Introduction.aspx)

Some random facts for you:

Ortharexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where the sufferer is obsessed with eating healthy food.

The fear of cooking is known as mageiro- cophobia and is a recognised phobia.

Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.

The fear of vegetables is lachanophobia.

More For You

budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less
slushies

Slushy drinks attract young children with their bright colours and taste

istock

Doctors urge children under 8 to avoid slushies due to glycerol risks

Children’s love for brightly coloured, sweet beverages, such as slushy ice drinks, may come with hidden dangers, according to new research that highlights the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in these products. Doctors are now urging that children under eight should completely avoid slushy drinks that contain glycerol, as they may cause serious health issues, including loss of consciousness and shock.

The call for revised health advice comes in response to a recent study conducted by paediatricians in the UK and Ireland. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, examined 21 cases of children aged between two and seven who required emergency treatment shortly after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. These cases, all from 2018 to 2024, involved children who became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Naomi Watts Cheers as Daughter Kai Makes Debut at Paris Fashion Week

Kai made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week

Instagram/ naomiwatts

Naomi Watts celebrates as daughter Kai makes stunning runway debut at Paris Fashion Week

Naomi Watts, the acclaimed British-Australian actress, has long been a fixture in Hollywood, known for her captivating performances in films like The Impossible and Mulholland Drive. But this week, it was her 16-year-old daughter, Kai Schreiber, who stole the spotlight. Kai made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking for the prestigious fashion house Valentino, and Naomi couldn’t have been prouder.

A star-studded debut

Kai’s debut on the Valentino catwalk was nothing short of spectacular. Dressed in a knit snakeskin mini dress with a dramatic feathered collar, the young model exuded confidence and elegance. The ensemble was completed with a beige headband, Havana sunglasses featuring blue lenses, white lace stockings, and matching sandals adorned with a rose strap. The look was bold, sophisticated, and perfectly suited to the high-fashion atmosphere of Paris Fashion Week.

Keep ReadingShow less
Smart eating for Ramadan: Essential food tips to stay energised while fasting

Healthy meal planning is essential while fasting

Smart eating for Ramadan: Essential food tips to stay energised while fasting

Anjali Mehta

While Ramadan includes many important elements like prayer, purification, dedication, controlling desires, and instilling positive habits, a key aspect of the holy month is fasting during daylight hours.

Surviving long days without food and water in a healthy way can be challenging, especially if the meals aren’t nutritious or properly planned. With that in mind, Eastern Eye has compiled top food tips to help those fasting sustain their energy, improve focus during prayers and daily tasks, and avoid pitfalls like fatigue and dehydration. These tips will ensure your fasting journey is both spiritually uplifting and physically sustainable.

Keep ReadingShow less
Balancing exercise with fasting during Ramadan

Stay active this Ramadan

Balancing exercise with fasting during Ramadan

Nes & Jay

RAMADAN is a time for spiritual growth, discipline, and deep reflection. However, it also poses unique challenges for those wanting to maintain a fitness routine, mainly due to the long hours of fasting and the subsequent limited energy reserves. With the right approach, it is possible to stay active during the holy month.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye has compiled quick tips to help balance exercise with fasting.

Keep ReadingShow less