MUNCIE, Ind. - Some individuals are so obsessed with eating a healthy diet that they may actually be damaging their bodies, says a registered dietician at Ball State University.

America's fascination with washboard abdominals and low body fat levels are contributing to a growing obsession with food and an overemphasis on "eating healthy," said Katherine Beals, a nutrition professor.

"While eating healthy is commendable and certainly advisable, some people are taking 'eating healthy' to unhealthy limits," she said. "People may have a problem if they are counting every gram of fat, restricting carbohydrates and/or eating large amounts of protein. Not only is it unhealthy, it makes them poor dinner dates."

Beals said food choices play a major role in:

• promoting and maintaining good health;
• promoting growth in infants, children and adolescents;
• preventing some chronic diseases and treating others, and;
• speeding recovery from injuries and surgery.

Failure to eat a variety of foods could lead to nutrient deficiencies, Beals said.

"There are individuals who are eating only protein bars, broiled chicken and protein shakes," she said. "If you are an athlete, it could contribute to a decline in performance. Besides, it's boring."

Beal's research has found that people often ascribe moralistic qualities to the foods they eat and view eating 'good' foods the same as being a good or virtuous person.

"There are all these temptations out there because we are being bombarded with television commercials and print ads about unhealthy foods," she said. "Some people equate the avoidance of cake at an office party with good morality."

While proper nutrition is important to both athletes and non-athletes, it should not take priority over life in general, Beals said.

"Food is not only supposed to provide you with nutrients you need but also be enjoyed," she said. "Yet, too many people think that one slice of pizza or cake can label them a bad person. It won't and it doesn't."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Beals at kbeals@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5931.)