Movement, Nutrition, and Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges with OCD and Eating Disorders

By Allison Summer, LPC| Specializing in OCD & Eating Disorders

In the world of mental health, we talk often about self-care—but one area that tends to come with both benefits and complexities is movement. Research consistently shows that physical movement supports mental well-being by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. However, for individuals navigating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders, movement can feel fraught with pressure, guilt, or even compulsion.

So how do we reclaim movement—and nourishment—as a nourishing, supportive part of healing rather than something rooted in shame, obsession, or avoidance?

Movement as Mental Health Support

Gentle movement has long been associated with positive effects on the brain and body. Activities like walking, stretching, dancing, or yoga can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and help regulate mood. Movement also fosters a sense of connection—to the body, to the present moment, and sometimes to others through shared experiences.

But for those with OCD and/or eating disorders, these benefits are not always accessible.

When Movement Becomes a Source of Distress

For individuals with OCD, movement may be tied to compulsive rituals. For example, someone might feel a strong internal urge to exercise in a particular way or for a specific length of time in order to prevent a feared outcome. Rather than relieving anxiety, movement becomes another way OCD reinforces itself.

Similarly, for those with eating disorders, exercise is often entangled with rigid rules, punishment, or control. The pressure to “burn calories” or “earn food” can strip movement of its joy and turn it into a source of distress or physical harm.

These experiences can make recovery even more complex. Avoiding movement altogether may feel safer, while reintroducing it in a healthy way can feel overwhelming.

Reframing Movement in Recovery

A key part of recovery—whether from OCD, an eating disorder, or both—is redefining your relationship with your body. Movement can be part of this, but only when approached with compassion, flexibility, and guidance. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Movement doesn’t have to mean exercise. Stretching in the morning, walking your dog, or even swaying to music while cooking can all count.

• Your worth isn’t measured by how or how much you move. Let go of the idea that your body needs to earn rest, food, or kindness.

• Tune into how it feels, not how it looks. What brings you comfort or energy? What feels grounding rather than draining?

• Work with your treatment team. A therapist or dietitian who understands the complexities of OCD and eating disorders can help you explore movement in a way that supports recovery rather than working against it.

Diet and Nourishment: Fueling Recovery and Mental Wellness

Much like movement, nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. The brain and body need consistent, balanced nourishment to function at their best—regulating mood, reducing irritability, and supporting emotional resilience. But for individuals with OCD and eating disorders, food can also become a battleground.

• For those with eating disorders, food may be surrounded by fear, guilt, or rigid rules. The idea of “eating healthy” can quickly spiral into restriction, obsession, or self-punishment.

• For those with OCD, intrusive thoughts or contamination fears may interfere with food choices or preparation, leading to avoidance or ritualized eating behaviors.

In both cases, diet changes can be incredibly triggering, even if they’re framed as “wellness.” It’s important to approach any changes in eating with deep caution and support from a treatment team.

Instead of focusing on restriction or control, recovery-oriented nutrition prioritizes consistency, adequacy, flexibility, and satisfaction. This can look like:

• Relearning hunger and fullness cues.

• Reintroducing previously feared or off-limits foods.

• Practicing eating regularly—even when it’s emotionally uncomfortable.

• Challenging food-related compulsions or rituals.

• Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders.

Food is not just fuel—it’s connection, comfort, and culture. In recovery, part of the work is reclaiming food as a source of nourishment rather than stress.

Creating Space for Healing

At A Brighter Day Wellness, we believe in whole-person healing. That means honoring the mind-body connection without forcing it. We support our clients in building new, flexible relationships with movement and nourishment that serve their mental and physical well-being—not fear or perfectionism.

Recovery isn’t about going back to who you were. It’s about moving forward—sometimes gently, sometimes slowly—into a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and free.

—Allison Summer, LPC

Specializing in OCD & Eating Disorders