Nigella Lawson: Obsession with 'clean eating' masks eating disorders

Nigella believes people are using certain diets to mask eating disorders. Photo / Getty

As the author of a cookbook sharing some of the most indulgent cakes and puddings, it may not come as a surprise that Nigella Lawson is not impressed by the concept of "clean eating".

The celebrity cook has spoken out about the trend, which focuses on cutting out all processed food in favour of eating it in its most natural form. She believes it can mask eating disorders.

According to Lawson, the issue with "clean eating" is it makes other ways of eating seem dirty or something to be ashamed of.

At a Jewish community centre's Speaker Series in London, she said: "People are using certain diets as a way to hide an eating disorder or a great sense of unhappiness with their own body.

"There is a way in which food is used to either self-congratulate - you're a better person because you're eating like that - or to self-persecute, because you'll not allow yourself to eat what you want."

She has also recently spoken out about her view on telling women they have lost weight. According to the 55-year-old, it should not be seen as a compliment.

In an interview on Ireland's The Late Late Show, Nigella said: "What is important is that you are healthy and embracing life.

"If you are naturally thin that's fantastic - but if you have to starve yourself, it is not good."

She revealed it wasn't until after her mother had died from cancer in 1985 that she worked out she had an eating disorder.

"I knew she had a thing about thinness but I worked out later... when she was dying she allowed herself to eat.

"To wait until you have a terminal disease to enjoy eating is awful."

Lawson's idea of eating well comes down to balance.

"There are times when you need a slice of cake," she said.

"I don't eat it every day but life has to be balanced and not too restricted. You have to savour the good things."

- nzherald.co.nz