Hello, I'm 22 years old and I've always been a fussy eater. I've always been embarrassed by it, but I've been lucky to be around people that have accepted that I'm fussy after going through a long lists of foods only to find out I don't like barely any of them. They all advise me to try new things. It's embarrassing, but I learnt to think it was just who I am and I can’t help it. Over the years I have pushed myself to try new things, but it's very hard to convince myself I might like it. There has been a lot of times when I man up to try something new for then my stomach twists trying to make me bring it back up. It’s worse when I’m in a restaurant. It’s very awkward too, when you go out for a meal, and when you see a menu. I start to stress when I can’t see anything ‘safe’ that I know I like and can eat. I’ve even said to a friend once that wished I didn’t have to eat, wouldn’t have to stress and worry about food. My food tastes are like a child’s, like simple foods.
I’ve gotten to the point where I really want things to change, I want to be more open with food. I really want to travel, and there’s a trip I really want to do, kind of a dream trip, but I’m really worried about the food side of things.
Because of my fussy eating, I have gotten into bad eating habits, where I choose not to eat anything to avoid the hassle of trying to find something to eat. I feel because of it, the irregular eating is affecting my energy, motivation and my mood.
I’ve only just found out about ARFID and SED, and I’m glad I’m not alone.
I want to overcome the fear of food.