I had never thought I could come across a forum for people like me. I’ve been a picky eater all my life, now I’m 21. Food texture and smell is the thing for me. Among the food that I’m repulsed to, I can’t eat vegetables (except for french fries) and fruits. My parents never obliged me to eat those, but they tried to warn me for my health and I’m still scared that I will die young. I find it difficult to eat out, most people judge me for what I’m ordering and some have felt offended because I didn’t want to eat what they have been cooking for me. When I travel it is really frustrating, I lost weight on every single journey because I couldn’t eat properly. I just can’t try new food unless it’s really plain and simple, or similiar to something that is acceptable for me
When I was younger it gave so much anxiety but recently I have found out that some people out there get it, if explained with a lot of patience. Everything is better since I told my closest friends about it.
Sometimes I think I should seek the help of a professional but I’m afraid that it will end up stressing me or worsening my repulsion. Nonetheless I hope someday I will find the courage to try
I’m so glad this forum exits, we’re in this together. Best of wishes to you all and thank you for sharing your experiences on such a personal matter
PEAS would love to hear from you! Please sign our guestbook (no spamming, we promise!)
684 entries.
wrote on January 30, 2019
at
1:19 am
Admin Reply by: Bob
I don't think you will die young because of what you can't eat. Just for the record I'm the pickiest of the picky and I just turned 71 and doing just fine for my age. Mind is still fresh and clear. Be very careful with finding a professional. First question would be to ask the professional how many people have you treated for what we have and how is your success rate. I believe you can improve what you can eat but food will always cause you problems. Glad you found us you are not alone by a long shot.
Thanks Bob K
Thanks Bob K
wrote on January 29, 2019
at
5:46 am
I am a picky eater. I always have been. I am 26 and I am tired of it, but I can’t help it.
I have many instances that make me think of why I am this way, my dad cooked easy meals, chili, hamburger helper, corn dogs... or even just took us out to McDonalds or Taco Bell. He never forced us to try any new variety of food. Then my mom and step dad got custody. He MADE me eat brats, made me want to puke with all the texture and tough skin on the outsider. Fish, the smells. I just caught myself wrinkling my nose as I was typing this! There was more on the “forcing to eat” topic, but later in my life I realized, I don’t like chunks of fruit in my ice cream, in my yogurt, in my fruity drinks, it would make me want to be sick if I felt it in my mouth. Just a couple days ago, I got a really nice cocktail, it had ground up grapefruit at the bottom, I avoided it as much as possible and I almost got sick and made a scene because I felt it in my mouth. I got it out and my family just stared at me. They are used to it, but I’m not.
I peel the edges of the ham off because of the tough skin, I will get every little bit off fat off my meat. I hardly eat meat because of fat and other textures.
I’m going crazy! I just want to have a healthy diet and not struggle with what I can and can’t mentally eat.
I have many instances that make me think of why I am this way, my dad cooked easy meals, chili, hamburger helper, corn dogs... or even just took us out to McDonalds or Taco Bell. He never forced us to try any new variety of food. Then my mom and step dad got custody. He MADE me eat brats, made me want to puke with all the texture and tough skin on the outsider. Fish, the smells. I just caught myself wrinkling my nose as I was typing this! There was more on the “forcing to eat” topic, but later in my life I realized, I don’t like chunks of fruit in my ice cream, in my yogurt, in my fruity drinks, it would make me want to be sick if I felt it in my mouth. Just a couple days ago, I got a really nice cocktail, it had ground up grapefruit at the bottom, I avoided it as much as possible and I almost got sick and made a scene because I felt it in my mouth. I got it out and my family just stared at me. They are used to it, but I’m not.
I peel the edges of the ham off because of the tough skin, I will get every little bit off fat off my meat. I hardly eat meat because of fat and other textures.
I’m going crazy! I just want to have a healthy diet and not struggle with what I can and can’t mentally eat.
wrote on January 28, 2019
at
4:49 pm
My 16 year old son is a picky eater. I always thought he would grow out of it but still hasn't. After reading this I realize he may never. He is happy, healthy, and smart so I am not worried about that. I also know it's important to never make him feel like he doesn't fit in or causes us issues with his picky eating. He know his foods and every morning before school we get him 2 bagels, not toasted with just bacon at Dunkin donuts (one for breakfast and one for lunch) and then he has a personal margarita pizza from our local pizza place for dinner. I always make sure I have strawberries and nachos and salsa in the house for his snacks. When we travel or go out to eat I always make sure there is someplace he can get pizza or at least some fries or nachos so he can join us and eat along with us. We do what we need to do to make sure everyone feels included and loved 🙂
Admin Reply by: Bob
You are a great mom. However your son is now entering a very difficult age where dating and social events will start causing problems. He will need to learn some new coping skills to get by. Thanks for your post to our guest book. It was nice to hear from you. Bob K
wrote on January 16, 2019
at
6:35 pm
I've always wonder what rank I was as a picky eater. Since I can recall I never liked even trying veggies or fruits. I hate natural juices unless it is orange or Gatorade. I am very selective in how I like my meat cooked. And lately as I get older I eat less and keep gaining weight. I've been wanting to change into a healthy diet but just looks and smell of almost anything makes me feel repulsive. I eat chicken and rice. Pizza. Chocolates. And fries and nuggets. It's embarrassing to go out with coworkers, friends or on dates because I only eat at the same restaurants that serves my same main dish. I don't like spicy. And I know they say you never know til you try but now I live everyday scared I'll die young and unsure how to learn to eat. I've tried pills to lose weight but they make me nausea. I don't even like any tea and I have at least tried it.
Admin Reply by: Bob
We have lots of people who are making it into the golden years along with their food issues. I'm currently 71 and doing fine and enjoying life. Want to loose weight it's a game of calories and exercise. As we get older it gets harder to keep the weight off. My wife fights the weight battle everyday and she is a normal eater.
wrote on January 15, 2019
at
7:46 pm
I've been a picky eater all my life. There are things i used to eat as a child that I own't eat now. Textures are my issue more than anything. All raw veggies are out. I have learned to eat some by hiding them in foods I do like but I am at the point in my life I feel like this is preventing me from truly being healthy. What I want to know, has anyone here been able to overcome their aversions and if so how?
Admin Reply by: Bob
Some have improved the number if things they can eat. Have not heard of many cures. It take lots of work to get any improvement. You need to want it really bad.
wrote on January 7, 2019
at
3:43 am
I have always been a picky eater, but over the years, I have cared less and less about what others think so it does not have much of a social impact on me. In the last several months, however, I have become increasingly sensitive to textures, and am worried that this will limit my food options even further. For instance, I have always been sensitive to biting "veiny" pieces of beef, but now I can't even stomach pieces of beef that "take too long" for me to chew, I get this intense urge to throw up and have to stop eating the meal altogether because I feel so disgusted. I can't just eat the same thing day in and day out either. In the past, when I have tried to diet, I will get to a point where just the smell of the food will make me want to throw up if I eat the same exact thing for a long period of time. I am already somewhat unhealthy, and don't want to have to restrict my nutrition and risk becoming more unhealthy. The only thing that has changed for me in the last several months is I have been taking anti-depressants I've never taken before. They have minimized my emotional eating and specific food cravings, but has anyone ever heard of them increasing sensitivities to certain food textures?
Admin Reply by: Bob
I have had your issue with chewing becoming difficult most of my life. Anything that takes extended chewing will trigger my gag reflex if I continue to chew even if it is a food I like. You might take a look at all the side effects that are associated with your medicine. Usually the list of possible side effects can be very long. Good luck. I really do feel your pain.
wrote on January 2, 2019
at
6:37 am
I’m also a picky eater and just like everyone else, I try to avoid social meals. It’s too stressful and embarrassing when you don’t like a single thing on the menu. I recently have had a lot of IBS struggles and I feel my picky eating is contributing to my gut problems (only fruit/veggies I like are bananas, green beans and corn). I’ve been trying new foods to try to get Some nutrition but I’m not having any luck unless I make smoothies out of them. I gag with every new food introduction. I know it’s all mental-I just wish I could figure it out. I want to be normal. However, I’m so glad there are others that understand. I felt like a freak until I started researching. Thank you!
Admin Reply by: Bob
You are not alone and it could be more than just in your head. Welcome.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on January 2, 2019
at
3:12 am
I am always embarrassed with the way I eat. Being out in public and ordering chicken nuggets because I don't eat anything else on the menu or being afraid to speak up at a friends house when they have food I don't eat. I hate it and I want to change, but I don't know how. I know nobody else like me and there is nobody else who understands. Nobody knows how to help me and I don't know how to help myself.
Admin Reply by: Bob
You are not alone.
wrote on January 1, 2019
at
7:24 am
Hello, I am almost 24 and have this crazy "disorder" if I'm forced to eat something I dont like, ex peas and grapes, I have some sort of PTSD you could say and I won't eat them. I have alot of weird things like texture, taste and smell. I'm slowly trying things, but it's super hard. I grew up with a single mom who worked all the time so all we had was junk food. I seriously want to eat healthier but I have a verrrrrry limited palette for veggies and fruit mainly due to texture and taste. My boyfriend just rolls his eyes and wishes u would just eat and get passed my mental block. I do too! Trust me. But after being made fun of while growing up and people making a scene of "ooooo is she gonna eat it"? Like I'm some sort of show and it hurts. So it takes time for me to try things. I like meat! Burgers are great but the texture of ground meat throws me off and cant have it in spaghetti. Just recently tried brats but even the texture of that is like groud meat. It takes time for me to say "hey whenbyoubmake this can I try a little piece"? Just need help honestly and feel helpless but I know it's in my head but I cant get past that block forcefully or not ruins things for me ?
wrote on December 31, 2018
at
8:07 pm
I gave up some years ago caring what people think about how I experience texture in food. I am married, have four kids, a wife that loves me and lots of family and friends. I just don't give a crap what people think about it. Sometimes, if they seem genuinely interested I will explain it.
wrote on December 31, 2018
at
6:37 pm
I’m now 18 and I’ve had the palate of a four year old my entire life. I wanna change how I eat and eat healthier so I can loose weight, but of course with my diet I hardly think any amount of exercise will make me healthy. I’ve tried baby steps and nothing works. I really want to change.
wrote on December 30, 2018
at
5:01 am
I found this group by accident when searching picky eating in adults and I am relieved to say that I am not "Special." I am only 20 and I stick to a diet of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. I use the excuse that I have an anxiety disorder because it's true, but my family and others have started to worry for my lifelong health. Like most of you, I have restricted m social interactions because of my eating habits. If I do go out with friends or family, I only order kids mac and cheese. The funny looks from other tables makes me self conscious and overall angry.
wrote on December 18, 2018
at
5:53 am
I don't like the term picky eater, because it implies that it's a choice. To me, my food phobia is anything but a choice. As a child I only had a limited amount of foods that I would eat. Through a couple years of therapy, I have engaged in exposure therapy. I have expanded my food groups, but not by much. It's hard living with this disorder, because many people have never heard of it. They often don't believe you and that can hurt. It damages social interactions, due to the expectation to eat at social events. At times, I feel like I'll never get to the point I'd like to be, but perhaps that's not the worst thing. I've lived with it for 20 years, I can live another 20 years with this debilitating phobia.
Admin Reply by: Bob
The name of this website is PickyEatingAdults.com. I chose that name in the year 2003 because at that time there was no place on the internet you could find any help with our disorder. The name made it possible for search engines to find the site and the rest is history. 1000s of people with our disorder have come to this site to find out they are not the only ones who have it and they are not crazy. I have also pointed out to many people as bad as it is there are so many other things a person can have that are way worse than our eating difficulties. Many of the people I have come in contact with are very gifted people in other areas. Did you know that Warren Buffett has a very limited food pallet?
wrote on December 13, 2018
at
2:26 am
I've been a picky eater for as long as I can remember. I'm 20 now and I haven't tried new food in several years. I'm just so scared to, any my family doesn't understand. My mom calls it the "Toddler Diet" and she says that in front of people, family, friends, and strangers. I haven't told my friends about this, or my doctor, just my therapist and she hopes she can help me get over this. I'm just so hypersensitive and I don't understand how people can just try new food like it's nothing. I really didn't even realize that I wasn't the only one.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Tell your therapist to look into ARFID. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Usually very hard to treat. Clue in your Mom also.
wrote on December 9, 2018
at
6:00 am
I’ve been an extremely picky eater for as long as I can remember. I would even refuse to eat baby food as a baby. I can’t eat fruits (unless you count applesauce or fruit juice), vegetables, or meats because of severe texture problems. I’m happy to know that I’m not alone in my eating problems.
wrote on December 8, 2018
at
5:47 am
I have been struggling with severe "picky" eating my whole life. As I got older, I was curious if I was picky, or of there was more than meets the eye. I found out about SED (Selective Eating Disorder) and that gave me some hope.
No one in my family, friends, or work community understand why I am this way. I dread going to social situations that involve food. If there is no food provided that I can tolerate, then I will not eat. No matter how hungry I am. I will pack a snack, or eat a full (safe) meal Before going. Hosts always seem very prersistant about me trying thier foods, and then later offended when I say no.
No one in my family, friends, or work community understand why I am this way. I dread going to social situations that involve food. If there is no food provided that I can tolerate, then I will not eat. No matter how hungry I am. I will pack a snack, or eat a full (safe) meal Before going. Hosts always seem very prersistant about me trying thier foods, and then later offended when I say no.
wrote on December 2, 2018
at
6:58 pm
I'm 35 and a picky eater that sometimes gets on my nerves. I grew up with veggies and other ingredients in my foods, a lot of times it was a sit till it's gone situation, some time it's was if ya don't eat now it will be here later(that's what me into green beans). In my family I'm known for being the only child to pick out ALL of the veggie from a chicken pot pie! I do eat more things in my older years then what I did in my younger, but the my includes mostly corn, potatoes green beans, salads, carrots only in salad, spinach only in salad, only seafood I eat is fish sticks, broccoli if it's small enough pieces and mixed with something else...and few others. In past few years I've been more apt to trying new things.
wrote on November 28, 2018
at
5:48 pm
This site is so encouraging to me. My brothers and I are all extremely picky. Textures are a really big thing for me. For example, I like coconut flavor but the texture of actual coconut is disgusting. I will not try something that looks awful to me. My family jokes about me ordering the same things everywhere we go but I cant help it.
Admin Reply by: Bob
I have eaten the same thing for breakfast almost everyday for over 50 years. I probably will till the day I die. Glad you found our site.
wrote on November 20, 2018
at
11:14 pm
I can’t believe this kind forum actually exists! I’m 18 and been a picky eater basically since I was born. I have a diagnose even though this isn’t widely reconised eating disorder in Finland. We have tried to ”cure” me but since results weren’t really that great we’ve given up on that. I’ve never had problem with weight but I have to eat all kinds of vitamins to stay healthy. This has affected my growing but that’s not a surprise.
I’ve only met one person before with the same disorder and she’s family so this is really overwhelming for me. I’ve been studying about ARFID/SED for about 3 years now and this is my first time finding a forum like this.
When picking foods to eat the texture matters a lot but I also taste foods as colours and only eat colours that I like, for example I think tomatoes taste like darkgreen which is quite awful to me.
I can basically only eat chicken, salmon, rice, noodles, peas, corn, bread and some fruits along with dairy products. When it comes to fast food it’s only french fries or a plain burger which means nothing else in between than steak.
I used to eat red meat but for some reason about 2 years ago i just couldn’t anymore and dropped couple food products off the list of things I could eat because they colour they used to taste like changed.
I used to be ashamed of my disorder but have slowly started to accept it and don’t get all embarassed when someone asks why I don’t eat. Partly my shame of it was because I’ve had teachers in my middle school taking pictures of my plate because it’s ”not normal” not to eat school lunch and showing those pictures around. I’ve also been sat at the table for hours in daycare and elementary school as a child because I refused to eat. But the reason I didn’t even try to eat food I knew I didn’t like is that I get a strong vomiting reaction pretty much right after I swallow something I’m not used to eat or don’t like.
I used to avoid eating in public places or even at home of my friends but I’ve slowly gotten over it and grown comfortable eating and picking on my food around people other than my family or close friends and if needed, even to explain mt eating habits.
I’ve always been supported and my family&friends try to understand this disorder as well as they can which really makes it easier for me too.
I apologise for any grammar mistakes, but I’m way too excited about finding this forum to concentrade o keeping mt english clean.
I’ve only met one person before with the same disorder and she’s family so this is really overwhelming for me. I’ve been studying about ARFID/SED for about 3 years now and this is my first time finding a forum like this.
When picking foods to eat the texture matters a lot but I also taste foods as colours and only eat colours that I like, for example I think tomatoes taste like darkgreen which is quite awful to me.
I can basically only eat chicken, salmon, rice, noodles, peas, corn, bread and some fruits along with dairy products. When it comes to fast food it’s only french fries or a plain burger which means nothing else in between than steak.
I used to eat red meat but for some reason about 2 years ago i just couldn’t anymore and dropped couple food products off the list of things I could eat because they colour they used to taste like changed.
I used to be ashamed of my disorder but have slowly started to accept it and don’t get all embarassed when someone asks why I don’t eat. Partly my shame of it was because I’ve had teachers in my middle school taking pictures of my plate because it’s ”not normal” not to eat school lunch and showing those pictures around. I’ve also been sat at the table for hours in daycare and elementary school as a child because I refused to eat. But the reason I didn’t even try to eat food I knew I didn’t like is that I get a strong vomiting reaction pretty much right after I swallow something I’m not used to eat or don’t like.
I used to avoid eating in public places or even at home of my friends but I’ve slowly gotten over it and grown comfortable eating and picking on my food around people other than my family or close friends and if needed, even to explain mt eating habits.
I’ve always been supported and my family&friends try to understand this disorder as well as they can which really makes it easier for me too.
I apologise for any grammar mistakes, but I’m way too excited about finding this forum to concentrade o keeping mt english clean.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Actually many people in this forum helped the medical community discover that we really had a disorder. Plus it is my belief that it can be passed through the genes. You are far from alone and there is no reason you can't have a terrific long life. No matter how many things you learn to eat. Welcome.
Your teacher should have never done what they did with the pictures.
Your teacher should have never done what they did with the pictures.
wrote on November 18, 2018
at
2:37 am
Hello my name is shalynne I am 27 years old and have been a picky eater my entire life. I don't really eat fruits veggies meat just pasta bread and dairy products. I will occasionally eat fruit say a banana, apples, strawberries just not to much and rarely buy on my own. I almost feel like have a phobia... More maybe smells. I hate ketchup mayo mustard all of that smells horrible I don't even like to eat near people who are eating it. Gag thinking about it. I do get board and tired of the things I eat but won't change.... I have come a long way but to many its what!
Admin Reply by: Bob
Hello Shalynne
I'm in my seventies and I have eaten the same foods for the last 65 years and at times I get bored and others I enjoy what I'm eating. It seems to run hot or cold. Many with ARFID have big problems with condiments. Ketchup and pepper are on the top of my list. I don't even like to touch ketchup and if I eat something with pepper I will still taste the pepper an hour later.
I'm in my seventies and I have eaten the same foods for the last 65 years and at times I get bored and others I enjoy what I'm eating. It seems to run hot or cold. Many with ARFID have big problems with condiments. Ketchup and pepper are on the top of my list. I don't even like to touch ketchup and if I eat something with pepper I will still taste the pepper an hour later.
