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684 entries.
wrote on November 15, 2018
at
12:43 am
I am in a state of shock right now. I never knew that this group existed let alone know there is an actual name for this. I thought I was the only one out there. I am 49 years old and have been living with this since I was a toddler. I like most of you over the years have been to Dr's and therapist with no avail. I have been punished, bribed and shamed and nothing has worked. It never occurred to me to keep searching as I thought that this was going to be how it is until I die. In the last 48 hours I have become a sponge and have learned so much and now I am excited as hell. Has anyone heard or tried working with Felix Economakis? From what I have read, he specializes in SED/ARFID. He has some youtube videos where he has helped quite a few people over come there fears. I had a traumatic experience when I was little. My parents picked me up from the daycare ladies house and I refused to eat. My whole diet changed in one day. I do not remember what was said or done to me, but my mom remembers my dad going over to the daycare ladies house and asking her what had happened to me? She claims nothing, but her son who was around 10 or 12 at the time blurted out that she told me that food was poisonous and I was going to die. I have always felt that somehow they got in to my head and turned the switch off. All I need is for someone to go back in and turn it back on. If I believe in Felix's videos, he seems to be able to do exactly that. Turn the switch on and pretty much see immediate improvement. He has people trying 5 or 6 new foods in about an hour and a halves time and for the most part, the people do not freak out or have any anxiety. Some end up loving the things they try others don't. It does look like he at least gives you the tools to make that first step a little easier on you mentally. I am hoping that someone in this forum has contacted him or tried using his methods to help. If not, I will take one for the team. I will say, that it is going to take me a little while to arrange everything though. I need to build up some courage first. Also, this may sound really stupid, but has anyone ever come across a singles website for people with eating disorders? I don't know about you guys, but my dating life has been very difficult to say the least. In looking at you website, I would gladly snatch up Marla the French Fry Lady or Amber in a heart beat and would have no anxiety taking them out to dinner. Just to have someone who understands or who is similar to you would be godsend. Again I am really grateful to have found this group and if I do find success in trying new things, I will definitely let you know what worked and you could try it if you like.
wrote on November 14, 2018
at
2:22 am
I am 61 years old and a picky eater all my life. Will eat a salad, no dressing. Nothing with tomatoes! No ketchup, mustard, onions, fish, coffee, green veggie side dishes (peas, string beans, spinach, etc) no fruit except orange juice with no pulp.
Makes it challenging when eating at someone’s home. Hated it when I was younger, at my age I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it now.
Makes it challenging when eating at someone’s home. Hated it when I was younger, at my age I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it now.
Admin Reply by: Bob
I had one rule to never show up at someone's house before 7:30 PM. Being stuck in a home meal situation can be the most stressful thing we encounter. You are wise to not care what other think.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on November 13, 2018
at
12:20 pm
Hi I’m 21 and been a picky eater probably since I was 3 or 4. I would eat everything! Then all of a sudden I was so picky with everything I ate. When I was little I use to be almost anorexic, but as I got older I discovered junk food and started gaining weight. The biggest thing I CANNOT eat is red meat. The texture and how it’s bloody just grosses me out. There’s meals that everybody eats that I’ve never ate in my life e.g. burger, steak, spaghetti, dips and sauces... and so MUCH MORE! I’m slowing getting better, but I can never eat red meat I don’t think. It was so embarrassing going over peoples places and you would get all the questions and you would have to laugh along. I cry even now as a 21 year old adult about how I eat. I hate ordering at restaurants because I have to change it to suit me and everybody looks at me eat it like I’m an animal in a zoo! I’m so scared to pass this trait onto my children
Admin Reply by: Bob
You could pass it onto your children through your genes. Not as likley to be passed because they just want to be like dad. Think do you have any relatives with similar issues. Sorry for the late posting was on vacation for two weeks. Bob K
wrote on November 13, 2018
at
12:43 am
Hello my name is Pete and I know it sounds weird but I’m kinda happy to see so many people struggle from what has felt a habbit that has made me feel so different throughout my whole life, I’m 23 and since I can remember I’ve heard stories about how I used to eat all different kinds of food which seems unreal to me now that I think about it but I don’t know what exactly changed to make me picky but I’ve been surviving off burgers, and basically egg Winnie along with egg and spam and almost nothing else. I’ve tried to blindfold myself and close my nose just eat carrots which at time haunts me that I’m a grown man and deal with these issues. Being a picky eater has always felt like a curse. I’ve broken down crying because I can’t even eat spaghetti like normal people. I am in some case lucky that my dad and mother tried to help me eat differently but when I became to much to handle it was basically McDonalds or fast food places to keep me fed, I would eat burgers every day from lunch to dinner and sometimes breakfast when I started making my own money at 17. Now I’m trying to push myself to eat better even if I breakdown and lose control but I’m struggling just trying to keep a relationship because I’m constantly having to lie from when I was young about food that now it’s become second nature to lie to people for no reason and I’m feeling like I need help, I want control of my life again and not feel like I’m at the mercy of a plate. I’m new and will continue to use this site to help me on my journey to be better since the first 10 seconds I’m on here I didn’t feel alone
Admin Reply by: Bob
Glad you found us and we made you feel better. One thing for sure is we do have a real disorder ARFID and it can really screw up our lives in many ways. But stop and think about all the other things you could be saddled with. No reason why you can't have a great long life.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on November 12, 2018
at
7:43 pm
Hi! My boyfriend is a picky eater, and I love him a lot. I’ll make him the choices he likes (French fries, steak, pancakes, pasta), and since I’m concerned about nutrition, I’ll always try to make them from scratch, which in my opinion tastes better, too. He wolfs then down, which is a good sign. I would never tease him about the condition he has, all I want to do is support his health. He takes a multivitamin, but for a few years he’s had a itchy rash skin condition on the back of his scalp, which I believe could be related to a wheat allergy? Any thoughts on this?
Admin Reply by: Bob
Have a skin doctor check out the rash. Could be lots of causes and possible fixes. Your boyfriend should thank his lucky stars you are in his life making it better everyday.
wrote on November 6, 2018
at
5:23 pm
Howdy!
I'm 29 years old, and have been a picky eater my entire life. My mom has made three separate meals the entire time she's been with my father. He is also a picky eater. I've never talked to him about it, but he's basically a meat and potatoes guy. My mom eats, well everything, you could consider her the "normal" person. My brother when he was young didn't eat meat or veggies. When he was in his late teens he started eating meat. He basically lived off of what regular people would consider junk food (chips, tacos [meat and cheese and hard shell only], pizza [sausage only], etc) for most of his life.
My father has a very high metabolism and until very recently (he's 63 now) has always been very healthy. My mother and her siblings on the other hand, have every health issue in the book (not really but they do have a lot, including being overweight). Due to this combination, I have granted luckily to have more of my father gene's (in a manner of speaking), however as I've gotten older my mothers have starting to sink in (knee issues, back issues, high cholesterol). I also have carpitunel in my hands and tendinitis in my wrists, probably my own fault there but it is in the genes, as well. Now one thing I never tell anyone that I'm going to tell you, is I also have brain seizures. It's caused from stress, migraines, eating certain things, and lack of sleep. I've worked my ass off to keep my mother's gene's at bay. Including changing my career. I've officially been off of seizure medications for over two years now, because of it. Only time I have them know is something major happens for the most part (ex: my grandmother passing away) I know the problems my mom has had to go through (she was epileptic when she was younger because of things that occurred) because of her families genes and her life decisions, I've always known I don't want to have to go through that.
When I came across pickyeatingadults.com a couple years ago, I felt relived. I'm not alone. Than I realized there are individuals out there who are "pickier" than I am. BTW, I hate calling it "Picky" eating. People automatically assume if you don't like something or unwilling to try it, that your just being stubborn or "picky." It's not the case.
I was hoping I'd find a place to go to talk to others like me, I'm glad I found the twitter feed. (I'm not a social media person.) Got the link off of their.
Do "regular" people have any idea the stress they cause someone when they say: You have to change your eating habits; You have to eat something more healthy; try this; no really it's good; your being stubborn; etc etc
Screw you! Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a "picky eater?" Ugh, people!
The main reason I'm writing this today is because I recently became engaged. My fiance has known about my eating habits since day-one. I know he doesn't truly understand, but over the years he's tried very hard. He even looks at menus for me ahead of time, and ensures there is something alike, and backs me up when we're out with his friends or family. He just doesn't back me up with my own family because there all way to close and love to pick on me. Thankfully since my father and brother are also picky in their own ways it doesn't bother me as much, anyone else though, it makes me stress level raise every second.
Well anyways..I've been working really really hard ever since I found out I have high cholestrol to fix it. Except take meds because they caused me to gain weight, and i won't have any of that. I refuse to fall into issues my mom has. I reduced my intake of food, I stopped (95% of the time) eating any processed foods, I exercise (10-20 minutes cardio, 2-3 walks a day with my dog, 5-10 minutes of stretches, 15-20 minutes of meditation..in the summer I do even more like hiking, trails, dog park, etc..I used to just do things with my dog no extra exercising.). The last check-up I had, said my cholestrol went up even higher than it was before. It was so depressing. My doctor is allowing me 6 more months before he basically says I HAVE to go on it. He's very happy with what I'm doing however my doc also says if I stop eating any less I'm going to become malnutrietion. As of last month, I lost 9 lbs (which makes me 105 lbs at 5 ft tall); I also got to the point where my body was saying I really needed to eat more. I wasn't feeling right. So I started to eat a bit more (what else do I have to go back to though but processed foods because of my eating habits), and I've already gained back 3 lbs, which makes me incredibly sad. I don't want to lose weight, my goal has always been flatten tummy (damn visceral fat), and lower my high cholesterol.
I asked my fiance this morning, what do i do? He said - you're not going to like it. I said - what else can I do? I'm doing more than even what the doc wants and still nothing. I'm gaining weight back and I'm probably still have high cholestrol. He says - eat differently.
I spent the next 20 minuets in the shower crying my eyes out, and not my entire day has turn into stress. Normal people just don't understand. I cant' just "eat differently", I can just start throwing fish and eggs and green things into my diet. The stress would overwhelm me and cause seizures, and I"M NOT willing to do that. I need my driver's license, and I need my career. I won't put any of that at risk.
So how does a 29 year old girl with my health issues stay healthy (maintain a good weight, lower high cholesterol), without eating differently?
I keep telling myself SCREW YOU NORMAL PEOPLE, I'll show you! and just exercise more, but in reality it's weighing me down. (the exercise and not eating a lot) My body and brain is telling me to eat more, sleep more, but my high cholesterol and weight control keeps me held back. I worry I'll end up like my mom and her mom. I want to be happy and healthy, and to me in my everyday life I feel happy and healthy, but my blood results show something different and it scares the hell out of me.
In another week I'll have figure out a new routine with the weather change. My body and brain needs to feel healthy, too! I'll have to go back to getting up at 6 am instead of 5 am, and only do either stretching, meditation, or exercise. Than come home and find a way to through whatever I didn't do in the morning into my afternoon, which i don't know how I'm so busy with regular life throwing those things in my afternoon were hard before, that's why I changed it to morning, UGH!
And than I'll have to go back to just eating what I used to, even though I've tried it before, eat what I want just smaller portions...didn't change anything.
I also became lactose intolerant as I turned into my 20's so I have to eat very little milk/cheese products now, so it limits me even more on food choices.
Picky eating is a hard life! I wish more people understood.
What I eat:
Meat (red meat, pork, chicken, turkey - depends on how it's cooked, no fat! EWWW)
-Potatoes (certain french fries [some consider me a french fry snob because there really are good french fries vs. not], mashed, baked, Boiled, some oven garlic ones)
-Veggies (Green beans french cut out of the can, corn on the cob)
-Fruit (Granny Apples, red delicious apples, watermelon)
- Chocolate (M&M's, 3 Muskeeteers, Hershey kisses w/ almonds)
- Candy (reese's pieces, some suckers, slim jims original)
A select few other things. (Spaghetti and meatballs [specific kind], ...)
My go to's:
Chicken Strips, French Fries (waffle, straight, steak, curly, no tatter tots gross!), steak (love me some steak), chicken (grilled, baked, broiled) baked potato, mashed potatoe, fresh cut green beans (only out of the can with country crook butter), chips (plain chips, doritos [ranch, cheese], Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft or velvetta), pepperoni pizza.
Most of the time I feel like my issue is texture. If I liked everything I smelled I'd probably be a "regular" person. When I cook and bake I do everything by smell, because I don't like 3/4 of it. (My fiance is pretty spoiled [he's a normal person], I make 2 separate meals a lot!)
Thank you for listening, and thank you for making me feel that I'm not the only one out there.
I'm 29 years old, and have been a picky eater my entire life. My mom has made three separate meals the entire time she's been with my father. He is also a picky eater. I've never talked to him about it, but he's basically a meat and potatoes guy. My mom eats, well everything, you could consider her the "normal" person. My brother when he was young didn't eat meat or veggies. When he was in his late teens he started eating meat. He basically lived off of what regular people would consider junk food (chips, tacos [meat and cheese and hard shell only], pizza [sausage only], etc) for most of his life.
My father has a very high metabolism and until very recently (he's 63 now) has always been very healthy. My mother and her siblings on the other hand, have every health issue in the book (not really but they do have a lot, including being overweight). Due to this combination, I have granted luckily to have more of my father gene's (in a manner of speaking), however as I've gotten older my mothers have starting to sink in (knee issues, back issues, high cholesterol). I also have carpitunel in my hands and tendinitis in my wrists, probably my own fault there but it is in the genes, as well. Now one thing I never tell anyone that I'm going to tell you, is I also have brain seizures. It's caused from stress, migraines, eating certain things, and lack of sleep. I've worked my ass off to keep my mother's gene's at bay. Including changing my career. I've officially been off of seizure medications for over two years now, because of it. Only time I have them know is something major happens for the most part (ex: my grandmother passing away) I know the problems my mom has had to go through (she was epileptic when she was younger because of things that occurred) because of her families genes and her life decisions, I've always known I don't want to have to go through that.
When I came across pickyeatingadults.com a couple years ago, I felt relived. I'm not alone. Than I realized there are individuals out there who are "pickier" than I am. BTW, I hate calling it "Picky" eating. People automatically assume if you don't like something or unwilling to try it, that your just being stubborn or "picky." It's not the case.
I was hoping I'd find a place to go to talk to others like me, I'm glad I found the twitter feed. (I'm not a social media person.) Got the link off of their.
Do "regular" people have any idea the stress they cause someone when they say: You have to change your eating habits; You have to eat something more healthy; try this; no really it's good; your being stubborn; etc etc
Screw you! Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a "picky eater?" Ugh, people!
The main reason I'm writing this today is because I recently became engaged. My fiance has known about my eating habits since day-one. I know he doesn't truly understand, but over the years he's tried very hard. He even looks at menus for me ahead of time, and ensures there is something alike, and backs me up when we're out with his friends or family. He just doesn't back me up with my own family because there all way to close and love to pick on me. Thankfully since my father and brother are also picky in their own ways it doesn't bother me as much, anyone else though, it makes me stress level raise every second.
Well anyways..I've been working really really hard ever since I found out I have high cholestrol to fix it. Except take meds because they caused me to gain weight, and i won't have any of that. I refuse to fall into issues my mom has. I reduced my intake of food, I stopped (95% of the time) eating any processed foods, I exercise (10-20 minutes cardio, 2-3 walks a day with my dog, 5-10 minutes of stretches, 15-20 minutes of meditation..in the summer I do even more like hiking, trails, dog park, etc..I used to just do things with my dog no extra exercising.). The last check-up I had, said my cholestrol went up even higher than it was before. It was so depressing. My doctor is allowing me 6 more months before he basically says I HAVE to go on it. He's very happy with what I'm doing however my doc also says if I stop eating any less I'm going to become malnutrietion. As of last month, I lost 9 lbs (which makes me 105 lbs at 5 ft tall); I also got to the point where my body was saying I really needed to eat more. I wasn't feeling right. So I started to eat a bit more (what else do I have to go back to though but processed foods because of my eating habits), and I've already gained back 3 lbs, which makes me incredibly sad. I don't want to lose weight, my goal has always been flatten tummy (damn visceral fat), and lower my high cholesterol.
I asked my fiance this morning, what do i do? He said - you're not going to like it. I said - what else can I do? I'm doing more than even what the doc wants and still nothing. I'm gaining weight back and I'm probably still have high cholestrol. He says - eat differently.
I spent the next 20 minuets in the shower crying my eyes out, and not my entire day has turn into stress. Normal people just don't understand. I cant' just "eat differently", I can just start throwing fish and eggs and green things into my diet. The stress would overwhelm me and cause seizures, and I"M NOT willing to do that. I need my driver's license, and I need my career. I won't put any of that at risk.
So how does a 29 year old girl with my health issues stay healthy (maintain a good weight, lower high cholesterol), without eating differently?
I keep telling myself SCREW YOU NORMAL PEOPLE, I'll show you! and just exercise more, but in reality it's weighing me down. (the exercise and not eating a lot) My body and brain is telling me to eat more, sleep more, but my high cholesterol and weight control keeps me held back. I worry I'll end up like my mom and her mom. I want to be happy and healthy, and to me in my everyday life I feel happy and healthy, but my blood results show something different and it scares the hell out of me.
In another week I'll have figure out a new routine with the weather change. My body and brain needs to feel healthy, too! I'll have to go back to getting up at 6 am instead of 5 am, and only do either stretching, meditation, or exercise. Than come home and find a way to through whatever I didn't do in the morning into my afternoon, which i don't know how I'm so busy with regular life throwing those things in my afternoon were hard before, that's why I changed it to morning, UGH!
And than I'll have to go back to just eating what I used to, even though I've tried it before, eat what I want just smaller portions...didn't change anything.
I also became lactose intolerant as I turned into my 20's so I have to eat very little milk/cheese products now, so it limits me even more on food choices.
Picky eating is a hard life! I wish more people understood.
What I eat:
Meat (red meat, pork, chicken, turkey - depends on how it's cooked, no fat! EWWW)
-Potatoes (certain french fries [some consider me a french fry snob because there really are good french fries vs. not], mashed, baked, Boiled, some oven garlic ones)
-Veggies (Green beans french cut out of the can, corn on the cob)
-Fruit (Granny Apples, red delicious apples, watermelon)
- Chocolate (M&M's, 3 Muskeeteers, Hershey kisses w/ almonds)
- Candy (reese's pieces, some suckers, slim jims original)
A select few other things. (Spaghetti and meatballs [specific kind], ...)
My go to's:
Chicken Strips, French Fries (waffle, straight, steak, curly, no tatter tots gross!), steak (love me some steak), chicken (grilled, baked, broiled) baked potato, mashed potatoe, fresh cut green beans (only out of the can with country crook butter), chips (plain chips, doritos [ranch, cheese], Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft or velvetta), pepperoni pizza.
Most of the time I feel like my issue is texture. If I liked everything I smelled I'd probably be a "regular" person. When I cook and bake I do everything by smell, because I don't like 3/4 of it. (My fiance is pretty spoiled [he's a normal person], I make 2 separate meals a lot!)
Thank you for listening, and thank you for making me feel that I'm not the only one out there.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Thanks for posting to the guest book. A very interesting read. Here is one piece of advice that you need to think about. If I were you I would tell your wonderful fiance that it is highly probably that your eating will never get any better and he should be prepared for that too happen. If he has any preconceived notion that he can change you he will not succeed in most cases. As you know there are people who are way picker that you are. But you have issues that can cause you stress just the same. Regarding your health you are doing a great job. You might talk to a dietician who can look at what you do eat and make some suggestions about how to lower the cholesterol. As we age father time catches up to most of us. Until then go out an enjoy your life everyday.
Sorry for the late reply I was on vacation. Little to know internet.
Bob K
Sorry for the late reply I was on vacation. Little to know internet.
Bob K
wrote on October 29, 2018
at
7:13 pm
Hey there, I am a 31 year old female, and I'm happily married to my husband. We don't have any kids just so you know. I have been a picky eater for all of my life, and texture is a HUGE thing for me. Also, I won't try many foods based on sight alone because the texture looks wrong. It's so stressful especially when I went abroad for my senior year in college to Spain. As you know, Spain is a foodie kind of country where they want you to eat eat eat and eat more! It's always stressful going to peoples' houses for dinner if I don't know what they're serving. My family has always picked on me about it. I ate baby food as a side until I was like 10; my favorite was the plum formula. My uncle thought it was SO funny to joke and say I was eating ketchup because it was similar in color and texture. How does a kid respond to that? Also, even now, when my family jokes about it, they get a bit miffed when I get defensive and say I don't like those jokes. I try not to be oversensitive, but it's a touchy thing for me. How do you respond? Maybe with some self-awareness? My dad also tells me to eat fruit and veggies, and I keep telling him telling me is never going to work because of how this picky eating works.
Also, I didn't come to know texture was a major player until a few years ago. I'm hypersensitive to texture, and while it would serve you if you found a bone among fish or chicken you were eating (which I have), it's not great when it's severely limiting. Anyone feel this way too? I feel like a child going to restaurants, and if I have a specific request, I'll just tell the server I'm picky as a disclaimer because they act so shocked when I don't want many common things and question me. Yes, Sharon, I'm VERY sure I don't want onions or lettuce on my burger! Lol! I don't want to have to explain myself when I'm trying to relax and eat. So, I'll just say, "just so you know, I'm picky." I find some self-awareness helps people understand where you're coming from at least a tiny bit more. Instead of hiding it, I'm now making it a disclaimer, and if someone has an issue with it, tough tacos, I can't change it. There's freedom in letting go. It still doesn't mean being a picky eater is very stressful.
Another question, are there some of you who are picky eaters, and you have digestive issues with bloating, constipation and belly pain? I know much of mine stems from my poor diet, but how do I mitigate it better while being realistic?
Also, I didn't come to know texture was a major player until a few years ago. I'm hypersensitive to texture, and while it would serve you if you found a bone among fish or chicken you were eating (which I have), it's not great when it's severely limiting. Anyone feel this way too? I feel like a child going to restaurants, and if I have a specific request, I'll just tell the server I'm picky as a disclaimer because they act so shocked when I don't want many common things and question me. Yes, Sharon, I'm VERY sure I don't want onions or lettuce on my burger! Lol! I don't want to have to explain myself when I'm trying to relax and eat. So, I'll just say, "just so you know, I'm picky." I find some self-awareness helps people understand where you're coming from at least a tiny bit more. Instead of hiding it, I'm now making it a disclaimer, and if someone has an issue with it, tough tacos, I can't change it. There's freedom in letting go. It still doesn't mean being a picky eater is very stressful.
Another question, are there some of you who are picky eaters, and you have digestive issues with bloating, constipation and belly pain? I know much of mine stems from my poor diet, but how do I mitigate it better while being realistic?
Admin Reply by: Bob
Would they make jokes if you had Anorexia or bulimia. Would they make fun of you if you were color blind? You were born with a very challenging eating disorder that you never asked to have. It causes you constant stress in your life and they make jokes about. Well they do that cause they think all you have to do is open your month take a bite and you will love the foods they all like. You and I know that is not the case. You have a real disorder called ARFID Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It can be found in the DSM. Or just google ARFID and you will find more articles then you have time to read. It really is a horrible experience being trapped at someone's house for a family meal you just can't eat. The stress can be incredible. Get your facts about ARFID together and start a new policy that you will not tolerate loved ones who like to tease you about a real disorder you have and never asked for. Get a grip and you can have a wonderful life no matter how many different things you can eat. Bob K
wrote on October 29, 2018
at
3:47 pm
I’m a therapist and find myself needing to understand more about this topic so that I can help others who are going through this experience without judgment and in an effective manner. I appreciate how open everyone on here has been with their stories and am grateful for the insight.
Admin Reply by: Bob
So happy you are trying to understand us. Bob K
wrote on October 29, 2018
at
2:09 am
Hello all! I am happy to find that I as an adult picky eater, I am not alone. Textures and appearance of foods are such a big deal where food is concerned.
wrote on October 24, 2018
at
7:07 am
I never thought I would hear of anyone else being a picky eater other than myself. I dont like anything or anything healthy & I really wish I did because like in another persons story I read food smells delicious but once I see it I run the other way. I dont know why I dont like a lot of foods but theres one thing I do know...I cant do anything that is spicy because I use to get Tabasco sauce poured down my throat everytime I got caught sucking my thumb. I feel bad for my kids because I wont cook what I dont like to eat so they end up being just as picky as I am. Not to mention I HATE cooking probably because I HATE food. I am 40 years old & still cant grow out of this picky eater stage, will I ever? My doctors tell me I need to start eating healthier & I laugh & say yeah I'll get right on that. Listen I cant even drink regular water because it doesnt have taste & I feel like I'm drowning when I do have to drink it. So they tell me to drink that seltzer water & I look at them like they're crazy because that crap is worse than water & its flavored, go figure.
wrote on October 23, 2018
at
7:38 pm
So I have a question for ANYONE who can answer me. First, here’s alittle back story: When I was little I was super picky, chicken nuggets, French fries, dr. Pepper, and pizza without the sauce. We would go out to eat all the time, it almost became a routine in our family, it wasn’t because of a lack of cooking and my mother’s food was never bad, in fact, no matter what she cooks, it smells soooo good to me, until it’s on my plate right in front of me. That’s when I feel like there’s a war going on between my stomach and mind. Fast forwarding a couple of years, I still haven’t touched any kinds of peppers, most vegetables, most fruits even simple and sweet ones like apples, and straw berries, even watermelon.(I used to like watermelon I have no idea what happened to that). When I was 18 I ended up getting pregnant with my daughter and I think the most excited I was about it was the “pregnancy cravings” nope.... I craved the only foods I would eat as a child (chicken strips) which of course I would still pick at because of the weird rubber like ligaments you sometimes get, ya know, they’re not all perfect I guess. But ONE DAY I started craving chow mein from Panda Express and anyone who knows me, knows that I have had this passion to hate chow mein and for no good reason at all, I felt like being pregnant may have cured my picky eating habits. Wrong again, although I can still somewhat eat (anything in general) chow mein, I haven’t ventured far, if not at all, in the food department. So now my question(s) is: Are there any picky eaters out there who have gotten worse over the years? And if so, how bad have they gotten?
I’d also like to add that just recently any thought of any type of food even when I’m hungry makes me sick, and I can only eat a couple of bites every couple of hours. Does anyone know of anything similar happening? And if you do could you please help me figure this out? I know there’s something wrong with my body but I have been so alone when it comes to eating I’m alittle scared to speak up to someone about it):
I’d also like to add that just recently any thought of any type of food even when I’m hungry makes me sick, and I can only eat a couple of bites every couple of hours. Does anyone know of anything similar happening? And if you do could you please help me figure this out? I know there’s something wrong with my body but I have been so alone when it comes to eating I’m alittle scared to speak up to someone about it):
Admin Reply by: Bob
I’d also like to add that just recently any thought of any type of food even when I’m hungry makes me sick, and I can only eat a couple of bites every couple of hours.
This is cause for concern. I have not heard of this happening to those of us who are picky unless there is something wrong with your stomach or intestinal tract. You should get it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Something is going way wrong. Please get checked soon. This goes beyond your picky eating.
Bob K
This is cause for concern. I have not heard of this happening to those of us who are picky unless there is something wrong with your stomach or intestinal tract. You should get it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Something is going way wrong. Please get checked soon. This goes beyond your picky eating.
Bob K
wrote on October 23, 2018
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7:16 pm
For 20 years I wondered, why my eating habits are the way they are. For years my parents tried the whole “of you don’t eat it now you’ll eat it later.” And I never did. Just the sight and smell of meatloaf would send me to my room in tears, onions, chili, some fruits and most vegetables, anything. But never once did I think (eating disorder) for 20 years I was just told I’m weird for my very small list of what I call “Edible Foods”. Even some of my family members would just classify me as a drama queen when in all reality, who wants to only eat about 10 Different foods? Your whole life?! I sure as hell didnt until I found this website as a way to not only educate myself about my body but comfort me in the fact that I know 100% I and tons of other people are not alone.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Glad you found the website and you are far from alone.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on October 21, 2018
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8:23 am
Wow! I've never thought about the way that I eat as being a disorder. I also never knew there were so many other picky eaters out there. While there are many foods that I do eat, there are so many more that I don't. Let me give you all an idea: I absolutely can't stand most condiments. I do not like ketchup, mustard, mayo, miracle whip, nor salad dressings. There's even some stuff called sandwich spread, yuck! Therefore I do not eat things like potato salad, tuna fish, pasta salads, and what I call regular vegetable salads that everyone else likes. There is too much going on in a salad. I do like barbecue sauce and hotsauce, but only on certain foods. I eat my hamburgers with cheese only; just meat, bread and cheese only, nothing else on it. Hotdogs consist of the hotdog and the bun only, nothing else. I do not like for certain foods to touch; that is so gross to me. Some foods go together, so I will eat fried chicken and french fries on the same plate or fried chicken with mac 'n cheese on the same plate, but spaghetti and meatloaf definitely does not go on the same plate. I don't like onions nor bell peppers, I pick them out as long as I can see them. I do like some vegetables like green beans, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, and carrots (I do not like cooked carrots, but I love them raw.) I will eat cooked carrots if they are cut really small and in a soup or stew, that way there are other foods along with the broth to take over the taste. Don't care for tomatoes neither. Because I don't like for my food to touch, I'm usually sitting at the table on holidays with multiple plates/bowls around me with a little bit of what I like in each one, or I'll put two items that I like on a plate, make sure they don't touch, eat, and then wash the plate really good to make sure there are no traces of what I just ate so that I can add another one or two items to my plate. I can go on, but I think you all get it. What I really feel bad about is that my 16 year old son is probably worse than I am! When he was much younger, I tried my best to not let him see me eating the way that I do, but he is still a picky eater. I've never made him eat anything that he doesn't want to because I know how I am.
Admin Reply by: Bob
FYI over the years we have seen many examples that indicate your picky eating could be transferred through your genes. I would bet you knew he was going to be picky when he was so young he could not be making any conscious decisions about what foods he liked.
wrote on October 15, 2018
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5:18 pm
My nephew is an extremely picky eater, he's active in sports but is starting to develop a gut, similar to a pregnant female but it has traces of cellulite. He's 14 years of age and I'm concerned that his picky eating is already causing problems for him. His diet consists of, well done french fries, cheez its, nature valley bars, chips, coke cola, candy, cookies, he drinks milk and water. I'm worried that he's not getting the nutrients to not only grow but to contuine with sports and with stand injury mind you he plays no contact sports and avoids most physical activity. If he isn't running he's sitting at home watching his cell phone. Is there anything to be done or is he in for a life of being over weight and having limited friendships?
Admin Reply by: Bob
For many of us Social isolation is a big problem. We tend to avoid many types of social gatherings because of the food. Many of us also get very depressed because of it. He is going to have many challenges as he grows. Having a supportive famiily is helpful. No easy answers or magic bullets. Doctors are currently working on ways to treat people with ARFID and because your nephew is so young they may be able to help him. Therapy is probably going to long and expensive. Good luck
wrote on October 13, 2018
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4:02 am
If someone could email me for some tips and help that would be great!!!! I am one of the pickiest eaters and i hate it!!! I wish i could change it so bad!! Eveyday i either eat hot dogs. french fries, pizza , pancakes, cerals, or mac n cheese and that is it!! I suffer from high blood pressure already and i really need to lose weight and better diet but i just cant change how i eat because i dont like anything!!! The inly good things i eat are corn and bananas !! Those are the only healthy foods that i like!! Someone please give me advice
Admin Reply by: Bob
I wish there was a magic bullet that would cure you of your picky eating. I can tell you that I would bet you are gifted in other ways and a really great person to know. But like many of us myself included people have not always been so nice to us starting in childhood and then getting to adulthood new social problems start to show up. You can google ARFID and get some treatment ideas. I would caution you that many of the so called experts don't really understand us when they come up with treatments that will make us better. It has been my experience that as long as you live eating a wide variety of foods will probably never happen for you. You can expand your food choices some but even then you will have special issues with the new things. One thing you can do is become more familiar with what you have and learn how to defend yourself and become confident you are doing the best you can. I have found life was much better when the people around me where I worked were all told about my disorder. Funny thing when I told them there were some who came up to me and indicated they have a relative that is just like me with food. Many people struggle with food issues. You would change if you could. You never asked to be the way you are. While our problems with food make our lives miserable at times. There are so many other things we could have that are way worse than our picky eating. I'm on my third spouse of over 20 years and she has stuck because I told her from day one just what she could expect from me when it comes to food. She has her faults that I accept and we are happy after all these years. Now go out and have a great life no matter what you can eat. Bob K
wrote on October 11, 2018
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10:48 pm
hello,
My name is Lesa said Lisa. I have a son that has been battling this issue since he was a toddler. Everyone said he would grow out of it and not to worry about it. He is not 26 years old and is still having issues with this. I have been researching this and found this site and will share it with him. I hope to find answers for him.
My question is how do all of you face this and have any of you gone to doctors or searched out other forms of help. I am trying to help him and he is having a hard time with family and friends and now his gf always saying he needs to eat. He has 2 little kids now as well and so he wants to set a good example for them too. Please if there is any good solutions to this or if anyone has overcome this I would love to hear from you. Thank you so much.
Lesa
My name is Lesa said Lisa. I have a son that has been battling this issue since he was a toddler. Everyone said he would grow out of it and not to worry about it. He is not 26 years old and is still having issues with this. I have been researching this and found this site and will share it with him. I hope to find answers for him.
My question is how do all of you face this and have any of you gone to doctors or searched out other forms of help. I am trying to help him and he is having a hard time with family and friends and now his gf always saying he needs to eat. He has 2 little kids now as well and so he wants to set a good example for them too. Please if there is any good solutions to this or if anyone has overcome this I would love to hear from you. Thank you so much.
Lesa
wrote on October 11, 2018
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11:46 am
I am an adult picky eater. Saying that isn't easy for me, the judgement and criticism I've faced throughout my life will never go away. Going on dates always made my anxiety so much worse. My diet pretty much consists of cheese pizza, mac n cheese, mozzeralla sticks, garlic cheese bread, French fries and sweets. I hate the way I eat, I have always hated myself for not being able to change. I've lost friendships and relationships because of my eating. My family and current boyfriend cant understand how much I wish I could change, they insist that it's just my choice. I've seen therapists and doctors and they also look at me like I am crazy, I dont know what to do or where to go from here.
Admin Reply by: Bob
You never asked to be the way you are and you would change if you could. You live in an alien world that is full of people who eat things that look like dog poop and vomit to you. ARFID is the clinical name for what you have and it was just added to the medical texts in 2013. So when you deal with doctors give them that name. ARFID can manifest itself in many ways and some people have problems maintaining body weight while others like you and me just can't tolerate a really wide variety of foods. Texture can also be important. Medical experts are trying to find a therapy that will help. I'm 71 and had it since birth. I was a baby that was going to fail to thrive but somehow I didn't die. I was just blessed with our food issues as a child and now an adult. When you think about it there are many things a person can have that are way worse. There is no reason why you can't have a great long life. Go out an be the best you can be. Bob K
wrote on October 10, 2018
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3:23 am
This site is so relieving! As a toddler my mom told me I only ate pretzels, hotdogs and milk. I developed AN and BN by the time I was a teen. It’s been decades but I’m still really picky. I have yogurt every morning but it has to be a specific one. I drink a sugar free cappuccino mix has to be a specific brand made a certain way with extra sweetener in my special glass cup. I eat raw baby carrots, watermelon and a black bean burger on a plate with ketchup. Sometimes tortilla chips are okay but lately they’re not. Sometimes chicken is okay but the texture gets to me lately. I tried ground turkey and only ate that for a while but now it makes me sick. Sometimes hummus with beets is okay but not now. Basically that’s it. I don’t vary too much. I don’t go out but I like Chipotle salad when I can. I don’t eat dairy or bread or grains, and very little fat. I eat 4 multivitamin gummies per day. I hate being like this but it doesn’t feel changeable after all these years.
wrote on October 8, 2018
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4:31 pm
I'm currently in college and I despise eating in the dorm cafeterias because all of the food there is "composed"; as in it's got too many ingredients for me. My diet is generally restricted to poultry, cheese and some starches if they're plain enough (white bread/rice, french fries, etc.) I pretty much only eat sliced deli meat straight out of the bag or baked chicken. I know this is because I am autistic but it still is upsetting because I avoid social events and restaurants. Sometimes I even avoid eating straight up because I don't like how it makes my body feel. Thank you so much for having this site up; I feel very supported by it.
wrote on October 7, 2018
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5:35 am
I'm a Senior in HighSchool and I really am a picky eater. My safe foods are pizza, chicken parm, pasta, plain lo mein, mozzarella sticks, peanutbutter and milk. It's a longer list than most of what I've read, but I hate salad with a burning passion. I have a boyfriend of two years who hates the fact that I can't eat any food, especially mexican food (he loves it). He always comments about how he can't take me anywhere, but even when he says that he still cares enough to not push me on it and support me. I really feel like I hate food now since I've been hiding it for so long, but a girls gotta eat, right? I really wanna change since I wanna move away for college so if any of you guys know a good psychologist out there, hit me up on my e-mail. I've been trying myself to change like holding certain food textures in my mouth for a period of time, but I just started that. I really want help, so if anyone has anything, please?
Admin Reply by: Bob
You eat enough variety to go to college or do whatever you want too. Don't let your eating issues hold you back. The man in your life should assume you are never going to change and that is just fine with him. You can continue to try new things but it could be harder than you think. Doctors are still trying to figure us out.
