Hey there,
I am 27 years old and I have struggled with restrictive eating since I was three. It's so great to hear from people like me. Unlike a lot of people here, I enjoy a lot of fruits and vegetables. However, my issue has always been getting enough protein. I don't eat meat, can't stand cheese. I eat a lot of pasta pizza (without the cheese) bread, pb&j and garden salads. I won't eat cooked vegetables, though except for corn on the cob. It gives me so much anxiety when making new friends or trying to pick a place to go for a date (pre- Covid). Is there any hope for us? I would love to be part of the new group if you could send me an invite!
PEAS would love to hear from you! Please sign our guestbook (no spamming, we promise!)
666 entries.
wrote on July 20, 2020
at
7:34 pm
Admin Reply by: Bob
Your invitation is on its way. You are not alone and there is no reason you can't have a long happy healthy life.
wrote on July 19, 2020
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5:01 am
Hello all!! I just found this group, and I have to say I am so relieved and grateful to read everyone’s stories. I’ve never met anyone in my life who was struggling with being a picky eater who was over the age 12. I can’t eat any cold foods, which sounds so silly, but it is so very limiting and inconvenient. Veggies and fruits are really difficult to tackle for me. I hate all sauces or dips and basically live off a diet of carbs and meat. I’m worried about my health in the long run, and I just wish I could change and be like the mass population of people who enjoy all kinds of food and don’t have to worry about anything like this. Thanks for making me feel like I’m not alone in this struggle.
wrote on July 15, 2020
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6:11 pm
38 going on 8 - - - I had some traumatic experiences when I was a kid because I wouldn't eat fruits or veggies. My aunt & baby sitter would force feed them to me to the point of gagging. So I've had these issues all my life. I've tried to do a small integration of fruits and veggies here and there - but then found that I had issues with textures. (like the seeds in strawberries, or the pulp of oranges) I cannot do fish (traumatic experience having to kill and gut one at an early age) or seafood as a whole - the smell makes me gag. The smell of tomatoes and the texture of cold lettuce on a warm sandwich... the list goes on. It is definitely preventing me from eating a healthy life, even with bariatric surgery, I am over weight of which I mostly contribute to my pickiness. 🙁
wrote on July 14, 2020
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3:22 am
I am so happy I found this page. My limited palate is causing anxiety and makes it difficult for me to lead a healthy lifestyle. I’m overweight because the bland food I eat lacks nutrition. I’d give anything to like or even tolerate vegetables to or not gag/puke at textures, smells and tastes. I have a daughter who is 2 and a picky eater and I’m fearful she’ll end up like me
wrote on July 11, 2020
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8:48 am
Hey guys
I have had a rough time eating ever since I was a child. My mom always said I ate like a bird because I ate just enough to survive. As I get older, (19) I realize that my diet of chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta, hot dogs, and grilled cheese gives me no nutritional value. I want to expand my food palette but I have such a hard time. Sometimes the smell of a food is enough to draw me away forever (ex. Seafood) and other times it’s the texture (ex. Cooked vegetables) I have tried some new foods and having it in my mouth makes me want to gag. I don’t know what to do to help myself but I know I need it
I have had a rough time eating ever since I was a child. My mom always said I ate like a bird because I ate just enough to survive. As I get older, (19) I realize that my diet of chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta, hot dogs, and grilled cheese gives me no nutritional value. I want to expand my food palette but I have such a hard time. Sometimes the smell of a food is enough to draw me away forever (ex. Seafood) and other times it’s the texture (ex. Cooked vegetables) I have tried some new foods and having it in my mouth makes me want to gag. I don’t know what to do to help myself but I know I need it
wrote on July 8, 2020
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2:00 am
Hello I'm 23 years old and finally learned that I'm not weird for being a 'picky eater'. My fiance and I argue all the time about my pickiness because he says I eat like a child and he's gotten to the point he won't cook for me and I eat canned foods.
I am not a picky eater per se I like the taste of a lot of foods but I cant stand the texture. One main issue is melted shredded cheese that clumps up. If I bite into a clump of cheese I instantly gag and/or puke. There are so many textures my body instantly gags at and my entire life I've avoided eating at other peoples houses or going to restaurants because if I happen to gag or puke I dont want to seem overreacting or rude.
My fiance and I had a baby and he's terrified our son will be a 'picky eater' like me. And he completely resents me for gagging at foods he cooks or just generally avoiding dinner. I don't want our son to be like me it really is a struggle and I'm glad I found this site of others with the same issue.
I am not a picky eater per se I like the taste of a lot of foods but I cant stand the texture. One main issue is melted shredded cheese that clumps up. If I bite into a clump of cheese I instantly gag and/or puke. There are so many textures my body instantly gags at and my entire life I've avoided eating at other peoples houses or going to restaurants because if I happen to gag or puke I dont want to seem overreacting or rude.
My fiance and I had a baby and he's terrified our son will be a 'picky eater' like me. And he completely resents me for gagging at foods he cooks or just generally avoiding dinner. I don't want our son to be like me it really is a struggle and I'm glad I found this site of others with the same issue.
Admin Reply by: Bob
There are 1000s of people who suffer as you do. It appears that our disorder ARFID can sometimes travel in our genetic material. If your child has it they will have it no matter what you do. Chances are they won't. Your Fiance needs to find some way to accept you the way you are because you may never become the foodie he wishes you were. ARFID was added to the DMM in May of 2013 and medical professionals are still trying to figure out how they can help us. I will send you a direct invite from our new support group. I would bet you are very gifted in other ways.
wrote on July 7, 2020
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3:54 pm
Hello, I am 56 and have had this afflication all my life although my mother says I hate things as a toddler I wouldnt think of eating now. Just looking for the support and compassion of people who understand as most people dont. I have missed out on things my whole life and still feel great anxiety when dealing with social situations. Thanks for creating this.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Sending you an invite to our new support group.
wrote on June 29, 2020
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2:32 pm
My names Tevin, I’m 25 years old and have been struggling with picky eating since 5 years old. I would eat bean, green beans, speghetti, and all but since then now I’ve only eaten fries, burgers with just ketchup and cheese, pizza, pb&j sandwiches. Hotdogs. Mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese.
I’ve never tried Mexican or seafood or even Chinese food. And this problem has effected my social life a lot. Just about a couple months ago before COVID 19 happend i decided to try Baby Back Ribs for the first time at TGI FRIDAYS, and tbh it wasn’t what i expected. It tasted too chewy of a meat for me and i ended up not taking another bite.
I honestly want to change my eating habit and have been researching ways on how to slowly start eating new foods. I’m on the verge of changing my daily habits in general after some Unexpected experiences that happens in my life back then
I’ve never tried Mexican or seafood or even Chinese food. And this problem has effected my social life a lot. Just about a couple months ago before COVID 19 happend i decided to try Baby Back Ribs for the first time at TGI FRIDAYS, and tbh it wasn’t what i expected. It tasted too chewy of a meat for me and i ended up not taking another bite.
I honestly want to change my eating habit and have been researching ways on how to slowly start eating new foods. I’m on the verge of changing my daily habits in general after some Unexpected experiences that happens in my life back then
wrote on June 1, 2020
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8:58 pm
Hi, my names Kim I am 28 years old. I have been a fussy eater since I was about 4 years old.
Over the last 6 years I have really struggled with my eating in the sense that I just want to be done with this fussiness and move on with my life!
I don't eat any veggies, no red meat, hardly any fruits. Pretty much the list is: Breast chicken (schnitzel or grilled), bacon no fat, red apples, pasta with cheese on it, milk and there isn't really too much else.
About 5 years ago I wanted to try hypno but my partners mother bought an "energy balance" for me. After it, I came out feel light and positive and tried 2 new things each day. There was no difference.
About 3 years ago I ended up getting to a hypnotherapist and had 2 sessions. Unfortunately that didn't work. I don't believe the lady specialised in an issue like mine.
Now I am at a point where am trying to find a hypnotherapist that can help me, because to me there are no other options. I like the smell of some foods and I am curious and willing to try them I just do not like the taste of them at all, It is so frustrating on my journey to become more healthy because my main staples in life is carbs. Cheese, bread and pasta.
If it came down to it, there is no doubt at all that I would pay to have my tastebuds removed and replaced with other ones that actually like most foods.
This has been the biggest challenge of my life.
If there is anyone, anywhere that knows how this could possibly be fixed. I beg you to get in contact with me to let me know. Thanks
Over the last 6 years I have really struggled with my eating in the sense that I just want to be done with this fussiness and move on with my life!
I don't eat any veggies, no red meat, hardly any fruits. Pretty much the list is: Breast chicken (schnitzel or grilled), bacon no fat, red apples, pasta with cheese on it, milk and there isn't really too much else.
About 5 years ago I wanted to try hypno but my partners mother bought an "energy balance" for me. After it, I came out feel light and positive and tried 2 new things each day. There was no difference.
About 3 years ago I ended up getting to a hypnotherapist and had 2 sessions. Unfortunately that didn't work. I don't believe the lady specialised in an issue like mine.
Now I am at a point where am trying to find a hypnotherapist that can help me, because to me there are no other options. I like the smell of some foods and I am curious and willing to try them I just do not like the taste of them at all, It is so frustrating on my journey to become more healthy because my main staples in life is carbs. Cheese, bread and pasta.
If it came down to it, there is no doubt at all that I would pay to have my tastebuds removed and replaced with other ones that actually like most foods.
This has been the biggest challenge of my life.
If there is anyone, anywhere that knows how this could possibly be fixed. I beg you to get in contact with me to let me know. Thanks
Admin Reply by: Bob
Hello Kim
Just to let you know over the last 18 years of exchanging notes with other people who share our disorder I have not heard of anyone getting much help long term true help from Hypnosis. There is a person in the UK who's name starts with the letter F who claims to help people in just one or two sessions. His first name would also be the same as a very famous cartoon cat from the 1940s. I just don't want to mention his name on this forum. If you do some google searches you will probably find him. I don't believe he can do what he claims to do but he will take lots of your money if you want to try him. Because most of us are hard wired in our brain finding real effective treatments are very hard to find if it's even possible. I'm 72 and I will go to my final resting place with it. But I have found a way to have a great life even if I do live on a 4 year olds dream diet. Always great to hear from the land down under.
Just to let you know over the last 18 years of exchanging notes with other people who share our disorder I have not heard of anyone getting much help long term true help from Hypnosis. There is a person in the UK who's name starts with the letter F who claims to help people in just one or two sessions. His first name would also be the same as a very famous cartoon cat from the 1940s. I just don't want to mention his name on this forum. If you do some google searches you will probably find him. I don't believe he can do what he claims to do but he will take lots of your money if you want to try him. Because most of us are hard wired in our brain finding real effective treatments are very hard to find if it's even possible. I'm 72 and I will go to my final resting place with it. But I have found a way to have a great life even if I do live on a 4 year olds dream diet. Always great to hear from the land down under.
wrote on May 27, 2020
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6:16 am
This is kind of long but very needed: I’m so sick and tired of people commenting on my picky eating. I’m 25 years old and have been dealing with this my entire life. I’m just so tired. I’m tired of people pushing and pushing and pushing me. No one listens when I say stop. No one listens when I ask them to leave me alone or to drop it. People don’t realize how much anxiety it gives me. No one seems to care about how it makes me feel. It’s always “just trying to look out for you” or “I just want what’s best for you” no one ever seems to care. I have yelled, screamed and fought for people to listen and no one does. I’m just tired of it. I’m so angry and upset that I’m not being heard. When I tell people that I don’t like it they push me “why?why?” That’s all I hear and when I say I don’t to them it’s not an answer. I’m not even sure why. I just don’t. Pushing me to try food is going to just make it worse and not make me want to try new food. I WILL TRY THEM WHEN I AM READY. why don’t people listen! I’m just so drained and tired and I just want them to stop.
I’m sorry this is so long I just I’m suffocating and I’m tired and just need someone. Anyone. To understand what I’m going through.
I’m sorry this is so long I just I’m suffocating and I’m tired and just need someone. Anyone. To understand what I’m going through.
Admin Reply by: Bob
Just posted your guest book message to our support group message board. I'm also sending you an invite to join our great group of thousands of people just like you. Hope you can find some comfort with us.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on May 23, 2020
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9:13 pm
Okay so i know there are picky eaters out there but I’m 21years of age right now and i have always felt alone on my level of pickiness. Everything I eat has go be plain, no texture. If you thought it didn’t look plain there was a extremely high chance I couldn’t eat it. It has been miserable seeing everybody eat and me being alone with no plate so embarrassing. If I eat anything with texture or that isn’t plain I will Gag and throw up without fail since i was a kid. Never forced to eat anything for that very reason and if I did try to eat something that i knew I wouldn’t get along with it was always a terrible experience. Never feels good gaging on bad tasting food until you throw up. Never met anybody close to my pickiness
Admin Reply by: Bob
Well there are 1000s and 1000s just as limited in their food selections as you are. The medical diagnosis for our condition is ARFID Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It was entered into the Medical DSM in October of 2013. So you never asked to be the way you are than say someone who is colored blind. You probably have a slightly better chance of improving your food choices which the color blind person does not have. You really would change if you could. But I just wonder how many people in the world would put lets say a dog turd in their months just to look normal. We tend to not see many things as food. Medical professional are still looking for ways to help us. In spite of our problems there is no reason you can't have a wonderful full life. I have found that being up front with our closest friends can help reduce lots of tension for us. Last tip you are probably gifted in other ways and you should take advantage of those gifts. Sending you an invite to our new groups.io support group. Now go out and have a great life.
wrote on May 22, 2020
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5:08 pm
Hi, I'm actually here for my sister, She'has been having some nutrition problems for the last few years. We're pretty sure this is linked to an auditory processing dysfunction she has, which causes her to have trouble with a lot of tasks like schoolwork, chores, and even constructing meals for herself because processing the steps needed is difficult for her. It also means trying new foods is hard.
We both grew up picky eaters but she never managed to get out of that phase really, though we think it's also because she has a minor texture aversion.
I took a nutrition class not long ago and knowing more about it now I really want to help her get the nutrition she needs.
I've been looking around but I could only find things for little kids. She's almost twenty. This website seems like the best place to get advice, so I figured why not write?
We both grew up picky eaters but she never managed to get out of that phase really, though we think it's also because she has a minor texture aversion.
I took a nutrition class not long ago and knowing more about it now I really want to help her get the nutrition she needs.
I've been looking around but I could only find things for little kids. She's almost twenty. This website seems like the best place to get advice, so I figured why not write?
Admin Reply by: Bob
I will be sending you a direct invite to our new support group at group.io and I encourage you to re-post there.
wrote on May 21, 2020
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2:17 am
Relieved to have found this group. I’m so avoidant of foods that aren’t in my wheelhouse that I’ll go days without eating. Despite this, I am overweight and really self conscious, and want to find healthier alternatives. I’m so worried it’s a fight that I’ll lose and that I’ll be like this forever. Would love to talk to others about this. :’)
wrote on May 16, 2020
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11:05 pm
I have always felt alone with my issue of eating. I’m extremely picky and have been this way since I can remember. As I’ve grown older, my anxiety and depression have became apparent my eating has gotten worse. It’s nice to see that I’m not alone in this struggle. I’m excited to find this community and find some answers .
wrote on May 15, 2020
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11:34 pm
All my life I’ve gotten in trouble for the way I eat or been made fun of. And it’s never ending. What pushed me to search for a group like this is my latest dinner. We ordered pizza but not what I usually get... it’s the square pizza with loaded cheese and sauce spilled all over the top! The bread looks toasted good but that’s it. The cheese looked barely melted. Not happy. And when I opened the box to find that I almost cried. Then got questions and judgement from my family about why I wouldn’t eat it. I just always feel so different and shamed for “eating like a 5 year old.” I’m hoping I can continue to find comfort within this group
Admin Reply by: Bob
Sorry I missed your post. You are not alone and we are here. Going to send you an invite to our new group board.
Bob K
Bob K
wrote on May 6, 2020
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9:16 pm
THANK YOU for answering a question I have had for the last 25 years. It all makes sense. If I could make this go away right now, I would. If anyone can help me, please let me know. I have been overwhelmed and have even had suicidal thoughts over this issue in the past. Thank you for being here, and making this public. You have helped me much more than you will ever know, just by doing that.
Admin Reply by: Bob
No reason you can't have a great life. Most people with our disorder are gifted in other ways. Warren Buffet comes to mind. It is not you our your parents fault. Glad we could make you feel better.
wrote on May 4, 2020
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5:37 pm
Good Afternoon,
I am Jessica, I have been born and raised in Louisiana. So you would think that I just love cooked greens and veggies... truth is the only green thing I eat is jalapeno peppers...on a dorito...with cheese.
I am 5 foot 6 and weight almost 300 pounds now, due too antidepressants after the flood of 2016. I am in pain all the time, cant walk correctly due to inflammation all over my body etc...Why is this? because I literally cant eat the right foods. Either the texture makes me gag, they smell like a garbage can, or they just look like vomit. I am 30 years old and right now I cant have kids because of the weight and PCOS... I am at a crossroads in my life where I have to make a choice... keep eating the way I eat, some how loose weight and somehow become a parent then die early or I can make a lifestyle change... I am choosing lifestyle change... Eating as little processed food as possible and eating more food from the produce section of the store... but with the sensory problems that will be a very difficult challenge and one that I may actually loose. I literally feel trapped and doomed to die of obesity... Any with pointers or tips please contact me.
I am Jessica, I have been born and raised in Louisiana. So you would think that I just love cooked greens and veggies... truth is the only green thing I eat is jalapeno peppers...on a dorito...with cheese.
I am 5 foot 6 and weight almost 300 pounds now, due too antidepressants after the flood of 2016. I am in pain all the time, cant walk correctly due to inflammation all over my body etc...Why is this? because I literally cant eat the right foods. Either the texture makes me gag, they smell like a garbage can, or they just look like vomit. I am 30 years old and right now I cant have kids because of the weight and PCOS... I am at a crossroads in my life where I have to make a choice... keep eating the way I eat, some how loose weight and somehow become a parent then die early or I can make a lifestyle change... I am choosing lifestyle change... Eating as little processed food as possible and eating more food from the produce section of the store... but with the sensory problems that will be a very difficult challenge and one that I may actually loose. I literally feel trapped and doomed to die of obesity... Any with pointers or tips please contact me.
wrote on April 27, 2020
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11:24 am
Just found this site glad I found it I really thought I was the only one it's hard to for me to talk about this, most people don't understand that grown man is picky eaters and you can't just flip a switch, it has affected most parts of my life especially relationships they think your just being overgrown mom's boy that won't grow up I hate that I am this way, I grew up in the jehovah cult and it really alienates you from people outside after I left it's hard trying to make friends and be social, being picky make that much worse it very depressing just don't know what to do I don't want be alone this makes hard when your woman think your just immature kid it a man's body, finally someone to talk to about this I wish I found it along time ago
Admin Reply by: Bob
It can ruin every aspect of your life if you let it. Being open about it with new friends can be very helpful. Sending you an invite to our support group. Glad you found us.
wrote on April 22, 2020
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6:23 am
I havent always been a picky eater. When i was a kid, I guess I would eat anything! But over the years I'd get forced to eat things i didnt want to. So just made me never want to try new things. Also I have a huge problem with texture. (I.E. spaghetti, jello, anything slimy.) I just can't get out of being picky. I can't help it. There is some food that I won't eat, that smells good but looks gross. So I wont even try it.
wrote on April 20, 2020
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8:51 am
Hello! I have struggled horribly with food my entire life. People don’t usually understand that it goes so much deeper then just not wanting to try something or being difficult. Trust me, if I could snap my fingers I *completely* would. It rules my life, and it makes me feel horrible. Like I’m an issue. I just got into a new relationship and hopefully he’ll understand one day that it truly is very difficult for me and for many of us to fight this. It’s so cool to see other people that feel this way. Makes me feel a little better knowing that I’m not alone❤️
