Any tips for adults that are picky eaters?

Debra

Debra

I am reading all of this wonderful information and WISH my parents had been able to learn of it when I was a child. Unfortunately I am 41 years old and absolutely believe I have this disorder. I am a resistance eater 100%.




Any tips for an adult ?

Debra Higginbotham
3315 Colonel Court Drive
Richmond, TX 77406
PHONE: 832-529-4453
EMAIL: tntdeb@att.net



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Feb 09, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Oh, so you're one of those "picky eaters"
by: Anonymous

I have heard this my whole life!!! It's so refreshing to find that there is something behind this behavior other than "being a stubborn brat." I am 67 yrs old and saw the 20/20 story on ARFID. I started looking on the Internet and found information on SED (Selective Eating Disorder) and your site sensory processing disorder. It's hard to explain to others how food colors, looks, textures & even smells affect me. Like if I go to an Italian restaurant or someone is cooking lasagna, everyone is salivating over the "wonderful aromas" while I am stifling a gag reflex (just the smell makes me want to vomit.) It's the same with other foods. To me oatmeal smells like vomit...I can't stand to watch people crunch on carrots or celery---e-w-w-w. My husband (& some friends) will apologizes for my food "choices" in advance..."Oh, she only eats 5 things (no exactly true), blah, blah, blah...Then there are the people who want you to "just try a little bit of this...," offer to make you something special or go through a litany of "do you eat this, or this, or this" & the famous "if you don't eat something my feelings will be hurt"...At least now I know that I am not alone!!
Mar 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		We are not alone!
by: Lysbeth

I read an article on the web (first from Yahoo, then MSN, which linked to a Duke University study on people like us - called it Adult Selective Eating Disorder). I started wanting the change now that I have two kiddos and they are starting to mimic my terrible eating habits.

I am 31, have about 20 different foods TOTAL that I eat, and none are really good for me, much like a child. They are the same texture, bland in taste and similarly bland in color. These are all symptoms.

Today I went to a Speech Therapist who told me tons of things that boiled down to this type of disorder. There is a chart about the 26 steps it takes to from having the food in front of you to actually being able to put something it your mouth and able to keep it down. It helped so much to know that (despite all of her clients being kiddos) I wasn't alone, and that my abnormal eating habits were normal for this type of disorder. So, that would be my tip for others like me: check with your insurance as most cover at least the evaluation, check with a speech therapist (if possible, one that specializes in FEEDing disorders) and then they can give you some steps. It is so much more than just being picky (now I know this) and I have hope that one day I will be able to mix foods and enjoy them.
Feb 08, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Me too
by: Anonymous

Debra;

I too was a very "picky eater" as a child. I carried it into adult life, but found it got much, much easier after I tried a fad diet - which I was doing without any expectations regarding my picky eating.

I had tried south beach diet to lose a few pounds, but after the initial couple of weeks - which calls for no sugar and no bread - something changed and I no longer had as difficult a time with foods. Even now, long after I completed the diet, I am not so picky.

I am very curious about this, so I have investigated and I think perhaps I had an imbalance in my system due to too much sugar and/or wheat(gluten.) Do a search on "leaky gut" syndrome. Also see ideas around gluten free diets, dairy free diets, candida overgrowth, etc.

I absolutely believe there is a scientific reason behind picky eating, and I think it has something to do with sugar, gluten, and/or dairy and how your body reacts to it (at least that is what I have experienced.)

Meanwhile, since my sugar-free/gluten-free couple of weeks, I am able to eat a balanced, healthy diet. The longer I eat healthy, the easier it has become.

Good luck.
Oct 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		me too
by: Anonymous

as embarrassing as it is im 28 and i eat like a kid. if i can't play wroth my food i can't eat it. i hate anything with a white sauce or thick sauce. i eat lunchables at work and get laughed at all the time but i have so much trouble finding foods i will eat especially in front of people. i like mushy, moist or food i can play with. i love crab legs- bey bland but lots of "work" as my family says. i wish there was help for adults like me!!
Jun 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		More than picky eating for me
by: Liz

This is a difficult situation to deal with and i've never met anyone who has the eating problems that I have. It is so embarrassing. I'm 23 years old and literally still eat like the typical "picky" five year old. I do not eat any vegetables at all, very few fruits, no meats, and my food needs to be very plain. I cannot eat anything with a strong taste or seasoning. I don't like vegetables because of the cold moist texture and the similar taste that all green foods seem to have. The smells of these foods even affect me and take away my appetite. Usually I just don't eat when I go to family dinners or social events. And in restaurants I order chicken strips- I can't even eat chicken attached to bones or made with any type of seasoning or have garlic or onions. I like pasta but wont eat it if the sauce has pieces of tomato or anything else.

My parents tried to teach me to eat everything when I was younger but I refused to the point where I wouldn't eat anything out of my preference regardless of the punishment. I know I have some kind of socialization problem because I get nervous and scared around people from very early on I remember when I was about 4 years old in day care I would cry every single day when I was asked by the staff if I wanted to eat breakfast. Growing up I always felt awkward around people, especially if I didn't know them, and always felt embarrassed to speak and never knew what to say. I had a very difficult time during my teens and was very depressed and isolated. I was prescribed antidepressants and they have somewhat helped, but had to try many before they made a difference. Now I take 2 antidepressants that treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia. I now have less anxiety, depression, and nervousness , but I know I come off as a bit "different," and I often don't know how to act or what to do. The eating problem really brings out one of my most noticeable quirks. Any suggestions or similar problem eating patterns?
May 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Picky eaters
by: Anonymous

Hello Dhebra tank you for your time. It would help me know what you were perceived unpleasant feelings toward food as a child and even now as an adult: it is an issue of taste or difficulty in chewing? Why did you choose your food based on the appearance and color texture smell etc. ? in my case involves a child and this is happening for 4 years. Also, some therapy has helped? Thanks again for joining becomes available. greetings

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