Client Quote # 73: picky eating

Picky eating can be a natural development stage in childhood that is perfectly normal.
Having strong preferences for food is also okay👌🏼

However, if you notice persistent strong rigidity around eating to the point where it impacts growth or desired functions due to things outside of body image such as:
- Sensory elements like texture, temperature, smell, taste, appearance, noise etc
- Fear of adverse consequence like nausea or choking
- Overall lack of interest in eating ie. eating feels like an overwhelming chore

These symptoms are often related to another type of eating disorder called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Treatment for ARFID can look very differently from the other EDs because it has to do with a balance of accommodations and exposures, and there are growing approaches that tailor interventions based on specific needs of each individual.
💭 Talk to a specialized ED RD if this resonates with you, and if you feel the need to address it.
🧘🏻‍♀️ Because balanced and “normal” eating can look very differently for everyone, and that’s ok.