I've always been a picky eater. Drove my mother and family crazy. Then I started developing food intolerances. First lactose, then all corn products, a year ago I started having trouble with soy. Thankfully, that one has gotten better. Between the intolerances and my unwillingness to eat certain things, my overall diet is pretty limited. Luckily, I can't eat most processed junk food because it has corn in it. (You'd be amazed at what has cornstarch in it.) So I'm not even tempted by that.

Except for potatoes, I like my veggies raw, so that means lots of salad. I just need the motivation to do the work involved. It's so much easier to eat a pretzel or pita chip.

It's not so much a particular aversion, it's more so a texture problem.

I went to culinary school and basically, you HAVE to eat what you make, even if it disgusts you, you have to know how it tastes, so a lot of my old aversions are some of my loves now.

My problem is mixing of textures, and strangely textured food.

Example of mixing textures, I love onions, I like ground beef, BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WHY ARE YOU MIXING RAW ONIONS INTO GROUND BEEF FOR HAMBURGERS?!?! Another example, chunky pasta sauces, I LOVE bolognese but I hate when it's made with chunky bits of tomato and onion that still kind of 'crunch'. Also, I love bell peppers, onions, etc but don't you dare put it on my pizza.

I HATE all forms of beans, all of them!!! Also mushrooms (they're slimey), olives, raw carrots and peas (split pea soups is awesome though).

An update - I have found that my appetite is really blah these last few weeks. That's not unusual for me in the summertime. It can go either way - towards weight loss when I eat less, or towards gain when the only things I can even stand to eat are junky.

Fortunately this time I think it's in the direction of loss. I had surgery in June and ate rather light after that.

As for pickiness, I'm in a state of very strong desire to refuse to eat anything that I find repugnant if there's any way of getting out of it right now. I'm just matter-of-fact about it, try not to come across as rude, but make it clear that I'll provide my food and just enjoy a beverage for social purposes on some occasions. Otherwise I stress out over it all.

This is only my second time on this site and probably my fourth forum to be a part of, but I must say, I have never felt more at home than I do when I first read your posts. I 100% understand where MIZERIA is coming from. I also have a texture issue and it kills me. I will not eat things like grits aka wet sand or oatmeal, which is just slimy for no reason. Jello wiggles in your mouth, yuck! And yogurt makes me gag. I have a huge problem with food touching on the same plate; I hate soggy or wet bread. Tuna fish is out of the question as far as I’m concerned.
These are not the worse of being picky, but being picky has stopped me from trying new foods.
Trying to “diet” while being picky is insane.
:dizzy:

Although tis may not be so much food related, but when I was a kid I would scream to the top of my lungs for tags to be cut off my shirts. I would drive my mother crazy in the winter because I’d cry for her to take my gloves off and then cry even louder because my hands where cold. I am now 22 and I cannot remember the last time I bought a pair of gloves. That little line that runs across your socks when you put them on, sits right above your toes, I would pull my socks forward to fold that part under my foot, because I hated the feeling of the seam at the tip of my toes…that is something I don’t do any more, thankfully. But it is true, there are many things people do or don’t do and it shouldn’t make others think they are being childish or immature, it’s just how you are. My family worked extra hard to get me to stop biting my nails as a child, I would bite them until they bled. I got older, went to the doctor for it and found out I have anxiety. It’s not just a bad habit, it is legitimately the only way I know how to deal with being sad, depressed, or angry, you name it.

I've been gone awhile - Is anyone still interested in this topic?
 

Just thought I'd check. I've been reading a book, Suffering Succotash, by Stephanie Lucianovic, about picky eating. It's interesting. Reading it reminded me of this board and the posts I made about the subject. Maybe there are some others who want to chat about it too. Hopefully no one being judgmental towards picky eaters, that's uncalled for, IMO. :headache:

I am NOT a picky eater. I will eat most things and try anything new, but I do have preferences. My husband is a VERY picky eater. It makes things really difficult. There are about 5 meals I can cook for him.

I heard that it has something to do with your taste buds. People who are picky eaters have more sensitive taste buds than others.

yes, I am a picky eater and I wish I wasn't!!

You are correct - it is a sensory thing. Bitter tastes are usually stronger in a picky eater. Textures are also a significant issue for many of us. I can see how it would be difficult in a marriage or parenting. I'm single with no kids so I can usually have what I'm comfortable with foodwise, and if I feel daring enough to try a new food, I can do it in privacy, which makes it less nerve-racking. Social settings can be okay or slightly challenging or nightmarish for me.

Yes, I am a picky eater. :(

I can't stand seafood and most meat. I've had people I've told that I don't like salmon serve me salmon and then they angrily say "You didn't touch your fish!". Yes, I did not. :dizzy: Some vegetables make me cringe, too. Am I the only one on the planet who doesn't like bacon?

Also, I need certain foods hot and others cold. It sort of sucks going to restaurants with friends, I feel like a weirdo.

I understand. Bacon I do like, but I'm kind of afraid to let myself get started eating it because of the fat content. :( Salmon - I tried. And then after realizing how slow and cautious I was being, taking teensy bites and trying not to taste it, I thought, "Why am I putting myself through this? I hate this stuff!" :barf: So I just admitted it to the person who was serving it to me (who is an excellent cook, and the salmon was of good quality, which is why I thought maybe I could get to like it, but I couldn't).

I've been posting in the "veggie challenged" thread but sometimes I'm getting mixed results there - I feel like a misfit even on this board sometimes. :shrug: I think I'm going to have to do what I've been wanting to do and start a blog - though I don't have time at the moment, but at the first opportunity. :comp:

Hiya. You're not alone with picky eating. Its one of the reasons I find it hard to lose weight. I can't eat veg. I don't mean won't. The very sight and smell of it makes me feel sick. I don't like anything with bits, or fur (peaches etc) and nothing with faces (so fish are a no no). I don't like potatoes, fruit gives me indigestion and makes my blood sugar go crazy. I can't eat lamb and it has to be exactly the right cut and cooked the right way for me to eat pork. Why I am overweight, you ask?

Cola. As simple as that.

:hug:

Greetings from "across the pond"! :wave: I understand. I've gotten used to some vegetables, prepared in specified ways. But I don't habitually eat vegetables like "normal" people. I've had to deal with IBS this year also, and learn what triggers set that off.

If you can start to gradually cut back on the cola and try unsweetened tea or water - it'll be a long process, I know, but it's doable - that will help get that extra sugar out of the way. Do you like a few fruits or fruit juices? I've found this a gateway to making fruit smoothies, and green juice or puree' can be incorporated in to get those nutrients while disguising the taste.

Don't push yourself too hard or you'll burn out. We who are picky need to be gentle with ourselves, yet if on occasion we feel daring, go ahead and take advantage of that mood, and experiment with a new food in a safe setting (while home alone so no one will pressure or make fun of us). For a new food, pick something that is close to something you do eat. More chance of success that way. :)

I too am a very picky eater. I hesitate to try new foods because I am afraid they will taste weird and make me "sick".. My husband is always amazed if I try some new dish at a restaurant. It is like some kind of MIB moment for him! For example, I would love to try eggplant because it looks so pretty, but I am just afraid to take that step. I wish I were more adventurous, but I'm not. I can totally relate!

Hi, don't know if you're still around, but I wanted to offer my support and encouragement to you, and to anyone else who might see this thread in future.

I'd like to point out that there is now an official DSM diagnosis for us picky eaters, which may or may not get the haters off our backs, but it is bringing more attention to the problem and therefore more people are working on solutions. Here's one reference, just as an example: http://eatingdisordersreview.com/nl/nl_edr_24_3_1.html

There is some evidence that picky eating may be thought of as "food PTSD" in some cases. A child may have had a gagging incident or something that is far back in infancy or toddlerhood, not recalled by child or even parent, but that causes the person to reject foods associated with the traumatic event.

There are also coming to be Facebook groups for adult picky eaters after the PEAs board run by Bob Krause had to be scrapped due to excessive spamming. How I would like to give those spammers a piece of my mind for ruining my source of support! :mad: Also, PEAs still has its Yahoo group but I didn't do much with it because I prefer structure of forums rather than linear feeds and emails. They've also got a Facebook group starting up. There are Facebook groups started by others as well. Bottom line, after a dearth of resources on this for two or three years, there are now places we picky eaters can go and support and help one another.

Mealtime Hostage is a good blog as well. They are geared to parents and children but also have some good things adults can relate to and make use of: http://mealtimehostage.com/

The one "drawback" I've found, and I'm sure it will be rectified in time - in fact, I am committed to helping see that it is, is the following, which I'm going to put in boldface because it's so critical:

Most of the new awareness of SED/ARFID is great but is often geared toward children and adults who are underweight due to their limited food intake. This is understandable as starvation is not a good thing for anyone, particularly children whose bodies and brains need good nutrients at crucial developmental stages.

But we who are adults with picky eating and have become overweight because we feel safe eating "beige foods" that are often high in fats and carbs, and who don't do well with vegetables and in some cases meats or other proteins, have our health issues too - or are ticking time bombs for developing them. Surely awareness needs to be raised for our struggles so we can avoid this fate, or reverse it if we're already suffering illness related to our food issues.

I'm the queen of picky eaters :carrot:

For example I don't eat carrots, pig and cereal :D

Those three foods just have a texture that I truly despise.

Checking in on any picky eaters who may be around. Always glad to swap war stories and offer support. The issue is finally trending more and more. PEs are coming out and educating the public about our experiences. We will not have to feel alone, silenced and shamed, because now we can connect with one another.

Hello everyone, I am new here and so far I am happy I signed up to this forum.
I can relate to this post, I am picky eater my self, i dont even eat beef and just selected vegs.

Hi, clover_nev! I'm still here fighting the good fight for us picky eaters. It is not easy to get people to take the issue seriously, but we're becoming more visible online. I think for us if it's hard to change the food we eat, we can concentrate on the positive things we can do - drink water, exercise, perhaps look for a smoothie we like that might incorporate some nutrients found in the vegetables and fruits, things like that. Hope things go well for you. Feel free to PM me for support if you need.

Hello there :)

I am a very picky eater! I also have sensory issues and ADHD. I have an autoimmune thyroid condition, Celiac Disease, and Diabetes all of which does not make being a picky eater any easier, LOL. My poor wife (who does all the cooking) LOL!


For me, it's been a LOT of trial and error, and even some give and take. My old mindset says I have to enjoy all of my food and food is pleasurable. I am learning, and have been learning, that food CAN be pleasurable, and that's a perk when it is, but food is fuel. I don't have to 100% enjoy every single thing I put into my body (even though I want to.) I talked to my therapist about this, and she said that even 'normies' who have never had food issues, don't love their food all of the time. Granted, that was a disheartening session!

I'm getting better though. I've made a lot of steps in the right direction - both trying new things, and being mostly ok with some foods that I really just don't adore. It's not always easy, but for me, it works. Hugs!

Hi JesikaBeth!

Yes, that continuum of enjoyment (or lack thereof) with our foods is definitely a thing! I guess because we are so sensitive to tastes and textures, and it's human nature to seek optimal comfort. I did a blog post (link to my blog below) back in May about "Quantities, Rituals and Particulars" regarding foods which is somewhat relevant to this, and I have some other posts in the pipeline about how our comfort foods mean a lot to us, the various levels of pleasure or displeasure we seek, how much displeasure would be a deal breaker, and so on.

I recently had my third abdominal surgery to repair recurring hernias. This was a departure from my first two outpatient laparascopic repairs with mesh. It was an actual reconstruction of the abdominal wall, with some fat and skin taken too. The closest I will come to a tummy tuck that Medicare will cover. And it feels great - but I know now that I must get serious about my weight so that I don't expand and ruin it either aesthetically or worse yet, medically and be in a world of hurt.

So I'm making changes in my diet and starting to see some pounds coming off. Thankfully, I do have a range of foods that I can eat, even some salads and vegetables - I just have to sway it away from my former diet of mostly starches and dairy. I try to be calm and just enjoy the food as a change from a diet that even I was getting a little bored with. It's been easy when I've just been home recuperating, have had time to cook, etc. Taking it on the road as I become more active will be the next challenge!

If nothing else, I will halve portions - shrinking my stomach and consuming less total of everything, calories, fat, carbs, etc. - and have leftovers for another meal at home, which with my limited budget can only help.

It was so enlightening to read through this thread. I have always felt shame for the level of discomfort I have with some foods. I watch people eating hamburgers with all those condiments in wonder (as long as it's from a distance, as the smell makes me gag), and just can't believe when people take a big bite of soup without even examining it to figure out what all those chunks are. I almost always prefer my foods to be "separate." I can enjoy tomatoes, but not tomatoes on a hamburger or in a salad, for instance.

I am really working on moving toward enjoying more foods, but it is a lifelong experience. There is nothing I hate more than food-related job interviews or business lunches. Ugh. Why add that level of stress to an already-stressful experience?

Thank you for the post and the blog to help me feel less odd. Thank you also for the useful information.

LaurieDawn, you are so welcome! :high: It's something only those with the condition understand, pretty much. I'm in my 50s and I still order my burgers plain! :D I can do barbecue sauce, that's my one condiment, and I am okay with a piece of lettuce if it comes with it (woo hoo, my vegetable for the day, LOL!). So I can order a plain burger, cheeseburger or bacon cheeseburger and a cup of BBQ, and dress it myself.

Soup - not a fan, for the reasons you delineated. To me chicken noodle soup should contain chicken + noodles. Vegetable soup and similar, just nope. Like you, I watch in wonder as people shovel in spoonfuls without any inspection of contents and are obviously enjoying it. Chunky sauces are out as well.

Vegetables themselves are something I can come to terms with if left to my own devices. I might nibble raw carrots or some lettuce and spinach in a salad. Spinach alfredo pizza or pasta is okay if it's not too high a percentage of spinach. Some of these things though are obviously high in the fattening components so I'd have to have small portions.

That's going to be one of my big things in this new way of eating (I don't like the word "diet" - I "dieted" from age 9, messed up my metabolism, and thinking "I'm on a diet" messes with my head). Portion control - that I can do, and have started to do. Being open to including a bit more of the things I can eat but don't gravitate toward is another. I plan to compile a blog post about this whole transition soon.

So glad that my post earlier today connected with a fellow picky eater so quickly! #thestruggleisreal Hang in there! ;)

I have never been a picky eater. I am usually one who will eat just about anything and always trying new foods. Lately though, I have come to realize that I am becoming more selective. There are certain foods that I prefer over others, I just eat the others because that's what's there. KWIM? I want to continue this way and choose to eat the things I really love, rather than filling up on foods that are just OK. It is selective, rather than picky.

I am a very picky eater. I've gotten a lot better with it, but still quite picky. I also have Celiac Disease (I cannot eat anything with gluten) so that makes it even harder...

Being a picky eater is definitely a challenge I'll tell ya !! Thank you for this thread, I think it will be helpful :)

LOL I apparently had already replied to this thread ;)