What is an extremely picky eater? An extremely picky eater is someone who only eats a highly limited range of foods on a daily basis. This also may be known as selective eating disorder (SED) or avoidant restrictive intake disorder (ARFID). Extremely picky eating stems from a phobia of food often developed while young which becomes stronger and more ingrained with time. Picky eaters typically have a difficult time eating certain foods based on their taste, textures or aromas. “Safe” foods may be limited to certain types of food and tend to be plain or blander in nature. An extremely picky eater may experience intense anxiety, fear, and other physical symptoms when attempting to try new foods. Extremely picky eating with SED is different than conventional fussy eating during a toddler’s development. Although some people do grow out of conventional fussy eating as toddlers, there are many people who do not grow out of extremely picky eating with SED when a phobia is present and remain traumatized or stuck and unable to expand their diet for years. Over time, their existing habits, beliefs and fears around food become more entrenched. However, with formal help and consistently implementing the right strategies it is possible for extremely picky eaters with SED to change.
For more information please watch the following videos and check out my book Picky Eater.