Adult picky eaters: something to chew on

While cruising Food Network the other day we caught an episode of the show "My Life in Food" about adult picky eaters. And while we were familiar with the phenomenon in children, we erroneously thought people outgrew picky eating as they got older, or at least were eventually able to introduce more foods into their diet.

That's not always the case. The show profiled three adults whose diets consist of scant few items, such as bread and peanut butter, or grilled cheese and French fries. Fruits, vegetables and meat are often nonexistent in their diets. Picky eaters find most foods inedible in terms of texture, taste or temperature --tomatoes have a high slime factor, for example, and meat is too gristly and chewy. Just looking at a bowl of chili can bring on a gag reflex. Theories abound on why this is, with some linking it to obsessive-compulsive disorders, or to being a supertaster (having a heightened sense of taste) or non-taster (having a dulled sense of taste). Most adult picky eaters had similar issues with food as children, and many were traumatized by parents who force-fed them.

While picky eating may just seem odd to the rest of us omnivores, having food issues comes with a host of problems. Relationships suffer (one guy hadn't dated for years), and social occasions are fraught with anxiety, as most revolve around food. Health is often a concern, since nutritional needs aren't being met.

Some profiled on the show were seeking help via hypnotherapy or dietitians, determined to introduce a wider variety of foods into their diets. All seemed relieved to find the website Picky Eating Adults.com, which offers personal stories, a Web forum and resources. Next week Nova features a show on the science of picky eaters that explores genetic components. A 2007 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a strong genetic link to having an aversion to some foods, but that still didn't account for every case of picky eating.

Are you an adult picky eater, or do you live with one? How has this affected your life? Are you actively seeking help, or are you OK with the status quo? Let us know.

-- Jeannine Stein

Photo credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[vicky]

Are you an adult picky eater?
i won't/don't/can't eat most fruit or vegetables. i'm going to be 63 in november and have been like this as long as i can remember.

How has this affected your life?
i am morbidly obese and have a lap band for two years, which has not helped me. i was happily (i thought) married for 10 years. my ex divorced me because he was afraid i would be fat. i am one of those with a "great" personality. diets don't work for me. i have always believed that if i could eat normal fruits and vegetables that i would easily lose weight and my life would be better. my health is beginning to really suffer. i have cholesteral, high blood pressure, depression and heart disease, no diabetes, or cancer yet.. but what can i say.. isn't it inevitable? i currently have a job which i actually like (which is something very few people can say), but it is physically demanding and i count the days and ways until i can affort to retire.

Are you actively seeking help, or are you OK with the status quo?
at various times in my live i have tried weight watchers, nutri-system, atkins, atkins, nutri-system, weight watchers. these have all met with temporary success, but without the fruit and vegetables to suppliment them, all weight returned and continued to increase. currently my doctor is trying to talk me into a gastric sleeve.. i'm thinking no. I just ordered some "miracle fruit" on the remote chance that it will help me eat kale.

So, there it is in a nutshell. how about you? why are you asking these questions? any theorys? suggestions (other than the obvious)?

[Rosie]

I've been a picky eater my entire life. I won't eat most fruits and vegetables or legumes. I can count on one hand which ones I'll eat.
I'm exhausted living this way. Social events are horrible as is eating out with people who don't understand my problem. But the thought of putting something in my mouth like a tomato sends my anxiety level sky high. I don't like things touching and can tell if something I don't like was touching what I've just put in my mouth.
I've always wondered why people would care what I eat, but I'm realizing it's because my loved ones care about my health. I hear the latest 'wonder foods' but I can't eat them, even if it means improved health and weight.
I want help but where do I look? I already see a therapist for anxiety, but I suppose I've always assumed this was all 'in my head'.
I really want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as a matter of fact I didn't eat meat for a couple of years. Imagine that, a vegetarian who won't eat vegetables! I gained so much weight eating mostly pasta I had to start eating chicken again (I won't touch tofu with a ten foot pole).
I want to order a dish at a restaurant and not care what's in it and just take a bite. I want to eat over at a friends' house and not have to use the lame excuse 'I'm not hungry' because I'm afraid of what's in the meal. But most of all, I want to eat for my health.

[Anonymous]

I'm an adult picky eater. About the only way to get broccoli in my stomach would be the Gitmo Method. Many types of ethnic foods I avoid like the plague. A mission to China would be a great way to lose weight!

How do (normal) omnivores just eat virtually anything anyways? Do foodies even have working taste buds?

One "secret weapon" you can try in a social situation is HotSauce, if accessible. Give your taste buds a taste of re-entry and you're set!

[Kelly]

I am a very picky eater. I don't mind fruits as much but vegetables are very difficult to eat. I often get very nervous and upset when I go over my friend's house, because they look at me as if I am a snob or something. They like to pick fun at you which just adds to my anxiety. I have tried to eat some vegetables but the textures in my mouth make me sick. I always feel embarrassed when I literally can't eat what people give me sometimes. When I met my fiance his family was taught to finish everything on their plates and had lots of vegetables. Luckily my fiance has learned how embarrassed I feel about being in this situation and often eats what I don't. I hope that I can conquer my fears for the sake of my future children.

[Katherine Krozel]

I used to eat meat all the time when i was younger, but have never liked seafood or vegetables. I am 26 and now do not eat most meats, no seafood and hardly any vegetables. I eat fast food everyday, for lunch and dinner. Sometimes even breakfast. I used to work out, but due to school full time and 2 jobs i do not anymore. I wont eat burgers from anywhere except culvers and wendys, will not eat chichen or turkey if its on a bone. Since i dont like meats, seafood or vegatables...i am struggling trying to find a diet that i will love and will not clog my arteries. I am 26 and scared to death that i will have severe health problems in the near future. Especially with my famiy history of obesity and diabetes. I am 140 lbs and 5'6", so i am not necessarily overweight, but i want to take preventative measures before its too late. Please someone tell me what i can make at home that doesnt contain any of these items! I know tofu is a great alternative, but dont have the slightest idea how to make it or if it can be reheated or anything. I need a diet intervention.

[Amanda]

I'm 28 and am a picky eater. I will only eat chicken or turkey and won't touch the "other" meats (though I will eat roast pork or beef so long as it's well done). I will not eat foods drizzeled in various sauces and eat a limited variety of fruits and vegitables. I have high anxiety in food-related senerios and when people point out "why aren't you eating" it only adds to the stress I'm feeling. I have found however that I enjoy various spices and am leaning to add these to add flavour to the otherwise bland food. But I feel that I shouldn't have to change my eating habbits in such a matter to "fit in." I would want my habbits to change to reflect healthy nutrition and lifestyle.

[Jenna]

I have been a very picky eater my whole life. I am now 18 years old an I am very embarresed by this. My diet consists of basically6 things (butter pasta,chicken fingers,pizza,the leaves of brocoli,green beans,and fruit). I thought I would never get sick of the food I eat , an im really not sick of it I just really wish i could try new things without gagging. Every night my parents make me a seperate meal then everyone else, when we go to peoples houses for dinner my mom has to bring something with us for me, restaurants I have to order off the kids menu "if they let me", partys or weddings I dont eat. It has came to a point where I really want to change my diet but don't know how, I've tried going to a nutritionist, reading books nothin has helped. I am under weight right now but i feel like its definatly gonna catch up to me if my health doesnt first. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

[Christy]

I'm 34 yrs old and as picky as they come. PB&J & Pepperoni Pizza keep me alive. Now, there's the occasional Kraft Mac & cheese, cereal, and I can handle chicken nuggets from certain places. Childhood was a nightmare for me. Thanksgiving will ALWAYS be my least favorite holiday. However, my parents once said that I could eat what ever I wanted when I was an adult so I do. I eat what I like and nothing else. I refuse to try anything new, the thought makes me gag. I take a multivitamin and make separate meals for my family. I used to hate going to public events but have long since got over that. I am a picky eater. That's just how I am. I'm over it and I let others know that they couldn't feed me if they tried so not to feel bad and just be thankful that I'm there for the event. I eat before I go and enjoy all the extra talking I get to do. People are used to it now and save me extra buttered rolls. I've learned at what restaurants I can order what and have no concerns about ordering off the kid menu. I'm not HAPPY with my pickiness. A lot of food smell so delicious but I could never eat them. If there was a cure, I'd take it....though I'd probably get over weight very quickly. I already battle with my weight and that's just because I really love the few foods I love! Until the cure it found, this is my life and I'm okay with it.

[marie]

I have always been a picky eater also. I am now a wife and mother of two wonderful boys. My 12 year old well he is following by my example but worse. I recently had a baby who is now 6 months old and boy the weight will just not come off, it is really hard to even try to diet when your a picky eater. I do not like any fruits the texture just gags me also I do not like most veggies at least the ones that would help while dieting. I just wish sometimes that I could not taste anything so I would be able to eat the way I should and be an example to my children about good nutrition. I feel like I can only go so far w/ whole wheat, grains, fiber, chicken and turkey. I need serious guidance may I could be hypnotized to like everything.

[C.]

Oh wow, Amanda, your case sounds just like my husband. His diet consists pretty much mostly of chicken, and cereal. Once in a while he'll have an apple or banana. Ironically enough, he works at a health food store. Since then, he's been eating more nuts. But still, he's not eating veggies or barely enough fruit. He'll eat veggies literally like once or twice (at most) per month! Usually less than that. Once in a while I get to convince him to eat a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bred. Still though, he needs to eat vegetables.
I'm really worried about him, especially because he is clearly malnourished. Thank God he eats cereal still, which is packed with added vitamins and minerals. Still though, it'd be much better if he gains those naturally and primarily through fresh grains and lots of veggies.

He has had health problems. He now has very low energy, fatigue, and chronic pain all over his body, with frequent headaches. We thought it might be fybromyalgia, but a doctor thinks it is his lack of a sufficient diet. We're trying to get him to realize how important it is for him to start eating more, and eat veggies every day.