All you need to know about adult picky eaters

Do you try to mask the flavour of everything you eat with sauces and dips; cringe at the thought of eating mushrooms or bitter gourd; check the menu of the restaurant you’re visiting beforehand to make a mental note of what you’ll order to save yourself the embarrassment? Chances are you’re a picky eater, someone who is suffering from Selective Eating Disorder (SED).
Dr Parul Tank, psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund says, “Selective Eating Disorder, also known as Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was mostly seen in children earlier but it has now been categorized in adults as well. Kids, who are picky eaters, and avoid certain categories of food due to colour or texture, are generally diagnosed with this condition. These children mostly have autistic traits or sensory integration problems and usually suffer from anxiety. Adults, who suffer from the same disorder also show symptoms of anxiety and usually have obsessive behavioural traits, which may require treatment.”
Fussy eaters tend to be assertive about their likes and dislikes, and often fear social acceptance due to their food choices. “I’m very apprehensive about accepting event invitations, especially when it’s a small gathering as I’m aware that majority of discussions will end in ‘Why I don't try other food items except pizzas’ debate. It makes me uncomfortable when people around me comment on my food habits and that makes me wary about attending an event or a family gathering,” says Disha Agarwal, 21-year-old, student. Validating the concern, Dr Rashi Ahuja, Counseling Psychologist and Hypnotherapist, Park Hospital says, “Adult picky eaters may feel isolated and seriously misunderstood by others around them, leading to poor social relations. They’re harnessed with restrictions, compulsions, fears and limitations in their relationship with food, feeling like social outcasts.”
The main problem is that many picky eaters do not realize that it’s just another disorder that can be treated with medical intervention and certain lifestyle changes. “I was not aware of the term picky eater or thought of it as a disorder until I read one of the articles on the Internet and realized that I’m not the only one suffering from it," says a 25-year-old media professional, Suneeta Verma. However, Dr Parul says that there is nothing to worry about as this disorder is not life threatening nor does it cause weight loss. “Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Systematic Desensitization can be used very effectively in order to treat Selective Eating Disorder in adults,” she adds.
Here are some guidelines for picky eaters suggested by leading nutritionists:
- You can cleverly hide foods (vegetables) you don’t like in tasty dishes such as fried rice or stir fry dishes. You can also try eating them with flavorsome dips like yogurt or hummus, says Kajal Mahajan, Nutritionist at Zehen, Centre of Wellness at The Manor.
- You can start by designating a day to a particular food you like along with the foods you don’t. It will help ensure that you get all essential nutrients required by the body. Make a weekly chart where you include all food items that give you enough nutrients. To break the monotony and repetition, look for new ways of cooking and recipes for your favourite foods. It will not only bring newness to your meal but also enhance the taste of the food, says Tara Murali, Chief Nutritionist at Diabetacare.
- You can make food interesting by cooking it in a way that it tastes better and by presenting it in a way that pleases your eyes. Use of right colours, texture, aroma and flavor can make uninteresting food interesting, says Dr Roma Gupta, Clinical Nutritionist, S. L. Raheja Fortis Hospital, Mahim.
- You should incorporate physical activity that helps in improving metabolism and also increases hunger. At the same time, refrain from snacking and give enough time between meals to sustain hunger, says Dimple Mirchandani, founder of the Delhi-based healing & fitness startup Holistic Nutrition.
- Another workable advice for picky eaters is that they should not eat while working. Having meals with family and friends helps to a great extent as you will focus more on communication / interaction and less on the food. The precondition is the food on the dining table must be nutritional. Also, some light music in the background helps in soothing your mood while having meals, adds Dr Roma.
Lastly, most picky eaters avoid fruits and veggies and therefore don’t get enough antioxidants and fiber, which are essential for increasing immunity.​ ​Therefore, a picky eater must be particular about taking multi-vitamins, in order to make up for what’s being missed, advises nutritionist Kajal Mahajan.