Image by Antonio Romagnolo from Pixabay
By Elizabeth Meyer, LRD
I’ve been consistently disappointing the kids in my life at most meal times. There are two picky ones and two who are very open to trying new things and have a broader palate. This tends to make grocery shopping and meals even more stressful. (Have I mentioned lately I don’t like coming up with meal ideas or actually cooking dinner, unless it’s tacos?) Thankfully, it’s not my responsibility much anymore.
The picky ones have an opinion about what were eating before they even see it. The other two seem unphased. I want to have control of the situation, which usually ends up in a disaster of a meal, not to mention a stressful meal for everyone. But I just want them to have a balanced diet. And by balanced I mean eat a little broccoli and chicken BEFORE you ask me for ice cream. It’s way easier for me to say yes once I’ve seen a little something with nutrition go in those bellies.
I just want them to eat what’s made, say thank you, have minimal complaints and put their dishes in the dishwasher, not on the counter on top of the dishwasher. So close, yet so far away. If that happens in anyone else’s home, just know I’m jealous.
Imagine having a child who will only eat five foods. The same five foods all day every day. They can’t get past it. Now, I’m stressed out and I can usually convince 3 of the 4 to just take some bites, sometimes. Some kids have such great sensitivities to textures, that they really only eat 4-5 foods total. And usually they are foods they’ve deemed safe such as: white bread, pizza, chicken fingers, plain noodles, chips, cheese, and maybe some bacon. Now we’re still getting some types of nutrition with these foods, but we’re missing out on more than we’re getting.
It’s not common, but it certainly effects a group of people and can be diagnosed. It’s called ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Keep in mind, most kids go through a phase of picky eating and usually grow out of it. ARFID is much more severe and can cause nutrient deficiencies leading to kids going blind and developing scurvy – both rare, but still cases have been reported.
There is a group more at risk of developing ARFID – it tends to be kids with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities; there is also typically a co-occuring anxiety disorder. These kids are truly afraid to eat certain things. It’s much different from the picky eating we all deal with from our kids. It’s very stressful for them and can make meal times even more challenging. There is treatment and therapy if you feel you have someone dealing with ARFID that typically includes doctors, therapists and sometimes a feeding clinic if available.
But just remember this isn’t common. It’s much more likely you just have a picky eater on your hands and you need to be patient and keep offering foods. And don’t forget the gentle reminders on where the dishwasher is. 😊
Elizabeth Meyer is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.