You’re going on a trip, planning an outing with friends, having dinner with family, or just trying to find something to eat while you’re out running errands. For most people, these are positive, fun experiences. That’s not the case for you. Instead, these activities cause dread and anxiety. What should be a fun time ends up a disaster. Worse, you are often left feeling embarrassed and shamed. Sometimes, you even get ridiculed and criticized by people who are frustrated by your issues.

What’s your problem? You have food anxiety. While others view going out to eat, trying new foods, or sharing meals with others as a wonderful experience, you don’t. For you, the basic act of eating is a struggle. This is a tough thing to go through, but you aren’t alone. Hopefully, these tips will help.

What is Food Anxiety?

Food anxiety is a blanket term that describes stress, nervousness, panic, avoidance, and other maladaptive behaviors around food and eating. Sometimes, there is a known cause for food anxiety. For example:

• Struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder
• History of food insecurity
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Issues with textures or strong flavors
• Trauma associated with meals and eating

There are more ways a person can develop some form of food anxiety, however, the ones that are listed should give a good idea of some of the root causes of anxiety around food. There is one specific type of eating disorder that has been practically named the poster child of food anxiety, and that is ARFID.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is an acronym that stands for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Although this is usually reserved for children, many adults can also suffer from ARFID in some way shape, or form. People with ARFID tend to be extremely selective or picky about the foods they ingest. Some may even show a complete avoidance or an absolute fear of eating altogether.

Can Anyone Have ARFID?

Yes, just about anyone and everyone can have or develop this eating disorder. However, it is mostly common amongst those who are on the autistic spectrum, as well as those who experience sensory-based sensitivities, and food allergies.

What is the best way to deal with ARFID?

Unfortunately, there is no best way to deal with it. What works best for one person may work terribly for another. Work at your own pace to help you get over the food issues you may have developed and you will eventually get to the point in which your food........

© The Eastern Herald