To think I can widen my diet?

[ChocChipKookie]

Ever since I was a small child there have only been a few foods I will eat. I basically live on bread, pasta, cheese, crisps and biscuits. I have tried to change my diet many times but can't. I have a very strong gag reflex and mostly just cannot force myself to even hold a strange food in my mouth for more than a second as I find it intolerable.

I've asked the GP for help but they've been useless. I've tried various self help techniques for it from books and online but nothing helps.

Whenever I've ended up in hospital due to illness I can't eat any of the food provided. Last time I was in hospital I didn't eat a thing for 8 days until a relative managed to bring in some food for me.

AIBU to think there is a way I can widen my diet? If so, how?

Look into ARFID often, but not always goes hand in hand with autism. Previously often mistaken as an eating disorder in girls

There is a website/charity for ARFID which might be helpful
https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/
My DC has this and basically eats very restricted diet like you. We are trying food chaining which is when you take something that is ok for you and try to change it slightly either by flavour (like type of bread for example or strawberry to raspberry yogurt) or texture (yoghurt to mousse for example) and it is going ok but very slowly but you are possibly more motivated than DC who doesn't really care about it. We also have created a reward chart with them starting with touching new food and moving up to licking it and then tasting it - working through the 32 steps of eating
Think there are particular practitioners who offer help but can't recommend as haven't tried any but read about this guy www.felixeconomakis.com/about-felix.php

You sound like you have ARFID.

There are lots of techniques you can try. My boys both have it. As an adult and a clearly articulate and intelligent one you will absolutely be able to widen your diet.

Look at ARFID resources and try some strategies.

You could contact Beat which is an eating disorder charity and as mentioned, ARFID Awareness has a lot of information on treatment on their website.

You could try BACP for a therapist.

OP I am quite similar. I’m bloody ashamed but some smells and textures make me gag. I only wish that I could go into a restaurant and not worry about nothing being suitable.

Thank you all. A few years ago I came across AFRID and thought it sounds like me. When I brought it up with my GP she said as I'm very overweight she doubts I have that. It was very embarrassing.

I attempted foodchaining after seeing it on see tv show many years ago. I failed miserably. I'm willing to try again though.

I'll have a look at the websites recommended.

I know that feeling of shame, feeling like some big weirdo. I'd love to be able to eat out or even order food in. Other people have no idea how lucky they are to be able to enjoy different foods.
I also have problems with smells, lights and textures of clothing.

Have you ever found anything that helps at all?

What do therapists do? Do they guide you though things like food chaining?

This is from the ARFID Awareness website:

COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

For some people, unhealthy thought and behaviour patterns are at the root of their eating disorder. ARFID treatment will likely include cognitive-behavioural therapy, or CBT, a "talk" therapy that helps individuals identify and change self-destructive patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT also treats anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, which often co-occur with ARFID.

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY

Dialectical behaviour therapy, or DBT, is another talk therapy commonly used in ARFID treatment. DBT helps people learn to live mindfully and within the moment in order to cope effectively with negative sensations and emotions. During DBT, individuals develop skills for distress tolerance that help them manage high-anxiety situations and identify the negative emotions they're feeling. By understanding and mindfully accepting negative feelings and emotions, people with ARFID are able to work through them in healthy ways.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Can be useful if it is carried out by a health professional as part of exposure and desensitisation programmes.

EYE MOVEMENT AND DESENSITISATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPY

(EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. It is an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and there are indications that when used properly, it can be effective in treating ARFID.

Thank you for that. I don't think talk therapy would be useful. I don't have trauma or negative thought patterns. It's simply that certain tastes, textures and smells are offensive to my senses.

I'm looking for more self help type stuff. I can't afford to spend £££s.

Best of luck OP.

Hope I didn't sound dismissive in my response username299, I am greatful for the time you spent replying.

Not at all, you could contact Beat as suggested and the ARFID Awareness charity and ask about books and self help strategies.