Approaching Picky Eaters: How to Navigate Food Aversions
Discussions about picky eaters can be contentious, with some viewing food preferences as reasons for ridicule or relationship deal-breakers. Simply ordering chicken tenders at a restaurant can lead to judgment. While it may seem like picky eaters are simply unwilling to try new things, the reasons behind their food aversions are more complex than meets the eye. The medical community is still unraveling the science behind picky eating, but understanding what we do know can help us interact empathetically with those who struggle with food preferences and even address our own aversions.
To shed light on this topic, we sought insights from H. Coakley, MSPH, RDN, a registered dietitian and nutrition therapist specializing in disordered eating. Here’s a breakdown of food aversions and how to approach them:
How Do Picky Eating Habits Form?
Individual experiences play a crucial role in the development of picky eating habits, and pinpointing a definitive cause can be challenging. According to Coakley, food aversions are still not fully understood, with psychological factors such as early childhood trauma and gastrointestinal issues creating negative associations with food. Additionally, there is a noted link between food aversions and neurodivergence, but further exploration is needed to understand this relationship. Food aversions are described as profound and involuntary reactions that are not easily influenced by conventional psychological interventions.
What Methods Can Help Overcome Food Aversions?
Overcoming food aversions is a unique and intricate process, tailored to the individual. Coakley utilizes various techniques to assist individuals in adjusting their eating behaviors.
Food Chaining
Coakley highlights food chaining as a highly effective practice that involves gradually incorporating unfamiliar foods with familiar ones based on taste, texture, shape, or other characteristics. For instance, to help someone become comfortable with strawberries, they might start by mixing plain yogurt with strawberry yogurt until the individual is ready to consume a bowl of strawberry yogurt on its own. This method progresses by pairing the strawberry yogurt with a preferred food like cereal and later integrating chopped fresh strawberries. Through incremental steps, the person eventually learns to enjoy whole strawberries.
Creating the Right Environment
Establishing a supportive and comfortable environment significantly impacts one’s willingness to explore new foods. Allowing individuals ample time to familiarize themselves with unfamiliar foods enables them to mentally prepare and cultivate an interest in trying new options.
Trying new foods for the first time in public settings such as restaurants may not be ideal for people who are averse to food. Opting for a comfortable and peaceful environment can be more effective. According to Coakley, the choice of bowl or plate and utensils can play a crucial role in creating a sense of familiarity.
Coakley’s approach emphasizes organic exploration and curiosity rather than forcing new foods into one’s diet. They encourage clients to view trying new foods as a valuable skill, rather than a requirement to like a particular food. While Coakley’s expertise primarily focuses on adults, they suggest addressing food aversions early on, as disordered eating patterns often develop in childhood and become harder to overcome in adulthood.
The key to interacting with food-averse individuals is to exhibit patience and kindness. Coakley explains that aversions are not about being stubborn or picky, but rather intense feelings of fear or disgust towards certain foods. These reactions are deeply ingrained and cannot be simply overcome through force or harsh treatment. Compassion and gentle encouragement are essential in supporting individuals dealing with food aversions.
