Work with a specialized registered dietitian to address your nutrition concerns
I help picky eaters try new foods, expand variety, and feel more comfortable around food.
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Are you worried your child’s extreme picky eating could lead to nutritional deficiencies?
Or have you recently been diagnosed with ARFID and wonder what your next steps are?
If you said ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’re not alone. People who struggle with picky eating in some regard, and especially those diagnosed with ARFID, tend to:
- Have a small handful of restaurants they feel safe enough to eat at
- Order simple meals (like pizza or chicken tenders, or something else) when eating out anywhere
- Not know when to push their child to try a new food or when to let it go
- Worry their struggles with sensory aspects of food will never go away
I see you!
You're done feeling lost with trying to expand your food variety.
Speak with a specialized dietitian Today
but, there is hope
As with any form of disordered eating, Grace’s approach is non-diet, weight-inclusive, and as rooted in intuitive eating as possible.
Whether your difficulties stem from a traumatic event (such as choking), having needed a feeding tube in the earlier years of your life, or simply having a hyper-sensitive sense of taste or smell, Grace can help you make actionable steps toward greater food freedom.
Work with Grace to construct a personalized game-plan to tackle your specific goals related to picky eating or ARFID. Interventions can include, but are not limited to, the following:
Nutrition and food science education
Food exposures
Conceptual deconstruction
Food chaining
Parent education on keeping food experiences neutral at home
Coaching to increase dietary variety outside of sessions
Grace provides a safe and non-judgemental environment in which to work on your difficulties with food. The pace of treatment is directed by you, and Grace offers support the entire way.
Grace's approach to ARFID & picky eating
Read about Grace Engels, RDN
- An apparent lack of interest in eating or food
- Avoidance of eating based on the sensory characteristics of food
- Concern about adverse consequences of eating
Additionally, people with ARFID may suffer significant weight loss or nutritional deficiency, be dependent on a feeding tube or nutrition supplements (like Ensure or Boost), or have serious difficulties with psychological functionality as a result of their struggles with food.
According to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders...
A little about ARFID
"To step forward into growth, or to step back into safety" — Abraham Maslow
"In any given moment, we have two options:"
Struggling with ARFID or picky eating can feel isolating. Whether you’re a parent feeling stuck in getting your child to eat at a restaurant, or you can count on two hands the number of foods you can eat, there is support for you. While it is okay that you struggle, action sooner rather than later is what will be most helpful to you.
You will learn that it is okay that you struggle with food.
find hope
Grace provides a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment in which to explore your difficulties around food. Discover ways to incorporate more variety that actually work for you.
Set do-able goals and find creative ways to achieve them.
take steps forward
You have the option of eating meals or snacks with your dietitian, in session or at a selected restaurant/cafe. This is a great option if social eating is a struggle, or if we're tackling a particularly difficult food that day.
Meal
Support
Also known as 'food experiments' for younger patients, you will be gently encouraged to try new foods in session and at home. Food exposures are thoroughly discussed and we set goals that feel achievable for you.
Food Exposures
A 60 to 80-minute medical nutrition assessment to dig into your relevant history, past and present difficulties with food, and what your main goals in tackling picky eating are.
In-Depth Assessment
What ARFID & picky eating treatment can look like
At any age, family support in nutrition counseling can be so beneficial, especially when it comes to picky eating. Learn more about family support sessions here.
Family counseling
Let's chat about working together!
take the first step. (it's easy!)
schedule call!
Schedule a discovery call to get started. No strings attached!