Have you ever heard the expression “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”? When it comes to ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), this saying often rings true. Similar to autism and ADHD, ARFID has a high heritability rate, with research suggesting genetics may account for up to 79%. That means many individuals with ARFID are growing up in families where a parent, sibling, or caregiver also has ARFID—or long-standing patterns of restrictive or selective eati

As the end of the year approaches, many of us feel the familiar pressure to reflect, reset, and set goals for the New Year. Goals everywhere. New Year’s resolutions everywhere. And honestly? Blah. Blah. Blah. As a clinician, I’m often asked whether patients “should” be setting New Year’s goals. My answer is usually… it depends. My initial instinct—and the first draft of this blog—was to talk about intentions instead of goals. But after sitting with it longer, I realized so

So when we think about Thanksgiving being just around the corner, followed quickly by Christmas, why don’t we think together, and on our own, about what the holidays mean to us, and how we feel about family time and food? Let’s also think about what we may need to do to prepare to make the most of the Thanksgiving holiday, in hopes that even if we don’t have that heartfelt moment like in the Hallmark movies, at least we can do what we need to do to manage what may be a challe

This blog is intended to explore ideas for living with ARFID in Autumn. When we think about autumn, first thoughts are colored leaves and crunching through piles of them, apple orchards and caramel apples, pumpkin patches and Halloween. The sun sets earlier, there’s a little chill in the air, sweaters and jackets come out, and the holidays are right around the corner. Along with these seemingly pleasant images of fall come the more anxiety provoking ones: fall foods, new and

Choosing treatment goals is more important than we may think, and a lot harder than it looks.   Many people with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) or picky eating, feel that eating is complicated enough without the added pressure of setting goals. But having goals—even small, flexible ones—can provide direction, structure, and motivation.

This blog explores one important recovery skill: increasing flexibility. Flexibility is what helps us move from that instant “no” to “maybe there’s another way.” Learning to adjust foods instead of rejecting them outright can make a world of difference in recovery.

Summer brings a change in routine—and with it, new challenges for individuals navigating ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). From cookouts and family trips to overnight camps and disrupted meal schedules, the season often introduces unfamiliar foods, social eating situations, and changes to reliable support systems.

ARFID Recovery: How Do You Know What to Try When You're Afraid of Food?

This blog is intended to explore one main idea for increasing flexibility specifically for the purpose of being open to the possibility of trying a new food, or a new variation of a tolerated food. Building flexibility overall is a much larger discussion and may be explored in further blogs.

Resistance to ARFID Recovery: ARFID recovery is challenging when you WANT to recover, but how about when you don’t? Question: Who is least likely to want to work on ARFID recovery (eating more, eating a wider variety, managing anxiety and disgust reactions to food)? Answer: Kids! Question: But why? Resistance to ARFID Recovery: Possible answers? Check out the blog for ideas!

This blog helps parents and loved ones to understand and identify their stage of change as it applies to their readiness to effectively...

Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is an essential time to bring attention to the many types of eating disorders that impact millions...

ARFID Recovery: Adding to Your Team

This blog will help you understand how to build a team so that you as an individual with ARFID, or you as a loved one, can feel engaged in

Are you confused between what is “just picky eating” and what is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? It can sometimes be...

Have you been diagnosed with ARFID and are now wondering . . . what’s next? Do you wonder . . . do I need a meal plan? How do you figure out

Have you been recently diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) or are you wondering if you may possibly suffer...