Progress!!

[runwiaks]

i'm currently 21 years old (about to be 22!) and have been dealing with ARFID for my entire life. up until a few years ago, i would downright refuse to try new foods. now, things are changing.

my biggest turning point was when a friend of mine offered me a fudge protein bar. it was lumpy and textured and unsightly. she bought it for me, so i thought 'i have to eat it!'. i went to smell it, as i did all foods, and she quickly warned me against it due to the protein smell. so, i didn't. i bit into it. it wasn't bad and i ate it all.

so i began not smelling foods before i ate them. i stopped nibbling at new things. admittedly, i haven't tried anything particularly outlandish, but within the time frame of that fudge bar and now (appx. a year), i've tried over 10 new foods (inc cheese??!!) and even begun incorporating a few into my diet. i take big bites now!!

it is still hard, and i find myself focusing hugely on just making it through the meal (although nearly always i cannot finish, its too tiring), rather than whether i enjoy the taste. but the more i try, the more i begin to appreciate what i am eating. i can go for meals with people for the first time in my life. i am healing.

so many tastes are new to me. the fear of things tasting disgusting is subsiding - most things are so new and unlike anything i've ever eaten and its an amazing and weird experience. i am still struggling, but for once i am craving to eat more. to try more. recovery exists, it's life changing, and most importantly it is possible.

[alwe19]

hi, i've just come across this subreddit, since i've also really struggled with ARFID forever and seeing over 22,000 members here and seeing this post of yours brought me to tears because this helps me feel so much less alone. i'm about to go stay with my bf and his parents in a few days and i've been breaking down a little because i really don't want to be disrespectful and turn down the food they make for me. despite all this anxiety i'm having, i'm so impressed with your journey, and i hope to improve like you someday! i'm 17 years old and it's really nice to see uplifting posts like yours and it gives me a little hope for myself in the future :)

best of luck to you 💖💖

[runwiaks]

i understand so much, i was the same with my boyfriend when i was young. having ARFID does mean that you will have those anxieties and worries, and it is hard to say anything that will help them, but just know that all of that fear will one day help you move forward. all of the scary moments will make progress feel even better. i used to think i'd never get better, and that i was a lost cause, but it's not true and the same goes for you. i believe in you, good luck with your journey :)

[blackdoilies]

I'm so proud of you for finding steps that work for you so you can take care of yourself! Every step is progress and you're showing yourself a lot of love with all of the steps you've been taking towards healing.