ARFID vs Picky Eating in Adults
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) isn't about being "picky." Picky eating is a preference. ARFID is when avoiding foods starts to affect your health, energy or daily life.
You might relate if you:
Eat a small list of safe foods, and new foods feel impossible
Have strong reactions to certain textures, smells or tastes
Worry about choking, vomiting or getting sick from food
Forget to eat or rarely feel hungry
Feel anxious eating out, traveling or eating with others
Feel tired, run down or low on energy from eating the same few foods
This isn't a diagnosis, just a gentle starting point.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you're not "too picky."
The Three Types of ARFID
Sensory: Certain textures, smells, colors or tastes feel overwhelming or unbearable.
Fear-based: Worry about choking, vomiting, allergic reactions or pain makes eating feel unsafe.
Low interest: Food just isn't on your radar. You forget to eat, feel full fast or rarely feel hungry.
Many adults experience more than one. Your care is built around yours.
How ARFID Nutrition Support Works
Phase 1: Understand your sensory patterns. We map what makes eating hard, without judgment.
Phase 2: Fuel your body with foods you already eat. Your safe foods are the foundation. If your list is five foods, that's our starting point.
Phase 3: Gently expand, at your pace. We explore small, low-pressure steps from foods you already trust, only when you're ready.
What ARFID Care With Me Is Not
I will never force you to eat anything that feels unsafe
I will never shame your safe foods
I will never rush your progress or push "exposure" before you're ready
I will never use your weight as the measure of your health
You're the expert on your body. I'm here to support you, not to override you.
An ARFID Dietitian Who Gets Sensory Eating
ARFID is common among autistic and ADHD adults, and I understand it from the inside. As an AuDHD dietitian, I spent years white-knuckling my way through sensory challenges, food included. I know what it's like to be told to "just try it." With me, you'll never hear that.
Working With Your ARFID Therapist and Care Team
ARFID recovery works best with support from every side. With your permission, I coordinate with your therapist, doctor and psychiatrist so everyone is on the same page. If you ever need more support than outpatient sessions, I'll help you find the right level of care.
Already seeing an ARFID therapist? Great. I work alongside your therapist, whatever approach they use (like CBT-AR). They help with the fear and anxiety side. I focus on nutrition: keeping you fueled with safe foods, filling gaps and pacing new foods to match the work you’re doing in therapy.
Don’t have one yet? I can help you find an ARFID therapist who understands sensory eating.
What Clients Say
"Kaitlyn was very calm and inviting. Felt very comfortable talking to her about my goals. She seems to understand what my needs are." - Nourish Client
"She was very reassuring… and didn't make it feel like I was asking stupid questions." - Nourish Client
"She never gets frustrated and she listens." -Nourish Client
ARFID Dietitian FAQs
Is an ARFID nutritionist the same as an ARFID dietitian?
A registered dietitian has clinical training and a license, and is often covered by insurance. I'm a registered dietitian who works as your ARFID nutritionist.
Can adults have ARFID?
Yes. Many adults live with ARFID for years before learning there's a name for it.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. If food feels limited or stressful, you're welcome here.
Will you make me eat foods that scare me?
Never. We start with your safe foods and only explore new ones when you're ready.
Is ARFID nutrition therapy covered by insurance?
Usually, yes. Most clients pay $0 with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna or UnitedHealthcare.
Do you work with kids?
I work with adults only (18 years and older), but I'm happy to connect caregivers with a trusted pediatric colleague.
Most clients pay $0 | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna & UnitedHealthcare | HSA/FSA eligible
Let's build a way of eating that feels safe, steady and yours. Virtual sessions, at your pace.