Avoidant/Restrictive Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Adult ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Have you spent years wondering why eating seems so much harder for you than it does for everyone else?
Maybe you've been called a "picky eater" your entire life, but deep down you know it's much more than that. Certain textures, smells, temperatures, or even the appearance of food can feel overwhelming. Trying something new may cause intense anxiety, and eating in restaurants, traveling, work events, or family gatherings can feel incredibly stressful.
If this sounds familiar, I want you to know something important—you are not alone, and this is not your fault.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a recognized eating disorder. It isn't about wanting to lose weight or lacking willpower. For many adults, ARFID is connected to sensory sensitivities, fear of negative experiences with food, anxiety, or long-standing eating patterns that have developed over time.
At Kendra's Kustom Nutrition, you'll never be pressured to "just eat it." My goal is to understand your unique experience and help you make progress at a pace that feels safe, realistic, and respectful. Together, we'll build confidence around food while protecting your nutritional health and helping you feel more comfortable in everyday situations.
Together, we may work on:
- Expanding food variety one step at a time
- Understanding sensory challenges and food-related anxiety
- Meeting nutrition needs with the foods you currently tolerate
- Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies
- Building confidence in restaurants, travel, work events, and social gatherings
- Creating realistic strategies that fit your comfort level and long-term goals
Because ARFID can sometimes lead to vitamin deficiencies, low energy, digestive concerns, or unintended weight changes, we'll also look at the bigger picture of your health. If you've already had laboratory work completed, I'll help you understand what those results mean and how they may relate to your nutrition. When appropriate, I'm happy to collaborate with your physician, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, or other healthcare providers because recovery is often most successful when everyone is working together.
Living with ARFID can affect so much more than what's on your plate. It can influence relationships, vacations, celebrations, work lunches, dating, and even your confidence. My goal isn't to change who you are—it's to help food become less stressful so you can participate more fully in the moments that matter most.
You deserve to enjoy life without constantly worrying about what you'll be able to eat. Whether your goal is improving your nutrition, expanding your food choices, or simply feeling less anxious around meals, I'll meet you where you are and help you take meaningful steps toward greater freedom and confidence.
