On the question about picky eaters growing out of it or having social problems… I was definitely a picky eater. I don’t know if it was as bad as only 4 foods when I was really little but up through teen years there were a lot of things I didn’t like. I only changed when I met my husband and he helped me to try new things. I learned that I could trust him not go give me things that I would really find objectionable - things with bad textures - so then I felt comfortable trying the things he gave to me. I still do have texture issues and won’t eat any meat that isn’t a nice, smooth, evenly textured muscle meat, but I have learned that that includes heart, tongue, etc. and a wide variety of animals, like lamb, rabbit, venison, bison, and duck.
I have a broad enough diet that restaurant meals are not a problem. The only social situation where I have problems are breakfast or brunch at someone’s house. I do not eat eggs if they can still be identified as eggs (i.e. eggs in bread, cake, muffins are ok but quiche, omelet, frittatas, etc. are not). I either decline invitations to such events or I offer to bring a dish to contribute to the meal. It’s not a big deal and rarely embarrassing. It certainly is far less embarrassing than the times when I have to explain my phobia of loud noises and that it extends to balloons popping and that I will have a full-blown panic attack if I have to be around kids who are squeezing balloons.
That’s really clever. I have a problem with not eating - most of the time I don’t realize I’m hungry until I have a headache or stomach-ache. And then I just want to eat enough to get my stomach to shut up (unless there’s something really yummy). They always say NOT to eat in front of the TV because you don’t realize you’re eating more. But that’s a plus for me.
taxi, I have similar issues with textures - especially eggs. I like them, but my throat often doesn’t cooperate if I eat very many. I have to be careful with anything that is really bland and smooth. (And children and balloons are EVIL!)
Yes, it works that way, and there is another way that can help with a picky eater. I often take my toddler on my lap behind my computer. I have a wide screen so I open two screens; one of Youtube, one of whatever it is I want to do on the PC. (so, often surfing the Dope :))
I make a plate of veggies (nuked frozen peas or broccoli) and feed my kid little bits while he watches his favourite YouTube clips. It is a win=win because I don’t get annoyed if eating lasts too long, and he gets his veggies in almost without noticing it.