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Alright Warrior,
Real talk for a minute 👀
What exactly is ARFID… and do you have it?
ARFID = Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. And no, it’s not about weight, body image, or “trying to be skinny.” This isn’t diet culture in a trench coat.
ARFID is about how food feels in your body and brain.
Here’s what it can look like:
🚫 Strong aversions to certain textures, smells, temperatures, or colors of food
😬 Anxiety or panic around eating (especially new or unpredictable foods)
🍞 A very short “safe foods” list that hasn’t really changed in years
🧠 Eating feels exhausting, overwhelming, or downright stressful
⏰ Skipping meals—not because you want to—but because nothing feels tolerable
A lot of folks with ARFID hear things like:
“You’re just picky.” “You’ll grow out of it.” “Just try one bite.”
Spoiler alert: that advice is trash.
ARFID is common in neurodivergent humans (ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety). It’s not a failure. It’s not immaturity. It’s your nervous system trying to stay regulated.
So… do you have it?
If food feels more like a threat than a pleasure sometimes
If eating is about survival, not enjoyment
If your body says “absolutely not” before your brain even weighs in
…it might be worth gently exploring. No labels required, no self-diagnosis pressure. Just curiosity and self-compassion.
You’re not broken. Your brain just has very specific operating instructions 🧠✨
💬 Question for you: Have you ever felt seen reading about ARFID—or does this feel totally off-base for you?
Love Always, Amy, Your Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate 💚
P.S. Be on the lookout for my first summit that is happening in February, The Sweet On Me: Candy Heart Conversations For Self-Love & Care. You're gonna love it!
To subscribe to my newsletter please enter your e-mail address below. You will be kept in the loop about all new podcast episodes, get information on how life living with mental health and neurodiversity struggles can be and some tips on how to make it easier. You will receive sales e-mails as well for my digital products or coaching. You can unsubscribe at any time if you decide this is no longer for you.
