Can a single session with a food phobia expert transform a child’s eating habits? That’s the question I found myself asking as I loaded my shopping cart with foods my eight-year-old daughter, Lola, would typically refuse to touch: strawberries, bananas, cherries, corn on the cob, avocados, and a Greek salad. in just a few hours, we were scheduled to meet Felix Economakis, a renowned psychologist and clinical hypnotist known for his work on TV shows like Extreme Food Phobics and Freaky eaters. My hope? That Lola would leave his office ready to embrace a wider variety of foods.
Economakis had instructed us to bring along a selection of foods for Lola to try during the session. These included simple, microwavable dishes like jacket potatoes and lasagna, as well as items from Lola’s “dream list” of foods she wished she could enjoy—think juicy watermelon and sushi. For years,lola’s diet has been limited to a handful of staples: pizza,fish fingers,pasta,and omelets. Freshly squeezed orange juice made the cut only after I jokingly warned her that her legs might “fall off” without it. Despite my hopes that she’d outgrow her picky eating by the time she started school, her habits only intensified.She now refuses school lunches,and I’ve resorted to packing her daily pizza. Her diet is heavily reliant on processed foods, and even at playdates, she’ll only eat one specific brand of fish fingers and tomato pasta sauce.
I’ve tried everything to encourage her to eat more diversely—from arranging food into smiley faces on her plate to offering cash rewards and even losing my temper. Nothing has worked. Simultaneously occurring,her six-year-old sister,Liberty,happily enjoys a varied diet,making Lola’s food phobias even more concerning. My attempts to explain the health risks of a poor diet only leave Lola in tears, so I knew it was time to seek professional help.
Economakis, a specialist in treating food phobias, uses a combination of psychology and hypnotherapy to help patients overcome their fears. His approach is rooted in understanding the emotional and psychological barriers that prevent peopel from trying new foods. “Food phobias frequently enough stem from deep-seated anxieties,” he explains. “By addressing these fears at their core, we can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food.”
As we prepared for the session, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of hope and skepticism. Could a single appointment really make a difference? Economakis assured me that while lasting change would require ongoing effort, the session could serve as a powerful starting point. “The goal isn’t to force anyone to eat something thay don’t want to,” he saeid. “It’s about creating a safe space where they feel empowered to try new things.”
By the end of the session, Lola had taken small but meaningful steps. She tentatively tried a bite of watermelon and even nibbled on a piece of sushi. While she didn’t immediately embrace every food on her dream list, the experience marked a turning point. Economakis emphasized the importance of patience and consistency, encouraging me to continue offering new foods without pressure. “Change doesn’t happen overnight,” he reminded me.“But with time and support,Lola can develop a more balanced approach to eating.”
As we left his office, I felt a renewed sense of optimism. While Lola’s journey toward a healthier diet is far from over, the session with Economakis had given us both the tools and confidence to move forward.For parents struggling with similar challenges, his advice is clear: “Focus on creating positive experiences around food. Celebrate small victories, and remember that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.”
Understanding ARFID: A Thorough Guide to treatment and Recovery
Table of Contents
- 1. Understanding ARFID: A Thorough Guide to treatment and Recovery
- 2. What Makes ARFID Different?
- 3. Actionable Takeaways for Families
- 4. Helping Lola Overcome food Anxiety: A Journey of Finding
- 5. How can parents foster a positive relationship with food in their children?
- 6. The Role of Parents and Society
- 7. Strategies for success
- 8. A Journey of Patience and Understanding
When it comes to eating disorders, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) frequently enough flies under the radar. Unlike more widely recognized conditions like anorexia or bulimia, ARFID isn’t driven by concerns about body image or weight.Rather, it’s characterized by an extreme avoidance or restriction of food, frequently enough due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or past traumatic experiences with eating. For those living with ARFID, even the thought of trying a new food can trigger overwhelming anxiety.
Take Lola, for example. A young girl with a deep-seated fear of certain foods, Lola’s journey with ARFID began with a simple aversion to peas. While she could eat edamame without hesitation, the mere sight of peas sent her into a state of panic. Her mother, recognizing this as more than just picky eating, sought help from Felix Economakis, a renowned expert in treating ARFID.
“I was under strict instructions from Lola not to tell a soul about where we were heading,” her mother recalls. “I tried to convince her that it was brave – but she just said, ‘Shush mummy’ and looked angry.”
Felix Economakis, based in north London, has spent 18 years helping individuals overcome food phobias. His approach combines psychology therapy, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Remarkably, many of his clients experience significant breakthroughs after just one session, which costs £390.“there could be multiple reasons for Lola having a food phobia,” Felix explains.“It might stem from a simple trauma as a baby, like colic, choking, or a bad reaction to antibiotics. When a child feels ill, their brain frequently enough blames food.”
For Lola, the journey to recovery began with a visit to Felix’s clinic. Armed with an excessive amount of food – “enough for a two-week holiday,” her mother admits – they arrived hopeful. Despite the initial awkwardness,Lola was eager to tackle her food phobia head-on. “She certainly recognizes the problem – and is keen to solve it,” her mother notes.
What Makes ARFID Different?
ARFID stands apart from other eating disorders in one key way: it’s not about body image. Instead, it’s rooted in fear, discomfort, or disinterest in food. This can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and even social isolation, as meals become a source of stress rather than enjoyment.
felix’s treatment methods aim to address these underlying fears. By using hypnosis and NLP, he helps patients reframe their relationship with food. “It’s about rewiring the brain,” he says. “Once the fear is addressed, the rest often falls into place.”
Actionable Takeaways for Families
- Recognize the Signs: If your child avoids entire food groups or shows extreme anxiety around eating, it might be more than picky eating.
- seek Professional Help: Early intervention is key.Specialists like Felix Economakis can provide targeted therapies to address food phobias.
- Be Patient: Recovery takes time. Celebrate small victories, like trying a new food, no matter how minor it may seem.
ARFID is a complex disorder,but with the right support,recovery is absolutely possible. For Lola and countless others,experts like Felix Economakis offer a path forward – one bite at a time.
When Lola first walked into Felix’s office, her reluctance was palpable. A young child with a limited diet, she had developed a strong aversion to trying new foods. Felix, a therapist specializing in food-related anxieties, greeted her with a warm, engaging demeanor. His ability to connect with her instantly was striking, as he made direct eye contact and began building trust from the very first moment.
“I don’t know,” Lola replied with a shrug when Felix asked why she avoided certain foods. This response,Felix explained,is common among children. “Adults are frequently enough easier to work with,” he noted. “They’re more motivated, especially when they’re self-funding their therapy. Plus, they can articulate their challenges more clearly.”
Felix’s approach was methodical and patient. He described his strategy as a “slow creep affect,” gently guiding Lola toward trying new foods without triggering her defenses. “The food lola wants to try isn’t risky,” he reassured her repeatedly. “It makes no sense to avoid it.” His calm, persuasive tone resembled that of a marketing executive, carefully “selling” the idea of change.
One of the breakthroughs came when Lola, after weeks of therapy, asked to visit a juice bar. She eagerly ordered a “Pick Me Up” blend made with banana, strawberry, and apple.For a child who had once refused even the simplest fruits, this was nothing short of a miracle. Felix’s patient, trust-building approach had paid off.
Felix’s methods weren’t limited to conversation. He occasionally used hypnotism as a therapeutic tool, though he assured me it wasn’t a guaranteed part of every session. “It might happen spontaneously, or not at all,” he explained. To avoid alarming Lola, I asked him not to mention the word “hypnotism” during their sessions. The last thing we wanted was for her to associate him with Dracula.
As the sessions progressed, Lola’s confidence grew. She began to experiment with new foods, starting with lasagna, which became her new “safe food.” From there, she ventured into trying strawberries, a milestone that marked a significant step in her journey toward overcoming her food aversions.
Felix’s ability to create a safe, trusting environment was key to Lola’s progress. His calm, methodical approach, combined with his understanding of childhood anxieties, made all the difference. For parents navigating similar challenges,his story serves as a reminder that patience,trust,and a little creativity can go a long way in helping children expand their horizons.
Helping Lola Overcome food Anxiety: A Journey of Finding
For many children, mealtime is a battleground. For Lola, it’s no different. Her diet has become monotonous,revolving around the same few foods: fish fingers,pizza,and pasta. But today,with the help of Felix,a specialist in food-related anxieties,Lola is taking her first steps toward a more varied and adventurous palate.
Felix begins by explaining to Lola how her mind works. He uses a playful analogy, mimicking two arguing hands to represent the internal conflict she feels about trying new foods. “Your little soldier,” he says, referring to her subconscious mind, “has been protecting you from what it thinks is dangerous food. But it’s time for it to step down.”
This approach resonates with Lola. Felix connects her food struggles to other challenges she’s overcome, like learning to swim or ride a bike. “You eat quite a varied diet compared to many clients I see who only eat one thing – usually chicken nuggets,” he reassures her. Yet, despite his calming presence, Lola grows restless.Formal relaxation techniques aren’t working. It’s time to bring out the food.
“Right, what shall we start with?” Felix asks.“Cherries!” Lola exclaims. She takes a bite but quickly rejects the taste. Undeterred, they move on to the next option: a salmon and avocado maki. Lola nibbles at it, her face scrunching up in displeasure before she spits it out.Next comes tomato soup, but it’s too “spicy” for her liking—peppers are to blame.
Felix quickly heats up a jacket potato while Lola tries watermelon. She eats a little but rejects it again. The pattern continues, but Felix remains patient and encouraging. Each small step is progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Through this process,Lola begins to understand her own resistance to new foods. Felix’s unique approach—combining humor, empathy, and practical strategies—helps her see that trying new things isn’t as scary as it truly seems. While the journey is far from over,Lola is learning to take control of her “little soldier” and embrace the adventure of expanding her diet.
For parents facing similar challenges, Felix’s methods offer hope. By addressing the root of food anxiety and reframing it as a learning possibility, children like Lola can gradually overcome their fears and discover the joy of diverse, nutritious meals.
For many parents, mealtime can feel like a battlefield, especially when dealing with picky eaters. The struggle to encourage children to embrace healthier options often leads to frustration and questions about what has changed over the years. Why do so many kids today seem to reject nutritious meals, while previous generations ate whatever was served without complaint?
Felix Economakis, a specialist in child eating behaviors, has encountered extreme cases where children refuse to eat anything but a single item, often something like chicken nuggets. “Fun food is salty and fatty – and vegetables can’t compare. It’s an unfair competition,” he explains. “If parents keep giving children processed foods,they get used to them and might reject healthier options. This isn’t necessarily a phobia, but it creates a cycle where kids believe other foods aren’t safe or enjoyable.”
One such case involved a young girl named Lola,who struggled to expand her diet beyond a handful of familiar items. felix suggested she try one new food each day, a strategy aimed at gradually reintroducing variety. “If she sets the standard too high by saying ‘I have to love it on the first bite,’ it narrows the net,” he says. “It’s better to eat something 10 to 15 times to wake up the taste buds.”
During a session, Felix’s office transformed into a makeshift dining room, with plates of different foods laid out for Lola to sample.The atmosphere was tense, with moments of frustration as she hesitated to try new items. “Just eat the jacket potato!! Just try it,” one observer pleaded, only for Felix to intervene, reminding everyone to give Lola space. Despite the pressure, she managed to take a few bites of lasagna, marking it as a new “safe food.”
Felix later noted that Lola’s willingness to try new foods might have been driven by a desire to please others rather than a genuine interest in expanding her palate. “It’s a case of her not wanting to take obligation – so the more you tell her to eat new foods, the more she becomes the victim rather than the one wanting to change,” he observed. Her progress, while promising, would require ongoing effort and patience.
This experience highlights a broader challenge for parents: fostering healthy eating habits in a world dominated by addictive processed foods. Many wonder if modern parenting styles, combined with the rise of clean-eating trends, have inadvertently contributed to children’s reluctance to try new foods. The convenience of processed options often wins out, leaving parents to grapple with how to make healthier meals appealing.
For families navigating this issue, Felix emphasizes the importance of persistence and consistency. “It’s about going with the least resistance while still encouraging exploration,” he says. “You don’t want your child to be hungry, but you also don’t want them to miss out on the opportunity to discover new flavors.”
Ultimately, there’s no quick fix.Encouraging children to embrace a varied and nutritious diet is a gradual process, requiring patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt. As parents, the goal isn’t perfection but progress – one bite at a time.
It was a moment that felt almost surreal. My niece, who had always been a picky eater, suddenly showed an interest in foods she would have previously turned her nose up at. It all started when she met Felix,a friend who seemed to have a magical influence on her eating habits. One evening, as we sat together, she excitedly told her little sister Liberty about the “baby warrior” she had dubbed her “little soldier.” Then, to my astonishment, she asked me to pass her the rest of the lasagna.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was the same child who had once refused to touch anything green or unfamiliar. Curious to see how far this newfound openness would go, I offered her a strawberry—one of the many leftovers from our recent grocery haul. She hesitated for a moment but eventually took a bite. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more surprising, they did. A few days later, as we walked past a juice bar, she tugged at my sleeve and begged me to go inside. I was convinced she was joking. But there she was, scanning the menu board with determination. Without a second thought, she ordered a “Pick Me Up” smoothie made with banana, apple, and strawberry. As she sipped it happily, I couldn’t help but snap a photo.This was a moment worth remembering.
Her conversion was nothing short of remarkable. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about her willingness to try new things, to step out of her comfort zone. Inspired by her enthusiasm, I found myself thinking, “I need to get a juicer pronto.”
This experience taught me something valuable: sometimes, all it takes is the right influence to spark a change. whether it’s a friend, a new environment, or simply a shift in outlook, small moments can lead to big transformations. And who knows? Maybe that juicer will be the start of a whole new chapter for us.
How can parents foster a positive relationship with food in their children?
Ted by processed and convenience foods. Felix emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and pressure-free habitat around food. “children need to feel safe and supported when trying new things,” he says. “Forcing them or making mealtime a battleground can backfire, reinforcing their resistance.”
The Role of Parents and Society
Felix points out that societal changes have contributed to the rise in picky eating. “in the past,families often ate together,and meals were more structured. Today, busy schedules and the availability of speedy, processed options have shifted the dynamics,” he explains. “Parents are often too tired to cook from scratch, and kids are exposed to marketing that glorifies unhealthy foods.”
He also highlights the role of sensory sensitivities in some children. “For some kids, certain textures, smells, or flavors can be overwhelming.It’s not just about being picky—it’s a genuine sensory challenge that requires understanding and patience.”
Strategies for success
Felix offers several strategies for parents dealing with picky eaters:
- gradual Exposure: Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts. Pair them with familiar favorites to make the experience less intimidating.
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small victories, like trying a new food, even if the child doesn’t like it. Avoid negative comments or punishments related to food.
- involve Kids in Cooking: Let children participate in meal readiness.When they feel a sense of ownership, they may be more willing to try what they’ve helped create.
- Model Healthy Eating: Children frequently enough mimic their parents’ behaviors. if they see adults enjoying a variety of foods, they may be more inclined to do the same.
- Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Avoid pressuring children to eat. Instead, make mealtime a pleasant and stress-free experience.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that progress may be slow. It can take multiple exposures to a new food before a child accepts it.
A Journey of Patience and Understanding
Lola’s story is a testament to the power of patience and tailored approaches. While her journey is ongoing, her willingness to try new foods—even if she doesn’t always enjoy them—marks a notable step forward. Felix’s methods, rooted in empathy and understanding, provide a roadmap for parents navigating similar challenges.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to expand a child’s diet but to foster a healthy relationship with food. By addressing the underlying anxieties and creating a supportive environment, parents can help their children develop a more adventurous palate and a lifelong appreciation for nutritious meals.
As Felix puts it, “It’s not about forcing change but about guiding children to discover the joy of food at their own pace. Every small step is a victory.”
