Tips for trying new foods

I've found a few things over the years that have helped me try new things. The first is ensuring I have had a little bit of water/something to drink before trying so my throat isn't too dry. I've also found relaxing helps, e.g. listening to relaxing music or just take a few minutes to breathe, tension/added stress never helps. Another important thing I've realised is that the first time I try something is to not let the goal be to eat it but to just get a sample of it, e.g. it's taste or just it's texture. That I've found helps me register it, and especially a sample of it's taste can make me think of it a few days later and try again.

I used to find strong distraction an important technique but have stopped using it in the last few months as it's only helpful to me in a limited area so learning to be able to relax has become more important. I've also had to learn to chew things properly and slowly as with what I normally eat I can half chew it and not have a problem.

What works for you, I'd be interested to hear you tips and techniques.

First time eating in a restaurant

I had my first meal in a restaurant last week. After quite a lot of encouragement from a friend I went out to a restaurant for my first ever meal. It was very strange looking at a menu looking for something to order, specifically chose a place serving pasta as that's what I've tried at home.

The restaurant was nice and quiet so there was little pressure. There were two options I thought I'd go for. The first was Pasta with Tomato Sauce, the second was Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Chili, Red Pepper and Garlic. I went for the second option. The chili certainly had a kick but I was able to eat a enough mouthfuls to feel "full" and thankfully it went well. I did almost gag a bit at the end but it was not strong enough to not overcome. I'm almost looking forward to the next time.

Self Help Support Group for Selective Eaters Meet Up

Claire has posted about a meet up on the Fussy Eaters forum. Read the message for further information - http://www.fussy-eaters.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=562

Cereal bars

I've looked at cereal bars as something considered healthy yet less challenging to try that a full meal. I tried and got used to Kellog's Nutri-gran, although never really enjoyed it but can eat the apple and raspberry one's no problem, I tried the blueberry but it felt too much like chewing gum flavour. Although not based on any scientific data they don't seem that healthy, but I'm not sure but it is obviously a lot more healthy than a chocolate bar.


Although it was good to be able to eat a Nutri-gran bar I wanted to eat a "proper" cereal bar. For a long time I have felt a big wish to go for a decent long trail hike, i.e. several days and nights in nothing more than a tent or basic hut not a b&b or hotel/hostel. My wish is to not take any chocolate or pringles and to eat soups, cereal bars and things that traditionally is made and carried by hikers. Although I don't have any friends yet to do it with, I'm hoping to have some by the time I reach the eating goal side of it. I fondly remember hiking as a kid and the excitement of being in the wild for 4 or 5 days was great and I miss that, just want to have independence from my food.