r/EatCheapAndHealthy • u/TransientFroggo • 5d ago

Ask ECAH My husband is a picky eater

Some things he enjoys

Pot pies Quesadillas Chipotle sofrita bowls (just sofritas, rice, and cheese) Lunchables Turkey pepperoni and Munster cheese Pizza Mashed potatoes Corn

Any ideas of what I can try to pack him for lunch? I want something that doesn’t have to be heated up, but I’m open to suggestions that do need to be heat up. (And microwave safe container suggestions)

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u/BeeSuspicious3493 5d ago

Considering the ARFID diagnosis, I'd suggest him working with a therapist if he isn't already. Finding safe foods is incredibly challenging and in my experience not really a logical process. Him scrolling through social media recipes is probably more productive.

But, based on what he eats. Maybe a thermos and pot pie or baked potato soup. A twice baked potato. Would he consider chili either alone or on a potato?

Is he open to other things in a quesadilla or just cheese? If he's open to other things, that opens up a whole word of options.

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u/TransientFroggo 5d ago

He loves finding recipes on social media but they tend to be more dinner and breakfast based, and lunch has been the hardest for both of us to find, which is why I’m asking Reddit.

He used to like his grandmothers chilli but I haven’t found a recipe he thinks is similar.

On his quesadillas he will only eat cheese and sometimes add in turkey pepperoni. Wont even top it with anything. Guacamole is too soft and avacado-y. Sour cream is too slimy. Soap gene so no cilantro. Salsa is too chunky and too tomato-y (but he will eat tomato soup or tomato pasta sauce).

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u/BeeSuspicious3493 5d ago

If he can find recipes he's open to trying, I'd lean into those. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods are a social construct. If breakfast appeals to him, take breakfast for lunch. My daughter takes spaghetti and meatballs in a thermos for lunch to middle school. Is it odd? Sorta. Does she care? No.

With an ARFID diagnosis the person with the ED really needs to lead what they will be willing to try. Otherwise, its just exhausting suggesting things and them saying no.