I think it's fair to say we all know a fussy eater - that is of course if you aren't one yourself?
But where does it all stem from?
Well that's exactly what food expert (and founder of eatwell.ie) Sarah Keogh wanted to explore - and it ain't just the kiddies.
Speaking on Dermot and Dave, the dietitian and nutritionist claims we need to nip this at the bud, as she stated, "a lot of fussy eating children grow up to be fussy eating adults". And it's very true.
Like a lot of our other habits and dispositions, the dislike of certain foods comes at an early age. But have you ever heard of the term 'neophobic'? This means 'the fear of anything new', and as we hit the age of 18 months this survival technique (of sorts) kicks in, as revealed by Sarah.
Texture is the main part of the fear, and the older we get, the more awkward it can become - manifesting itself into a social issue. And nobody wants to be not invited to a dinner over at your mates because you don't like certain things on the menu.
That's extreme cases, but even if you're only 'afraid' of a few things, wouldn't it be better get your body accustomed to them than run away?
Sarah's trick is simple, "you start eating quite small quantities of it (the food) and you do it regularly over a few weeks". Exposure is key!
And don't sweat it if at first you don't succeed because "it takes up to 16 tries to actually like a new food", we were enlightened.
But it could also be a case that you're a 'supertaster', which 20% or so of us are. And before you ask - here's what that means, "they have x5 times more taste buds on their tongues to anyone else, so things genuinely taste stronger - particularly bitter flavours and sour flavours".
For more queries, check out eatwell.ie
Every Monday, we dedicate a section of the show called Mind Yourself Now to help our listeners with their body, soul and mind.
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