Phobia of food textures - really quite depressing

I'm autistic. My taste buds also flip lids when it comes to certain food textures. Definitely frustrating. If you're trying to find foods that fulfill your macros, then trial and error is a good plan. Example: I cannot consume turkey, chicken, seafood. Fantastic sources of protein. Can't eat. Red meat is pricy to eat every day. So, I use protein powders, have fallen wildly in love with eggs, fiber protein bars, regular protein bars, Greek yogurt, and tossing a couple slices of ham in a skillet, etc. Generally, I make it work. Some days, I don't, but that's okay.

If you think you can stomach it, maybe try what wigs you out in different manners - or if you have a close friend/parent/S.O., have them make you something and be vague about it until later. Back on the poultry issue, the only, and I mean ONLY turkey I can eat is the 93/7 Jennie-O ground turkey, and that's only if it's ground further, mixed with taco seasonings, and made to be a walking taco. (Single serve Dorito bag with the meat and whatever else you wanna chuck in there.) Discovered that by accident, but it helps for a week every couple of months.

All that madness, and I've still managed to lose over 200lbs. Find things you like, and go nuts.

ilex70 wrote: »

From things I've seen with people that have various phobias the usual therapy is desensitization, like start with just smelling/touching but not tasting; then maybe try putting some in your mouth for a short time, but not swallowing it...gradually increase the time so you get more accustomed to it. That sort of thing...

This. Look up "food chaining", there are books on techniques on how to do this. Getting used to being around the food helps, the chaining technique is a gradual way to start with foods you like plus something similar to the phobia food(s), then once you have conquered that have something a little closer, until you make your way to the food you previously feared. (Ex: french fries > deep fried veggies > veggies)
Conquer this separately from the weight loss. Work on reducing calories on the foods you eat now, but try experimenting with this also. After all you can lose weight by eating nothing but mac & cheese if you stop at your calorie limit, but you're making an effort to get healthy, too. Good for you!
If you really need help there are sensory therapists who can help. My experience is with treatment for my child but they may have these for adults, too.
Good luck!