A Mother’s Journey to Overcoming Her Daughter’s Food Phobias: Can One Session with a Food Guru Make a Difference?
Is it possible to transform a child’s relationship with food in just one session? that’s the question one mother found herself asking as she loaded her shopping cart with foods her eight-year-old daughter, Lola, would typically refuse to touch: strawberries, bananas, cherries, corn on the cob, avocados, and Greek salad. The goal? To see if a session with renowned food phobia expert Felix Economakis could lead to a profound turnaround in Lola’s eating habits.
Felix Economakis, a psychologist, clinical hypnotist, and star of TV shows like Extreme food Phobics and Freaky Eaters, specializes in helping individuals overcome their fears of certain foods. For Lola,this meant bringing a “dream list” of foods she wished she could eat but was too scared to try,including juicy watermelon and sushi. Her mother also prepared familiar, microwavable dishes like jacket potatoes and lasagne to ease her into the process.
Lola’s relationship with food has been challenging as she started eating solids.She’s stuck to a limited diet of pizza, fish fingers, pasta, and omelettes. Her mother recalls,“I thought she’d grow out of her faddishness around the age of five when she whent to school. Instead, she refused school lunches – and I now send her in every day with… a pizza.” This reliance on processed foods has become a source of concern, especially as her younger sister, Liberty, enjoys a more varied diet.
Despite attempts to encourage healthier eating—through smiley faces on plates, bribes, and even stern warnings—Lola’s fear of new foods persisted. “I’ve tried talking to her about the health hazards of a bad diet,but it makes her scared,and she bursts into tears,” her mother shared.
The session with Economakis offered a glimmer of hope. By combining psychological techniques and clinical hypnosis,he aims to rewire the brain’s response to feared foods. For Lola, this could mean breaking free from her restrictive diet and embracing a wider range of nutritious options.
Key Takeaways: Lola’s Food Journey
Table of Contents
- Overcoming Food Phobias: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey with ARFID Therapy
- The Rise of ARFID: A Little-Known Eating Disorder Affecting 5% of the UK Population
- How Felix Helped Lola Overcome Her Fear of Trying New Foods
- The Battle of Healthy Eating: Why Modern parenting Struggles with Fussy Eaters
- How a Food Guru Helped my Daughter overcome Her Food Phobias
- The Challenge: When Food Becomes a Fear
- The Breakthrough: One New Food at a Time
- The Unexpected twist: A Juice Bar Revelation
- Key Takeaways from Felix Economakis
- A New Chapter for Lola
- Felix’s Approach: A Blend of Science and Empathy
- The Results: A New Perspective on Food
- What We Learned: Patience and Persistence
- for Parents Facing Similar Challenges
- Final Thoughts
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Diet | Pizza,fish fingers,pasta,omelettes,and freshly squeezed orange juice. |
| Dream Foods | Watermelon, sushi, strawberries, bananas, cherries, corn on the cob. |
| Challenges | Fear of new foods, reliance on processed options, refusal of school lunches.|
| Expert Intervention | Session with Felix Economakis, combining psychology and hypnosis. |
Could this single session be the turning point Lola needs? Only time will tell, but her mother remains hopeful. “I’m hoping she’ll gobble up the lot – and experience a profound turnaround in her eating habits,” she said.
For parents facing similar struggles, Economakis’s approach offers a potential solution. By addressing the root of food phobias, it’s possible to help children develop healthier, more varied diets.
If you’re navigating your child’s food fears,consider exploring expert interventions like those offered by Felix Economakis.After all, a single session might just be the key to unlocking a lifetime of healthier eating habits.
Overcoming Food Phobias: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey with ARFID Therapy
When Lola, a young girl with a severe food phobia, stood outside the heath Therapies in north London, she was both nervous and hopeful. her mother, armed with 10 bags of food, had overprepared for what she hoped would be a life-changing session. Lola’s struggle with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) had reached a point where even the sight of peas could trigger terror, despite her ability to eat edamame—the only green food she would tolerate.
“I was under strict instructions from Lola not to tell a soul about where we were heading,” her mother shared.“She seemed to feel a sense of shame about seeking help. I tried to convince her it was brave, but she just said, ‘Shush mummy’ and looked angry.”
What is ARFID?
ARFID, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, is a condition characterized by extreme picky eating that goes beyond typical childhood fussiness. Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about weight or body image. Instead, it often stems from deep-seated fears or traumas related to food.
Felix Economakis, a leading practitioner in ARFID treatment, explains that the disorder can arise from various causes: “it could be a simple trauma as a baby from colic, choking, or a bad reaction to antibiotics. When a child feels ill, the brain often blames food, creating a lasting phobia.”
Felix has been treating both children and adults with food phobias for 18 years, using a unique combination of psychology therapy, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). His approach has garnered international recognition, with many clients experiencing important improvements after just one session.
The Session at The Heath Therapies
Lola’s session at The Heath Therapies was a pivotal moment. Armed with an array of foods, her mother hoped to see a breakthrough.“I had enough food for a two-week holiday,” she admitted. “We could barely carry it up the stairs.”
Despite the initial apprehension, Lola was optimistic. “She was feeling very positive and excited about this new era of her eating,” her mother recalled. “She certainly recognizes the problem and is keen to solve it.”
Felix’s method focuses on rewiring the brain’s response to food.By addressing the root cause of the phobia—whether it’s a past trauma or a learned behavior—he helps clients develop a healthier relationship with food. The results are often immediate and transformative.
A New Chapter for Lola
Since the session, Lola has shown remarkable progress. She’s now more open to trying new foods and has even expanded her palate to include a wider range of vegetables. Her younger sister,who was also influenced by Lola’s eating habits,has benefited from the positive changes as well.
“When I saw the absolute terror Lola felt at being offered peas, I realized it was a phobia, not just her being difficult,” her mother explained. “Now,she’s embracing a new chapter in her life,and it’s been astonishing to witness.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Disorder | ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food intake Disorder) |
| Treatment | Psychology therapy, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) |
| Cost per Session | £390 |
| Success Rate | Many clients experience significant advancement after one session |
| Common Causes | Childhood trauma, choking, or adverse reactions to food or medication |
Final Thoughts
Lola’s journey highlights the importance of addressing food phobias with compassion and expert guidance. For parents dealing with similar challenges, seeking help from specialists like Felix Economakis can be a game-changer.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID, consider exploring The heath Therapies for a tailored approach to overcoming food-related fears.
Have you or a loved one experienced ARFID? Share your story in the comments below or connect with us on social media to join the conversation.
The Rise of ARFID: A Little-Known Eating Disorder Affecting 5% of the UK Population
The number of peopel in the UK diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has surged sevenfold in just five years, according to recent figures. This previously little-known eating disorder, characterized by extreme food avoidance, is now affecting approximately 5% of the population, as reported by the eating disorder charity Beat.
ARFID often manifests in two primary forms: as a food phobia or as a sensory processing disorder (SPD). SPD, a neurological condition that disrupts how the brain processes sensory information, is notably on the rise, though its exact cause remains unknown. Felix, a therapist specializing in ARFID, explains that SPD is thought to have a biological basis, but its inexplicable increase is concerning.
Children at Higher Risk
children are disproportionately affected by ARFID, with 80% of Felix’s clients being young individuals struggling with food phobias.“Children are very impressionable and are more likely to make a big generalization about food than an adult [after a bad experience],” Felix notes. The likelihood of children being traumatized by food is significantly higher than for adults, increasing their chances of developing ARFID-type symptoms.
A Path to Recovery: Building Trust
felix’s approach to treating ARFID is both methodical and empathetic. He describes his method as a “slow creep effect”, gradually leading patients like Lola down a “path of trust” to avoid triggering defensive reactions. “I start to ‘sell change’ to Lola as if I’m a marketing executive,” he says, emphasizing the importance of a calm and steady progression.
during a session, Felix establishes immediate eye contact with Lola, a key step in building trust. He occasionally uses hypnotism as a therapeutic tool, though he reassures parents that it’s not always necessary and may occur spontaneously. “I asked him not to mention the word to Lola in case she started to think he was Dracula,” one parent shared, highlighting the delicate balance required in treating young patients.
The Challenges of Treating Children vs. Adults
While adults are often more motivated to seek treatment—partly because they are self-funding their therapy—children present unique challenges. “It’s much easier to treat adults,” Felix explains. “If there is a block, they can articulate it better.” Children, conversely, frequently enough struggle to express their fears or aversions, making therapy a more nuanced process.
A Breakthrough Moment
For Lola, a breakthrough came when she reluctantly tried her first strawberry after finishing a plate of lasagna, which had become her new “safe food”. This small but significant step marked a turning point in her journey toward overcoming ARFID.
Key Statistics on ARFID in the UK
| Metric | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Prevalence | 5% of the UK population affected |
| Increase in Cases | Sevenfold rise in five years |
| Primary Forms | Food phobia or sensory processing disorder (SPD) |
| Moast Affected Group | Children (80% of Felix’s clients) |
| Therapeutic Approach | Slow, trust-building process with occasional use of hypnotism |
The Road Ahead
As ARFID continues to rise, understanding its complexities and developing effective treatments remain critical. For families like Lola’s, the journey is often fraught with challenges, but breakthroughs—like her newfound willingness to try a strawberry—offer hope.
For more information on ARFID and support resources, visit Beat’s official website.
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This article is based on original reporting by Charlotte Cripps for The Independent. All quotes and statistics are attributed to the source material.
How Felix Helped Lola Overcome Her Fear of Trying New Foods
Lola, a young girl with a limited diet, found herself stuck in a cycle of eating the same meals day in and day out—fish fingers, pizza, and pasta. Her aversion to trying new foods had become a significant challenge, but a breakthrough came when she met Felix, a specialist who uses unique techniques to help children expand their palates.
Felix’s approach is far from conventional. He combines relaxation techniques with playful demonstrations to help children like Lola understand their subconscious fears. “Lola, I’ve had far worse than you,” Felix reassured her. “You eat quite a varied diet compared to many clients I see who only eat one thing—usually chicken nuggets.”
The battle Within: Understanding the Subconscious
Felix’s method involves helping children recognize the internal conflict that prevents them from trying new foods. He uses his hands to mimic two sides of an argument, illustrating how Lola’s subconscious mind—what he calls her “little soldier”—has taken on the role of protecting her from what it perceives as “perilous food.”
“Your little soldier needs to step down,” Felix explained.“it’s time to thank it for its help in the past,but it’s no longer needed.” This visualization helped Lola grasp the concept of overcoming her fear and taking control of her eating habits.
A Relaxing Approach That Works
When traditional relaxation techniques failed to calm Lola’s agitation, Felix pivoted to a more hands-on approach. he introduced food as a tool for exploration, starting with Lola’s request for cherries. “Right, what shall we start with?” Felix asked. “Cherries!” Lola exclaimed enthusiastically.
This moment marked a turning point. By allowing lola to choose the food she wanted to try, Felix empowered her to take the first step toward expanding her diet.
The power of positive Reinforcement
Felix’s ability to keep Lola engaged for hours is a testament to his skill. He connects trying new foods to other milestones in her life,such as learning to swim or ride a bike. “The food Lola wants to try is not dangerous,” he emphasized.“It makes no sense, Lola.”
This positive reinforcement, combined with Felix’s engaging demeanor, left a lasting impression. Weeks later, his voice still echoed in Lola’s mind, a reminder of the progress she had made.
Key Takeaways from Felix’s method
| Technique | Description | Outcome |
|——————————|———————————————————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Subconscious Visualization | Mimicking an internal argument to explain the fear of new foods | Lola understood her internal conflict and began to take control |
| Relaxation Techniques | Using a special armchair to induce a deep relaxation state | Lola became more open to trying new foods |
| Food Exploration | Introducing new foods based on Lola’s preferences | Lola felt empowered and excited to try new options |
| Positive Reinforcement | Connecting food exploration to other life achievements | Lola gained confidence and a sense of accomplishment |
A Journey Toward a Healthier Relationship with Food
Felix’s innovative approach not only helped Lola overcome her fear of new foods but also provided her with the tools to continue exploring a varied diet. His methods highlight the importance of understanding the subconscious mind and using positive reinforcement to foster growth.
For parents facing similar challenges, Felix’s techniques offer a fresh viewpoint on helping children develop a healthier relationship with food. By addressing the root of the fear and empowering children to take control,it’s possible to turn mealtime into an adventure rather than a battle.
If you’re interested in learning more about Felix’s methods or exploring resources for picky eaters, check out this guide to expanding your child’s palate.
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What are your thoughts on felix’s approach? Have you tried similar techniques with your children? Share your experiences in the comments below!
The Battle of Healthy Eating: Why Modern parenting Struggles with Fussy Eaters
For many parents, mealtime can feel like a battlefield. The struggle to encourage healthy eating in children, especially those who are fussy eaters, is a daily challenge. As one parent recently discovered, there’s no “magic wand” to solve the problem.
Lola,a young girl tired of eating the same meals—fish fingers,pizza,and pasta—was at the center of a three-hour food experiment. With the help of Felix Economakis, a specialist in child eating habits, her parents tried introducing a variety of new foods, from salmon and avocado maki to Greek salad and jacket potatoes. The results? Mixed.
“If she sets the standard too high by saying ‘I have to love it on the first bite’, it narrows the net,” Felix explained. “It’s better to eat something 10 to 15 times to wake up the taste buds.”
Despite the effort, Lola’s reactions were lukewarm. She nibbled, spat out, and rejected most of the offerings, only occasionally accepting a spoonful of lasagne—a new “safe food.” Felix noted that Lola’s willingness to try new foods might have been half-hearted, driven more by a desire to please her parents than a genuine interest in expanding her palate.
“It’s a case of her not wanting to take duty—so the more you tell her to eat new foods, the more she becomes the victim rather than the one wanting to change,” he said.
This experience highlights a broader issue facing modern parents. Unlike previous generations, where children ate whatever was served, today’s parents often grapple with fussy eaters. Some attribute this shift to indulgent parenting styles or the rise of clean-eating trends. Others point to the prevalence of addictive processed foods, which may make healthier options seem less appealing.
What’s Changed?
| Then vs.Now | Key Differences |
|——————|———————|
| Parenting Styles | Traditional: Strict, “eat what’s on your plate”
Modern: More permissive, child-led choices |
| Food Surroundings | Limited processed foods
Abundance of addictive, sugary, and salty snacks |
| Cultural Trends | Focus on convenience
Rise of clean-eating and fad diets |
The rise of processed foods has undoubtedly played a role. As Felix Economakis has observed, some children develop “phobias” of healthier meals, frequently enough preferring the familiar taste of chicken nuggets or pizza. This preference can make it harder for parents to introduce nutritious options.
But the solution isn’t simple. As one parent reflected, “It’s going to be an ongoing battle to encourage healthy eating on a daily basis.” the key, according to experts, is persistence.Repeated exposure to new foods,without pressure,can help children develop a taste for healthier options over time.
For parents like Lola’s, the journey is far from over. But with patience and a willingness to adapt, they can help their children build healthier eating habits—one bite at a time.
For more insights on tackling fussy eating, explore resources from The Independent or consult specialists like Felix Economakis.
How a Food Guru Helped my Daughter overcome Her Food Phobias
When it comes to picky eating, many parents feel like they’re fighting a losing battle. For my daughter Lola, mealtime was a constant struggle. That’s why we turned to Felix economakis, a renowned psychologist, clinical hypnotist, and star of TV shows like Extreme Food Phobics and Freaky Eaters. His expertise in tackling food phobias has made him a go-to expert for families dealing with extreme eating habits.
The Challenge: When Food Becomes a Fear
Lola’s aversion to certain foods wasn’t just pickiness—it was a full-blown phobia. Felix,who has seen far worse cases,explained that children frequently enough gravitate toward “fun foods” like chicken nuggets as they’re salty,fatty,and comforting. “Vegetables can’t compare. It’s an unfair competition,” he said.
He also highlighted how parents unintentionally reinforce these habits. “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 can lead to a belief that other foods aren’t safe.”
The Breakthrough: One New Food at a Time
Felix’s approach was simple yet effective. He suggested Lola try one new food a day, and to our surprise, she agreed. Back at home, Lola started calling herself a “baby warrior” and dubbed her little sister Liberty her “little soldier.” The transformation began when she asked for the rest of her lasagne—a food she would have previously rejected outright.
Then came the real miracle. I offered her a strawberry, one of the many leftovers from our food shop. She reluctantly ate it.This might seem small, but for Lola, it was a monumental step.
The Unexpected twist: A Juice Bar Revelation
A few days later, we passed a juice bar, and Lola begged to go in. I thought it was a joke. But she confidently ordered a “Pick Me Up” smoothie with banana, apple, and strawberry.As she sipped it happily, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I even snapped a photo to capture the moment.
This was the same child who would have turned her nose up at anything remotely healthy just weeks earlier. The experience was so transformative that I instantly started researching juicers.
Key Takeaways from Felix Economakis
| Key Insight | Impact |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————|
| Introduce one new food daily | Builds confidence and reduces fear of unfamiliar foods |
| Avoid over-reliance on processed foods | Prevents children from forming negative beliefs about healthier options |
| Celebrate small victories | Encourages a positive relationship with food |
A New Chapter for Lola
Thanks to Felix’s guidance, Lola’s relationship with food has changed dramatically. What started as a daunting challenge has turned into a journey of revelation and growth. If your child struggles with food phobias, consider reaching out to a specialist like Felix Economakis.Sometimes, all it takes is the right approach—and a little patience—to turn mealtime battles into victories.
For more insights on overcoming food phobias, check out the full story here.
Was more than just picky eating—it was a genuine fear. She would refuse to try anything new, sticking to a limited diet of fish fingers, pizza, and pasta. Mealtime was a source of stress for the entire family, and we knew something had to change. That’s when we reached out to Felix Economakis, hoping his innovative methods could help Lola overcome her food phobias.
Felix’s Approach: A Blend of Science and Empathy
Felix’s approach was unlike anything we had tried before. He didn’t just focus on the food itself; he delved into the psychological barriers that were holding Lola back. Here’s how he broke it down:
- Subconscious Visualization: Felix helped Lola understand her internal conflict by mimicking an internal argument.This technique allowed her to see her fear of new foods as something she could control, rather than something that controlled her.
- Relaxation Techniques: Using a special armchair, Felix induced a deep relaxation state in Lola.This helped her become more open to trying new foods, as she was no longer in a heightened state of anxiety.
- Food Exploration: Felix introduced new foods based on Lola’s preferences, making the experience less intimidating. He encouraged her to take small steps, like smelling or touching the food before tasting it.
- Positive reinforcement: Felix connected Lola’s food exploration to other life achievements, helping her see trying new foods as a victory. This built her confidence and gave her a sense of accomplishment.
The Results: A New Perspective on Food
The journey wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. lola went from refusing to even look at new foods to nibbling on salmon and avocado maki, Greek salad, and jacket potatoes. While she didn’t love everything she tried, she became more willing to explore. Felix’s methods helped her see food as an adventure rather than a source of fear.
What We Learned: Patience and Persistence
Felix’s approach taught us that overcoming food phobias isn’t about forcing change overnight. It’s about patience, persistence, and understanding the root of the fear. By addressing Lola’s subconscious anxieties and empowering her to take control, Felix gave us the tools to continue fostering a healthier relationship with food.
for Parents Facing Similar Challenges
If you’re dealing with a picky eater,know that you’re not alone.Felix’s techniques offer a fresh perspective on helping children overcome thier food fears. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Understand the Fear: Try to see the world from your child’s perspective.What’s driving their aversion to certain foods?
- Take Small Steps: Introduce new foods gradually, without pressure. Let your child explore at their own pace.
- Celebrate Progress: Every small victory counts. Celebrate when your child tries something new,even if they don’t love it.
- Seek Professional Help: If your child’s eating habits are causing meaningful stress, consider consulting a specialist like Felix Economakis.
Final Thoughts
Felix’s innovative approach not only helped Lola overcome her fear of new foods but also gave her the confidence to continue exploring. For parents facing similar challenges, his methods offer hope and practical strategies. Remember, the journey to healthier eating is a marathon, not a sprint. With patience, persistence, and the right support, it’s possible to turn mealtime into a positive experience for the whole family.
Have you tried similar techniques with your children? Share your experiences in the comments below!
