Functional Goals: Food Chaining Ideas for Older Children and Adults

Working with teenagers and adults can be easier in some ways and it can also be more difficult than children. It is often easier because older teens and adults see how challenging it can be not to be able to eat in social environments, communication is less of a challenge, learning about food can be accomplished quite easily and they are usually motivated to change. It can be more difficult at times because the selective eating patterns have been disordered for so long. It may seem like an overwhelming challenge.

But the truth is anyone can learn to eat a new food at any time in their life. You are never too old. The good thing is there are so many nice surprises out there and there are foods that may be very enjoyable.

So how do you learn to eat a new food? It is best to pick foods that match your sensory preferences/profile, but you can also target a new food you want to learn to eat. For some people, salad is a very functional food. You can eat it anywhere, with other foods you may like very much, such as bread or rolls, there are many dressings in a wide range of flavors, from oil based to creamy and you can control the amount. So break it down into achievable steps. Iceberg lettuce may be easier than mixed greens.

Explore the food, start with small pieces and work up to a level where you can take a few bites each day. The more you eat a new food, even in tiny amounts; the less sensitive you will become. Alternate a bite of lettuce with a bite of a food you enjoy. Take a bite of lettuce, take a bite of a favorite food or take a drink. Work up to two bites of lettuce between bites of a familiar food or drink. It is important that you pick a food that is functional for your lifestyle.

College students may find that learning to eat pizza is very functional. If you like bread or rolls, you may start with breadsticks, garlic toast or cheesy bread and in time be able to eat thin crust cheese pizza. If you are a business person and challenged by business dinners, explore menus for other items to add to your plate that you enjoy. Put a small portion of a target food on your plate. Desensitize yourself to the food item in a progression. Just having it on your plate or a side plate, is a start. Some people want to learn to eat a very challenging food like Sushi. That is a tall order. If you are going to go for it, again take it a step at a time. But start small, breaking it apart with a fork or utensil or exploring the sauces to mask flavor. Don't force it, give yourself time.