What is it called when you only want to eat one thing? ARFID and Restricted Eating

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 1.5% of adults meet the diagnostic criteria for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). The question of what is it called when you only want to eat one thing can be answered by exploring both the temporary phases and more serious medical conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the term for when someone only wants to eat one thing, detailing ARFID and food jags. Learn the symptoms, psychological factors, and health risks associated with a restricted diet.

Key Points

ARFID Definition: Eating disorder marked by restricted intake not caused by body image concerns.
Food Jags: Temporary developmental phase where children eat a limited number of foods.
Key Difference: ARFID has more severe health and psychosocial consequences compared to food jags.
Causes: Sensory sensitivities, trauma, or anxiety can trigger restricted eating.
When to Seek Help: Professional help is necessary if restrictive eating causes weight loss or social impairment.
Treatment: ARFID treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and nutritional counseling.

Introduction: The Psychology of Limited Diets

Eating involves biological, psychological, and social factors. Some people find comfort and control in eating the same food repeatedly. This behavior can range from a harmless habit to a serious eating disorder. The different terms and underlying causes are essential to understanding this behavior.

ARFID: A Clinical Diagnosis

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a clinical diagnosis for a persistent pattern of only wanting to eat one thing or a limited range of foods. ARFID is not driven by body image concerns, unlike anorexia or bulimia. ARFID is characterized by a lack of interest in food, a sensitivity to textures or smells, or a fear of negative consequences. This can cause nutritional deficiencies, growth problems in children, and dependence on supplements.

Symptoms of ARFID include:

Weight loss or failure to gain weight
Nutritional deficiencies
Reliance on supplements or tube feeding
Interference with psychosocial functioning
Only eating foods of a similar color or texture
Anxiety during mealtimes

Food Jags: A Temporary Phase

A food jag is a phase where a child eats only one or a small group of foods. While it can be frustrating, this is a normal developmental stage. Food jags are temporary and do not lead to malnutrition. A food jag can be more concerning for children with feeding difficulties.

Tips for handling food jags:

Do not panic; most children outgrow this phase.
Continue to offer a variety of healthy foods.
Do not force your child to eat.
Involve your child in food preparation.
Avoid labeling your child as a picky eater.

Causes of Restricted Eating

Sensory sensitivities, particularly regarding texture, are common. Negative experiences can also trigger restricted eating. Psychological factors such as anxiety can play a role. A history of trauma can lead to aversion to certain foods.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking professional help is crucial if a restrictive eating pattern impacts physical health, mental well-being, or social life. Treatment for ARFID often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and nutritional counseling. Healthcare professionals help address psychological factors and create a plan to expand the range of acceptable foods.

Comparison: Food Jags vs. ARFID


Feature	Food Jags	Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Defining Factor	A temporary phase where a person eats a limited range of familiar foods.	A clinical eating disorder characterized by a persistent failure to meet nutritional needs.
Primary Motivation	Comfort and familiarity.	Sensory sensitivities, lack of interest in food, or fear of negative consequences.
Duration	Temporary, lasting weeks or months.	Chronic and persistent without treatment.
Health Impact	Minimal to no long-term health impact.	Can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and serious health complications.
Psychological Factors	Primarily developmental.	Underlying anxiety, trauma, or heightened sensory awareness are common.
Treatment	Patience and continued exposure to a variety of foods.	Professional intervention with therapy (CBT), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring.

Conclusion

While a food jag is normal, a persistent, restricted diet may indicate ARFID. Recognizing signs of problematic eating patterns is crucial. Resources are available to help navigate these challenges and develop a healthier relationship with food. For information on ARFID diagnosis and treatment, visit the NCBI's StatPearls article.

Frequently Asked Questions

This can be called a 'food jag', a normal developmental stage. Persistent eating of a single food, with nutritional consequences, could be Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

It can be, especially if it leads to nutritional deficiencies or weight loss. This may be a sign of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Picky eating is a normal behavior and does not typically result in significant health issues. ARFID is a severe eating disorder that leads to nutritional deficiencies and is not motivated by body image concerns.

Aversion to certain food textures can stem from heightened sensory sensitivities. This can make specific textures, tastes, or smells overwhelming or unpleasant, leading to avoidance.

Offer a variety of foods, avoid pressuring the child to eat, and involve them in preparing meals. The phase will likely pass on its own.

Seek help if the eating pattern impacts a person’s weight, causes nutritional deficiencies, leads to reliance on supplements, or causes significant social anxiety and distress.

Yes, ARFID can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and nutritional counseling. Treatment goals include restoring nutritional health.

No. A food jag is temporary, whereas selective eating can be persistent or a symptom of ARFID.