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22 YEARS of ONLY Chicken Nuggets – She’s Never Eaten a Vegetable… Doctors Say Her Body Is Screaming for Help!
A 28-year-old woman from the UK, Zoe Sadler, has shared her extraordinary story of surviving for more than two decades—since early childhood—on an extremely limited diet consisting almost entirely of chicken nuggets, chips, and crisps, with no fruits or vegetables whatsoever. Diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a recognized eating disorder that triggers intense anxiety, distress, or revulsion toward certain foods or textures, Zoe explains that the mere thought of eating anything green or unfamiliar makes her feel physically ill.ARFID differs significantly from ordinary picky eating; it’s a serious medical condition that can severely restrict nutritional variety and lead to long-term health consequences if left unaddressed. In Zoe’s case, her diet has remained virtually unchanged since she was a toddler, with chicken nuggets serving as her primary staple food for over 22 years. She has recently begun seeking help through hypnotherapy in an effort to gradually introduce new foods and expand her acceptable options, though the process remains challenging and slow.
Medical professionals and nutrition experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with such extreme selective eating patterns. A prolonged lack of fruits, vegetables, and diverse food groups often results in significant nutritional deficiencies, including shortages of essential vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and fiber), minerals, and antioxidants. These shortfalls can contribute to a range of serious issues, including weakened immune function, chronic fatigue, poor wound healing, digestive problems like constipation or gut imbalances, anemia, bone density loss, and increased vulnerability to infections over time.In similar documented cases of ARFID involving highly restrictive diets (such as reliance on processed foods like nuggets and fried items), individuals have faced risks of obesity from high calorie but low-nutrient intake, dental issues from sugary or acidic elements, and broader metabolic complications. While some people with these disorders manage to avoid immediate severe symptoms for years—often due to the fortification in processed foods or sheer physiological adaptation—the cumulative effects can emerge later in life, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Treatment for ARFID typically involves a multidisciplinary approach: nutritional counseling to safely reintroduce balanced foods and address deficiencies (sometimes with supplements), cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure techniques to reduce fear responses around new foods, and in some cases, psychological support or hypnotherapy to build tolerance and confidence. Zoe’s decision to pursue hypnotherapy highlights a proactive step toward recovery, as experts emphasize that with proper guidance, many individuals can slowly broaden their diets and improve their overall health outlook.Her story has sparked renewed public awareness about ARFID, reminding people that what might appear as extreme “pickiness” can be a debilitating disorder requiring compassion, understanding, and professional help rather than judgment. As more cases come to light, health authorities continue to stress the critical role of varied nutrition in preventing avoidable long-term risks.
