Picky Eater Test Explained
It is a set of questions about how you (or someone you know) reacts to or consumes food. The goal is to identify if the target (e.g., you or your child) has an eating disorder. The questionary assesses the effect of picky eating on your daily life to expose if it is a concerning issue or an unharmful eating habit.
How Does It Work?
We divided our picky eater test into three stages. First, you provide us with information about the psychological aspects of your habits. Then, you answer questions about the effects of your diet on your body. And finally, we dig deep into your routine to see if there is any secretive behavior or not. (More on this below).
Psychological Signs
Being a picky eater is more of a psychological thing than an illness. While genes cause some sorts of eating disorders, socio-economical, traditional, and environmental aspects can develop severe conditions. That is why the first stage of the picky eater test focuses on your mental health and emotional bonds to foods.
Physical Symptoms
One way to find out if someone is a picky eater is to inspect their body. Due to the lack of food variety, fussy eaters are usually thinner and physically weaker than their peers. However, that is not true for all choosy individuals. Sometimes, the subject seems to be healthy even though they eat only a limited type of food. So, the picky eater quiz discovers any warning signs about your body to return the most accurate results.
Hidden Factors
Eating disorders urge the patients to isolate themselves and reduce their social activities. That is because having extremely different eating habits than others makes it difficult to build relationships. So, even choosy people who do not have severe symptoms sometimes find it hard to hang out with others. The picky eater test investigates your behavior looking for any hidden or secretive actions. It helps us categorize your disorder or preference more accurately.
History, Science, and Psychology of Picky Eaters
Before learning how to hunt, our ancestors relied on forage hunting. That is, they searched for foodstuff to survive. So, they naturally become better at “picking” the right food. Therefore, many scientists believe that picky eating is an evolutionary side effect of forage hunting and the will to avoid poisonous foods.
Modern-day science, however, suggests that we have two genes that might result in a picky eating disorder. The two said genes are called Taster and Non-Taster. People who have two Taster genes are likely to become picky eaters. That is while two Non-Taster genes reduce the chances of having eating disorders.
Picky eating could also be a physiological issue. Parents who are choosy or force their children to consume only certain types of edibles are more likely to have a fussy eater child in the future. There are also mental conditions such as Food Neophobia which causes the patient to have an uncontrollable fear of new diets.
Take the Picky Eater Test if You Have One or Two of These Symptoms
The quiz on this page is designed to discover any disorder or problem. But here are some reasons to take it if you still have doubts.
Note: Kati Morton, a licensed therapist, offers the following symptoms.
You Constantly Think About Food—One Way or Another.
One of the early signs of being a picky eater or having an ED is that you cannot stop thinking about food. It does not necessarily mean that you “crave it.” Sometimes, the patient is worried about what to eat or feels anxious about his/her next meal. Anything that relates to your diet and is bothering you mental-wise is a warning sign.
You Eat or Avoid Eating as a Reward or Punishment.
The picky eater test inspects the way you consume your food. If you constantly use edibles as rewards or punishments for yourself (or someone you know), there is something wrong. It might not be a sign of fussy eating, but it is an indicator of a disorder.
You Feel Forced to Do Things That Do Not Seem to be Okay.
Take the picky eater test if you think you cannot stop it. Most people with this condition believe in having no control over their behaviors, thoughts, and actions. While it is a treatable emotion, having such thoughts indicates something is wrong with your diet and eating habits.
Can You Take the Picky Eater Test if You Have Choosy Kid?
Yes, the picky eating disorder quiz on this page is kid-friendly. You, as a parent, can take it to find out if your child is a fussy eater or not. The questions are also simple enough for a kid to answer by themselves.
Things to Have in Mind Before Taking the Eating Disorder Quiz
According to Dr. Bruce Weinstock, chief of pediatrics at the Norwood Hospital, “All children are picky eaters.” He suggests that children have the responsibility to make their choices and learn to say no to things they do not want or like. So, you should give them the chance to choose their meal—at least to some extent.
Sumathi Reddy, a WSJ health journal reporter, says, “The best way to deal with a picky eater child is combining a favorite food with a new or disliked food.” She claims that this approach increases the chances of having your kid(s) trying new foodstuff by 10 to 15 times.
Picky eating is not a disorder as long as it is not affecting your routine and daily life. However, if you have to constantly change your plans or avoid certain situations just because of your eating habits, there might be something wrong. If that is the case for you, consult a nutritionist or psychiatrist to treat or control it.
Disclaimer
The results of the picky eater test are not diagnostic. You should see a doctor or a trained professional for any eating disorder diagnosis.
