Ben Goika, 35, has eaten six waffles every day since he was five years old and has eaten more than 65,000 waffles in his lifetime.
The electrician would skip breakfast and lunch, snack on smarties and fruit pastels, and then eat a griddled square plate of potatoes for dinner.
He sometimes added pork or steak medallions for added flavor, but never missed out on his favorite dishes.
Even the thought of eating fruits and vegetables makes Ben feel sick and even nauseous.
When Ben collapsed and was taken to hospital last year, he desperately called for help.
He was diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) after coming into contact with cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist David Kilmurry.
After several hypnotherapy sessions, Ben was able to enjoy fruits, vegetables, and pasta for the first time.
Ben, who lives in Telford with his partner Kath, 31, said:
“I would like to eat six of these waffles and one steak and pork medallion. I only had one meal a day.
“If you buy something from Aldi, you’re probably buying four packs, or 36 waffles, so that’s five packs a week.
“I didn’t eat anything all day and probably only drank Lucozade or Ribena while I was at work.
“You might want to drink a box of Fruit Pastel or Smarties before bed at night.”
Ben says his obsession with food started when he was four or five years old.
She added, “Ever since I can remember, I’ve hated food.
“My mother said that I used to eat everything, but at some point I stopped. I was about 2 years old, but I don’t remember anymore.
“I was going to have a cheeseburger at the time, but that was it.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve hated food.
“My mother said that I used to eat everything, but at some point I stopped. I was about 2 years old, but I don’t remember anymore.
“I was going to have a cheeseburger at the time, but that was it.
“It was more of a phobia of eating other foods. If someone said I’d try a little bit of a 1,000-pound apple, I’d say no chance.”
“I don’t even want to try anything anymore, and my health gets worse.
“It’s actually not a well-known phobia; most people think it’s about being picky about eating. It’s actually ARFID.”
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition in which an individual intentionally avoids certain foods.
Ben sought treatment for his symptoms from dietary expert David Kilmurry in November and has continued to eat a variety of foods ever since.
He now eats bran flakes for breakfast and isn’t afraid to try new foods, but still sticks to his usual dinner.
Ben said: “I didn’t know what to expect from hypnosis, but David put me down, put me back down, and brought me a plate of food.
“There were bran flakes, apple pieces, and dried sultanas. I actually tried it in my first session. I said, ‘How is that possible?’
“We tried salads, red onions, all kinds of fruit: apples, blueberries, apples, strawberries, raspberries.
“All major health foods are like that. I tried eating Brussels sprouts raw.
“I feel much healthier and happier myself.”
David, who runs clinics in Coventry and Harley Street, London, said: “Ben came to us with his partner Kath after being admitted with ARFID.
“We were shocked to learn that his safe food was waffles, but after the hypnosis, Ben ate two plates of new foods, including spaghetti, fresh fruit salad, and cereal.
“It was a pleasure to meet and work with Ben and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors as a free eater.
“I hear Ben loves eating out and spicy sandwiches now. I’m so happy it worked out for him.”
