Picky eater was obsessed with potato waffles for 30 years before he became hypnotized

A gluttonous man who was addicted to potato waffles for 30 years is finally able to eat properly thanks to hypnosis.

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 with his partner Kath, 31, in Telford, Shropshire, said: “I think I’ll eat one meal a day and that’s dinner.”

“I’d eat six waffles and a steak and pork medallion. That was just one meal a day. If I buy something from Aldi, I’ll probably buy a four-pack, so that’s 36 waffles. That’s five.” I don’t eat anything all day, and only drink Lucozade at work or a Fruit Pastel or Smartie before bed at night. ”

Ben says his obsession with food started when he was four or five years old. He added: “Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a fear of food. My mother said I used to eat everything, but at some point I stopped. I was about 2 years old and I don’t remember. “That’s what I would do,” he added. Then have a cheeseburger, but that was it. ”

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a fear of food. My mother said I used to eat everything, but at some point I stopped. I was about two years old, I don’t remember. I was eating a cheeseburger.” But it was now a phobia of eating other foods. If someone asked me to sample 1,000 pounds of apples, I would say no chance.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t even think about trying anything. I’d start feeling sick. Actually, this isn’t a well-known phobia. Most people are picky eaters. I’m thinking, actually, it’s ARFID.

Avoidant food intake disorder is a disorder in which a person 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 hypnotherapy, but David put me down, helped me stand up, and brought me a plate with food on it. Bran flakes, apple pieces, It had dried sultanas in it. I actually tried it on.”In the first session I said, “How is that possible?” I’ve tried all the major healthy foods like salads, red onions, apples, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, and I feel much healthier on my own. I’m happier. ”

David, who runs clinics in Coventry and Harley Street, London, said: “Ben came in with his partner Kath after being admitted to hospital with ARFID and we were shocked to find out that his only safe food was waffles. However, after the hypnosis, Ben ate two plates of waffles.” New foods such as spaghetti, fresh fruit salad, and cereals. ”

“It was a pleasure to meet and work with Ben and as a free eater I wish him all the best in his future health. I hear Ben now loves eating out and spicy sandwiches. I’m very happy that it worked out.”