Hey. I was recently diagnosed with Autism, and I'm SUPER happy I got diagnosed (finally, after years of fighting for a PROPER assessment...got diagnosed with gender identity and even borderline personality disorder, which is completely opposite of what I am). I found a doctor that listened, had me do a whole assessment paper, and even talked to my parents for a full history. So, I know that's what it is.

Here's my issue. Food both excites me and bores me. I HATE most foods, and that's only increased with how most foods deal with me. I found out I have the symptoms of Crohn's, so when I eat things like salads and whole grain stuff (anything HEALTHY), I get intense pain in my abdomen. I only get relief, right now, from simply not eating those foods. But, I want to lose weight! All the foods I CAN eat are JUNK, but I'm scared to eat anything like whole wheat bread, cut out my sodas (caffeine and the carbonation are the best things for me, since caffeine calms me and the carbonation actually makes my stomach feel BETTER, believe it or not), eat ANY veggies (since they all tend to be triggers for Crohn's), and even add healthy alternatives. I'm sensitive to stuff.

Here's my question...is it OKAY for me to spend more money on the food I DO eat? I tend to eat a lot of food from restaurants, because they do it the way I like. They also give me different foods that I know I can handle. McDonalds is, surprisingly, one of the ones I CAN handle. And Dairy Queen. And a few other restaurants. I tend to order in or send my hubby out for those foods, since that ends up being the only stuff I DO eat.

Is it okay that I'm picky? Am I even being PICKY? Or is it justified, since half the food out there gives me anxiety over whether it will hurt me or not?

I don't know. I'm nervous I'm bringing our food costs up. I'm not a large woman. I'm a size 16 at most, and this is after giving birth to two kids. And, when I exercise, I lose weight. And, I also don't eat a LOT. I eat a bit here and there, but it's usually take out or certain dishes that need more expensive ingredients (tortellini is a fave, but it's $2.50 for one serving, so we usually only buy it for me). Does anyone else have this issue? Am I being a normal Autistic person? Or am I simply being picky? I want to eat healthier, but it's so hard when even WATER hurts me (I have to add lime juice to the water, and that's hard to find one that actually tastes GOOD).