A 13-year-old girl has survived on a diet solely consisting of croissants and pasta for more than a decade.
Ciarra Franco, 13, became terrified of trying new foods after almost choking as a toddler, and mum Angela has spent years trying to get her daughter to broaden her tastes.
She refused to eat school dinners when she started in reception and only agreed to eat a packed lunch of croissants every day, the Daily Star reports.
But now, the teen has finally branched out after her family reached out to a hypnotherapist who specialises in treating children with selective eating disorder.
Ciarra has been able to try a variety of new foods such as Chinese takeaway and even fruit like pineapple.
Angela said: “Since she was two, one of the only things she has eaten constantly is croissants for lunch and plain pasta for her dinner.
“She’d occasionally try plain cereal, like cornflakes, and ready salted crisps, but she’s had a croissant every day for lunch for as long as I can remember.
“We always knew that she wasn’t just a fussy eater, but it was always quite upsetting for her when we’d go for meals out or get a takeaway that she wouldn’t eat what we were having.”
Angela, from Canterbury, Kent, eventually contacted hypnotherapist David Kilmurry after seeing an article in a local newspaper about a similar case he had assisted with.
After just six weeks with him, listening to relaxation music before meals, using an achievement chart, and expressing her food fears, Ciarra can now enjoy a takeaway with her family.
Angela added: “She’s tried so many new foods since her hypnotherapy and whilst she’s still got a long way to go, her palate has changed massively.
“Some of her favourite things to eat now include sweet and sour chicken, roast potatoes with seasoning, and even pineapple.
“She’s still trying new things everyday it’s an amazing achievement!”
