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This Woman Has Eaten Only Pizza Every Day for 31 Years

By Orgesta Tolaj

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11 December 2023

pizza diet

© Ivan Torres / Unsplash

As children, we grew up believing that eating fatty and junk food will cause health issues in the future. We believed that burgers, fries, and pizzas were made to be eaten only at specific times or for specific events. But, why was that? Well, we now know it was because they are not necessarily good for you and your health. But, this woman is trying to prove the world otherwise. Meet Claire Simmons, the British woman who has been living off a pizza diet for over 30 years.

British Woman Introduces Pizza Diet

For the past 31 years, 33-year-old Londoner Claire Simmons has exclusively consumed cheese pizza. This was due to a condition known as Selective Eating Disorder. She experiences physical reactions like shaking and gagging when presented with any other type of food. She has been maintaining her health through exercise and hydration. However, doctors have cautioned that her limited diet may lead to future health issues. This includes a heart attack or stroke, due to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Simmons admits to being afraid of vegetables and fruits, emphasizing that her condition is a genuine medical concern rather than a matter of personal preference.

© Kelvin T / Unsplash

What Is Selective Eating Disorder?

Selective Eating Disorder (SED), also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), is a relatively newly recognized eating disorder characterized by a limited range of food preferences and an aversion to certain textures, smells, colors, or appearances of food. Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, which often involve concerns about body image and weight, SED is primarily characterized by restrictive eating patterns.

People with Selective Eating Disorder may have a strong preference for certain foods and may refuse to eat anything outside of this narrow range. The limited variety in their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may have adverse effects on their health. The condition is not just a matter of picky eating but is recognized as a legitimate mental health disorder. And that is why Claire Simmons has been eating a pizza diet until now.

Other Similar Stories to the Pizza Diet

Claire Simmons shared her challenging experience with the public after learning about Stacey Irvine, known as the “Chicken Nugget Girl,” who was hospitalized for consuming only chicken nuggets for 15 years. Another case that emerged was Jonathan McGowan, a British man who, for the past 30 years, has exclusively consumed roadkill. These stories, along with documentary series on extremely picky eaters, have gained attention. While the prevalence of such cases in England raises questions, the role of English tabloids in amplifying these stories for public interest is also considered a contributing factor.

I am sure if we saw this news as children, we would be pestering our parents to let us eat pizza all the time as well. But, how about now? Would you ever give this pizza diet a try after reading more about it?

You might also want to read: Diabetes Prevention 101: Breakfast Really IS Important

Orgesta Tolaj

Your favorite introvert who is buzzing around the Hive like a busy bee!

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