A five-year-old girl from Coventry has triumphantly overcome a severe phobia of vegetables, transforming her diet just in time to enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
A Diet of 'Beige Foods' and a Health Warning
Emie Williams, aged five, would previously scream and cry if her mother, Hayley, 33, attempted to offer her anything beyond a limited selection of 'beige foods' like crackers and chips. Family meals became fraught occasions, with Emie refusing to try hot dinners and eating separately.
The situation reached a critical point last month during a routine health check. A blood test revealed that Emie had erratic sugar levels. Her parents, Hayley and husband Jamie, 36, rushed her to A&E, where doctors delivered a stark warning: Emie was in danger of developing diabetes unless her diet changed significantly.
Expert Intervention Breaks the Cycle
In desperation, Hayley contacted David Kilmurry, a specialist in obsessive eating conditions. Through a series of two-hour sessions, David used magic tricks and gentle conversation to build a rapport with Emie. Gradually, he introduced new foods in a pressure-free environment.
The results were remarkable. Emie now has 30 different foods she is willing to try. Her newfound favourites include apples and oranges. However, the most surprising transformation is her passion for Brussels sprouts, which she enjoys eating raw.
A Christmas Dinner to Remember
Hayley, who observed all the sessions, expressed her joy and relief. "I sat in all of the sessions and just watched David at work," she said. "Slowly, she tried more and more until she was really enjoying apples and oranges. She was really taken with sprouts, especially eating them raw."
The family is now eagerly anticipating a festive milestone. "I can’t wait to see her enjoying her first ever Christmas dinner with all the trimmings," Hayley added, marking a dramatic and healthy turnaround for the little girl just weeks before the holiday.
