I know all of the right things to do.  Comlex carbs, low fat meats, minimal sugar, lots of fiber, etc.  My problem is that I am a very picky eater and there are very few things I like (I'm a texture eater) so when I try to eat properly I am eating the same 5 things over and over and it gets really old.  Plus I have very little self discipline and have a strong tendancy to convince myself it's ok to have that milk shake (ice cream is my vice) and then I will get back on track later, which usually takes a few days to do.  I read about great recipes and I almost never like anything on them.  I just don't know what to do.  It's especially hard to be the kind of person who knows EXACTLY what to do to fix the problem yet I never seem to do it.  Is there anyone else that feels or felt just like this and can tell me what to do to work through it?  I need help! 

I understand your picky texture preferences.  My son has the same issues.  If you like pasta and pizza, you can come up with countless toppings and sauces and vegetables to use with these.  For myself, who has no pickiness but very interested in keeping my cholesterol down, I alternate entrees for dinner.  Every other night is a meat night.  On the off-meat nights, I prepare either: 1) a pasta with veggies or sauce, 2) eggs 3) beans and salad, 4) a cheese dish.  Try to use an alternating routine of your 5 things but with new combinations.  Eating is something we do to live, not live to do.  Otherwise we don't stay healthy. 

 I know this can be a very REAL problem and it can't be solved with simple platitudes. It might be a situation where you need to consider alternative therapy, such as with a hypnotherapist. It's normal for kids to have this situation, but as adults, when certain foods are so unappealing that we actually gag when trying to eat them, it's time to get serious. I doubt that you will get over this without serious support. If you are ready to take the steps needed, then find someone who actually specializes in eating disorders and get to the root of the problem. It may also involve work with a speech or occupational therapist if you have related physical issues. But don't let anyone tell you "oh, you just have to get used to it"--if it were THAT simple, you'd be a slim vegetarian by now!