Description

In this 2-part episode, Dietitian Ann Kent and I discuss strategies for dealing with picky eaters. We introduce the Peas and Hoppiness app, which provides meal planning and recipe ideas, emphasize the importance of autonomy in children and allowing them the freedom to change their food preferences, and discuss the concept of safe foods and the biology behind picky eating.

We also explore the idea of serving dessert with dinner and removing pressure from mealtime. The conversation concludes with the importance of creating a safe environment at the table. There are various strategies for creating a safe and stress-free mealtime environment that Ann references as a "safe sanctuary" at the dinner table that blew my mind and put it in perspective for me.

Another big takeaway for me was the importance of taking the pressure off and allowing children to have autonomy in their food choices. The concept of the division of responsibility is explored, highlighting the role of parents in providing nutritious meals and children in deciding how much to eat. The conversation also touches on the importance of connection and kindness at the table, as well as changing the mindset around mealtime.

Additionally, Ann provides tips for incorporating fruit as a dessert option and balancing healthy desserts with sugar intake.

This can all be summed up by reiterating the idea that alignment is key with intuitive eating and the convenience of the Peas and Hoppiness app for meal planning.

Check out the app as well as her website: peasandhoppiness.com and use the code RECLAIM30 for a free month of meal planning with access to 800 recipes, weekly plans, grocery lists, etc!

Takeaways

• Allow children the autonomy to make choices about their food.
• Encourage children to try new foods and allow them the freedom to change their preferences.
• Offer safe foods as a backup option for picky eaters.
• Create a safe and stress-free environment at the table to promote positive eating experiences.
• Serve dessert with dinner to remove the moral hierarchy around food.
• Balance nutritious foods with treats to provide a variety of flavors and textures. Create a safe and stress-free mealtime environment by taking the pressure off and allowing children to have autonomy in their food choices.
• Follow the division of responsibility, where parents provide nutritious meals and children decide how much to eat.
• Focus on connection and kindness at the table, avoiding judgment or pressure around food.
• Incorporate fruit as a dessert option and balance healthy desserts with sugar intake.
• Practice intuitive eating and listen to your body's cues for hunger and fullness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peas and Hoppiness App

01:28 The Challenge of Picky Eaters

04:09 Allowing Children the Freedom to Change

06:24 Setting Age-Appropriate Boundaries

07:30 Safe Foods for Picky Eaters

09:24 The Biology of Picky Eating

10:13 Exposure to Foods and Allowing Change

13:26 Creating a Safe Environment at the Table

20:07 Balancing Nutritious Foods and Treats

PART 2 - Episode 62

25:14 Removing Pressure from Mealtime

27:25 Creating a Sanctuary at the Table

32:27 Creating a Safe Place of Healing

33:07 Taking the Pressure Off and Allowing Autonomy

34:06 The Division of Responsibility

35:27 Focusing on Connection and Kindness

36:30 Changing the Mindset Around Mealtime

38:14 Addressing Unfairness and Justice at the Table

39:03 Relieving Emotional Pressure and Setting Boundaries

40:06 Cooking for Yourself and Offering Choices

41:35 Talking About Food with Kindness and Respect

42:45 Incorporating Fruit as a Dessert Option

47:46 Balancing Healthy Desserts and Sugar Intake

52:12 The Power of Intuitive Eating and Listening to Your Body

54:40 Meal Planning Made Easy with the Peas and Hoppiness App