Advertise on podcast: Food Issues

Getting healthy dinners on the table that our kids will actually eat and that also save us time and money is no easy feat. Maybe you have the same recipes on rotation and cooking is the last thing you want to do after a long, busy day. With some simple meal prep ideas, however, serving up healthy and delicious dishes in no time can be a breeze. In this special bonus edition of the podcast, I sat down with Catherine McCord, founder of the popular site Weelicious, co-founder of One Potato, 4-time cookbook author, and a go-to media expert who has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Food Network, and others. Catherine gives us her best tips for organizing our kitchens, simple meal prep ideas, and the system she uses every week to get dinner on the table without fail. She also lets us in on her favorite kitchen appliances and shares her favorite recipes from her new book, “Meal Prep Magic.” Welcome 2:41 Let’s talk about your story! 4:25 Were you a healthy eater when you were younger? 5:03 What do you think are the biggest challenges parents have when it comes to feeding their kids? 6:35 How do you break free from mealtime boredom? 7:22 What are myths about getting healthy meals on the table? 9:12 What are your best tips for organizing and setting up our kitchens? 12:43 What are your best meal prep hacks that save time and money? 14:54 Are you a fan of buying pre-cut veggies and using other shortcuts to save time? 18:36 How can we cut down on multiple trips to the grocery store? 20:41 What are your favorite products that make cooking faster? 23:16 How can we speed up the clean-up? 24:06 What are your favorite recipes from your book, “Meal Prep Magic?” LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Julie mentions Catherine’s meal delivery company, One Potato. Julie mentions research that shows “children’s choices depend on what is most visible and easily accessible.” Julie mentions Catherine’s book, “Smoothie Project.” Catherine mentions Vitamix and KitchenAid Pro Line Series blenders. Pre-order a copy of Catherine’s book, “Meal Prep Magic.” Learn more about Catherine on Weelicious.com. Follow Weelicious on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

When it comes to kids' snacks, there are a ton of so-called healthy options. You know the ones: they have buzzwords like "organic," "natural," and "made with real fruit.” But that doesn't necessarily mean they're good for our kids. Many are ultra-processed, high in sugar, and lacking in nutrition. In this episode, I sat down with Diane and Laurel Orley, co-founders of Daily Crunch Snacks, a company that makes superfood-infused, sprouted nuts that are made without added sugars, preservatives, or additives, minimal to no oil, and are what they call Uniquely Crunchy.™ We talk about how Daily Crunch Snacks came to be, the benefits of sprouted nuts for your kids, plus some healthy and easy recipe ideas. Diane also shares a personal story and how Daily Crunch Snacks is turning a family tragedy into hope for others. Welcome 2:12 Let’s talk about your story! 3:17 What was it like to launch a company during the COVID-19 pandemic? 5:37 What are the greatest challenges you see with parents feeding their kids today? 8:27 What is different about the almonds you use? 9:43 What are sprouted nuts and why are they good for us? 10:40 What is the history of sprouting? 13:25 Are there myths about sprouted nuts or nuts in general that parents should know? 16:48 What are some of your favorite healthy and easy meal and snack ideas using sprouted nuts? 17:27 Let’s talk about the flavors and different varieties of Daily Crunch Snacks? 19:48 Can we talk about what Daily Crunch Snacks does to give back and support mental illness? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Diane mentions this lentil salad recipe. Learn more about Daily Crunch Snacks on their website. Follow Daily Crunch Snacks on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

During the pre-teen and teen years, a lot changes, including how kids eat. They often have new food preferences, want what other kids are eating, and may be embarrassed by what you’re packing them for lunch. They’re exposed to a lot more food marketing and social media, and with more social opportunities, you realize you have a lot less control over what they eat. In this episode, I sat down with Kiran Dodeja Smith, a mom of 4, a certified integrative health coach, marketing expert, and founder of Easy Real Food. Previously, Kiran spent more than 8 years working with the popular brand, 100 Days of Real Food. Kiran and I talk about healthy eating for teens, TikTok, and dietary restrictions. She also shares a personal story about her child’s eating disorder diagnosis and what she learned from the experience. Welcome 2:44 Let’s talk about your story! 5:18 Can you talk about your health journey? 5:57 Did your interest in raising healthy eaters start when you became a mom? 7:08 Why is it important to lay the foundation of healthy eating from the start? 8:22 Around the infant and toddler years, why are kids more accepting of different foods? 9:32 What changes when kids get older in terms of how they eat? 12:08 What are you seeing on TikTok in terms of kids and food? 19:15 We see a lot of influencers promoting “clean eating” and organic. What are tips for parents looking to feed their kids healthy but also within their means? 22:38 What are practical tips for encouraging our kids to eat healthier? 24:24 Do you cook with your kids? 25:16 How can we navigate food allergies and dietary restrictions with older kids? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Kiran mentions 100DaysOfRealFood.com. Kiran talks about the Real Lunches, Real Easy! ebooks. Kiran mentions the Dirty Dozen. Learn more about Kiran on EasyRealFood.com Follow Kiran on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

In recent years, there’s been an explosion of new organic baby food brands that are veggie-forward and focused on real food ingredients instead of highly-processed foods and those with a ton of sugar. We’re also seeing a lot of really interesting flavor combinations that you’re more likely to see on restaurant menus but can go a long way in raising healthy, adventurous little eaters. In this episode, I sat down with Shibani Baluja, a mom of 2 and founder & CEO of lil’gourmets, a company that offers fresh, organic, veggie-first meals with no added sugars. Shibani shares the amazing, deeply personal, story of how lil’ gourmets came to be, why “flavor training” is so important, and how to foster a love of global flavors and curiosity in our babies. She also talks about what she’s most proud of since launching the company, the challenges she has faced along the way, and what’s next for lil’gourmets. Welcome 2:29 Let’s talk about your story! 5:45 Why is starting solids such an important time for babies? 8:10 Why is it important to foster curiosity in babies through food? 10:00 What are some myths about baby food? 14:25 What do you think are the most common challenges today for parents when they start solids? 16:19 Pouches are convenient but what are some of the drawbacks? 21:08 What is unique about your lil’ gourmets? 22:32 What are the challenges that you have faced in growing the business? 24:40 What is one accomplishment since launching the company you’re most proud of? 27:23 What is next for lil’gourmets? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Shibani mentions the Partnership for a Healthier America. Learn more about lil’ gourmets on their website. Follow lil’ gourmets on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

If you’re like most parents, your kids are picky eaters. Whether they refuse to eat vegetables, avoid certain textures and tastes, or have only a handful of foods they’ll eat, maybe you’ve turned to vitamins in the hopes of filling in the nutritional gaps. But maybe you've thought about it and wondered, do kids need vitamins?   Vitamins for kids are a big business in the U.S. and show no signs of slowing down. By 2025, the global gummy vitamin market is estimated to reach 10.6 billion. Not only are there tons of brands on store shelves, but in recent years, we’re seeing new subscription-based companies as well as influencers on social media pushing vitamins. Sifting through all the science and figuring out whether or not your kids need vitamins, and which types are the best and safe isn’t always easy.  In this episode, I sat down with Krupa Playforth, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, founder of ThePediatricianMom.com, and a mom of 3. Dr. Playforth talks about nutritional deficiencies, explores whether or not kids need multivitamins and supplements in the first place—the answer may surprise you—and how to find the best, and safest brand for your kids. She also talks about vegan and vegetarian diets, kids who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, and the best way to deal with picky eating and encourage healthy eating habits.  Welcome 2:56 Let’s talk about your story! 6:08 So many kids are sick lately and we’re seeing a lot of COVID-19, Flu, and RSV—what’s going on? 10:04 Should we be giving our kids vitamins to help combat some of these illnesses? 14:30 Most kids are picky eaters. How do you know if your kid has vitamin deficiencies? 16:40 Are there certain vitamin deficiencies that can lead to picky eating? 21:29 Do all kids need vitamins and supplements? 22:39 What about kids who are lactose intolerant or who avoid dairy? 24:16 Do kids who are picky eaters and have poor weight gain need vitamins? 25:42 For kids who are vegetarian or vegan, what should parents do? 27:45 Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. How can parents find a quality brand of kids' vitamins? 29:18 What are your best tips for encouraging healthy eating habits in picky-eating kids? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Dr. Playforth mentions Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Dr. Playforth mentions that her kids drink Ripple Milk. Julie mentions her daughter takes NovaFerrum Liquid Iron. Dr. Playforth talks about ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and US Pharmacopeia (USP). Dr. Playforth mentions the Ellyn Satter Institute. Learn more about Dr. Playforth on ThePediatricianMom.com Follow Dr. Playforth on Instagram or Facebook. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives,

When it comes to plant-based, non-dairy milk for kids who are lactose intolerant, have a dairy sensitivity, or are avoiding cow’s milk for another reason, the options are endless: almond, oat, pea milk, coconut, and many more. By 2028, the global plant-based dairy market is expected to reach $31.5B, and while demand continues to grow, what you may not know is that not all plant-based milk for kids is created equal. In this episode, I sat down with Lauren Abelin, co-founder of PlantBaby and Kiki Milk, an organic, plant-based milk for kids that is made with only whole foods and nothing else. Lauren has dedicated her life to researching and developing human-centered solutions to problems impacting mental and physical well-being. Lauren and I talk about whether or not kids need cow’s milk, why not all plant-based milk is the same, and how to make the best decision for your family. She also talks about her journey to grow the company, her commitment to transparency and pure ingredients, and what’s next for the brand. Welcome 2:08 Let’s talk about your story! 10:33 After the first year of life what are the benefits of milk for kids? 15:01 The Healthy Drinks, Healthy Kids guidelines state kids shouldn’t drink plant-based milk because it often lack key nutrition—what do you think? 18:08 Why has interest in plant-based milk for kids grown? 20:30 Is pea milk a good option? 26:05 Let’s talk about your journey to launching the company: what were the steps you took to get it off the ground? 30:00 What were the challenges you encountered that you were grateful for? 31:38 Can you talk about a call you took early on with another plant-milk company and what you learned from that experience? 35:32 Can you talk about new products you’re working on? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Lauren mentions this study in the journal Pediatrics that shows only 25% of babies are breastfed exclusively at 6 months. Julie talks about the Healthy Drinks, Healthy Kids guidelines. Learn more about Kiki Milk on their website. Follow Kiki Milk on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

Picky eating is one of the most common challenges we have as parents. We all want our kids to eat healthy and we know it’s important for their growth, development, and overall health. But we often find ourselves encouraging them to “just take a bite!,” eat the meal we took the time to make, or try new foods. And when they flat-out refuse, it can be super frustrating. In this episode, I sat down with Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Intuitive Eating Counselor. Crystal and I talk about the common myths around feeding kids, the problem with “kid food Instagram,” and why there’s a lot more to feeding kids than the food we put on their plates. Crystal also shares ways that we can change our mindset at mealtimes, how to talk about food with our kids, and how to raise healthy eaters without it feeling like one more to-do on your list. Welcome 3:34 Let’s talk about your story! 5:15 Have you always been passionate about healthy eating and food? 7:54 Why are most kids picky eaters? 12:17 What are common feeding mistakes parents make? 14:54 What are common feeding myths? 21:15 Can eating a lot of fake food alter a child’s palate for fresh, whole foods? 23:09 What are the ways we can encourage our kids to eat more vegetables and eat healthier overall? 26:32 What are the scripts that you teach in your workshops? 30:05 Why is cooking important and what are some realistic ways to make it happen? 32:31 Should parents use intuitive eating habits with their kids? 36:25 How can we be consistent with healthy eating without it feeling like one more thing to do on the list? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Learn more about Crystal on her website. Join her Lift The Shame community, a free, virtual support group for mothers and moms-to-be in eating disorder recovery. Listen to Crystal’s podcast, “Lift the Shame: Mothering Free From Diet Culture, Food Guilt, and Body Shame.” Follow Crystal on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

We all know that childhood obesity has been a complex problem in the U.S. for years and solving for it hasn’t been easy. We’ve looked to policymakers, pediatricians, parents, and new programs, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. Although we’ve seen a lot of progress, more needs to be done because the latest research shows childhood obesity rates are on the rise. In this episode, I sat down with Karla Lester, M.D. a pediatrician, a certified life and weight coach, a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and founder of IME Community, the first web-based life and weight coaching platform for teens. Dr. Lester talks about what the latest research shows about childhood obesity, why BMI isn’t always the best indicator of weight, and what you can do at home to raise healthy kids. She also talks about how to avoid passing on your own fears about weight to your kid, and she shares her ideas about the so-called “almond mom,” a story that recently went viral. Welcome 2:50  Let’s talk about your story! 5:04 What does the latest research show about childhood obesity? 6:30 Why are rates on the rise? 10:59 What are the risk factors for childhood obesity? 13:20 What are the health risks of childhood obesity? 14:34 Are there other, non-food related risk factors such as trauma and social determinants of health? 15:46 Do you think inflation will have an effect on childhood obesity? 18:54 Why do you think as a nation we’ve been unsuccessful in addressing childhood obesity? 21:03 Why should we not be focused solely on BMI? 23:13 If you think your kid has a weight issue, how do you know and what should you do? 26:38 What do you think needs to happen as a nation to address childhood obesity? 30:00 What can parents do to prevent childhood obesity or intervene when there’s a weight issue? 34:53 Can you talk about the “almond mom” story? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Dr. Lester mentions this study in the journal Pediatrics which shows childhood obesity is on the rise. Dr. Lester talks about her article on KevindMD.com., “Health care’s 3 epic childhood obesity failures.” Dr. Lester mentions “The Obesity Code,” by Jason Fung, M.D. Read Dr. Lester’s Today.com interview about the “almond mom.” Learn more about Dr. Lester on her website IMECommunity.com. Follow Dr. Lester on Instagram and TikTok. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

About 50% of infants younger than 3 months spit up at least once a day, but what if it’s a chronic problem for yours? Or maybe you have a toddler or big kid who has trouble swallowing and seems miserable at mealtimes—it could be acid reflux. The good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies for acid reflux in babies and big kids. In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Sheila Kilbane, a board-certified pediatrician, who is also trained in integrative medicine, and the best-selling author of Healthy Kids, Happy Moms: 7 Steps To Prevent and Health Common Childhood Illnesses. Dr. Kilbane shares everything you need to know about acid reflux, the 11 foods that cause 90% of the issues, and which foods to focus on. She also lets us in on other natural remedies for acid reflux, including the best supplements she uses with her patients and when the right time is to start using them. Welcome 2:19 Let’s talk about your story! 7:19 What is the definition of acid reflux and what causes it? 9:54 Can toddlers have acid reflux as well and what are the causes? 12:53 If acid reflux is untreated, can it lead to other problems? 13:46 Will a conventional pediatrician take a different approach than an integrative pediatrician? 15:30 Are antacids effective and are there drawbacks to using them? 18:42 What happens if you stop antacids abruptly? 21:57 What are natural remedies for acid reflux? 24:51 Should kids avoid foods like gluten and dairy? 26:16 What are the best foods to focus on for acid reflux? 33:22 Do you recommend probiotics and prebiotics? 34:42 Do kids have to follow the protocol forever? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Dr. Kilbane mentions Eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr. Kilbane talks about her line of supplements including BiAloe and Plantadophilus. Learn more about Dr. Kilbane on her website and register for her course. Purchase Dr. Kilbane’s book, Healthy Kids, Happy Moms: 7 Steps To Prevent and Health Common Childhood Illnesses. Follow Dr. Kilbane on Instagram and Facebook. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

Today on the show we’re talking about kids’ constipation which affects approximately 30% of children in the U.S. Chances are, it’s something that has affected your kids at one point or another, and around the holidays when there’s a lot of cookies and sweets, it’s a common challenge for kids. The good news? There are natural remedies and several foods to help kids poop. In this episode, I sat down with Jessica O’Connell MBA, RD, LD, a registered dietitian, owner of Jessica O'Connell Nutrition, and co-owner of The Constipation Gurus. Through diet and natural supplements, she counsels parents on helping their kids accept more foods that help with constipation. She’s also an expert in using osmotic laxatives to help kids return to normal life without the fear of accidents and belly pain. Jessica and I talk about the common causes of constipation, why conventional ways to treat it may fall short, and natural fixes including a ton of foods to help kids poop. She also talks about pelvic floor therapy, probiotics, and her favorite recipe for poop chocolates (yes) that can ease constipation in kids. Welcome 2:14 Let’s talk about your story! 4:41 What is the definition of constipation? 6:10 How common is kids’ constipation? 6:28 What are the reasons kids can suffer from it? 8:30 Can food intolerances lead to constipation? 8:49 For kids who have Celiac disease, how do parents go about getting a diagnosis? 12:16 How does trauma affect kids’ constipation? 13:35 How do parents go about trying to figure out the reason for constipation? 14:42 If it’s not identified or being treated, can constipation lead to other problems? 17:41 What are some conventional ways to treat it? 26:16 What are natural remedies for kids’ constipation? 29:28 What are the best foods to help kids poop? 36:24 Should kids take probiotics? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Jessica mentions that research shows fruits such as kiwis and dates can help with kids’ constipation. Learn more about Jessica and The Constipation Gurus on their website. Sign up for their Poop Bootcamp. Follow The Constipation Gurus on Instagram and Facebook. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

Food allergies affect 5.6 million children in the U.S. and if you’re a parent, you know how challenging it can be to keep kids with them safe at school, birthday parties, and restaurants. Around the holidays, however, there are so many new foods, tons of cookies, and homemade family favorites that often have secret ingredients, and plenty of places where food will be so avoiding an allergic reaction can be tough. In this episode, I sat down with Kelly Woyan Rudnicki, a writer, producer, and television personality who has nearly twenty years of experience in the business. She is also the author of several cookbooks, including The Food Allergy Mama’s Baking Book, Vegan Baking Classics, and The Food Allergy Mama’s Easy, Fast Family Meals, and her newest title, The Food Allergy Baking Book. Kelly shares her amazing journey caring for a child with severe food allergies and serves up her best tips to prepare for the holidays whether you’re hosting, going to someone else’s home, or going out to eat. Kelly also talks about how to help your kids advocate for themselves, and she shares simple ingredient swaps and her favorite allergy-safe baking recipes. Welcome 2:29 Let’s talk about your story! 7:58 How did you become a cookbook author? 9:56 Let’s paint the picture of what it’s really like to have a child with food allergies. 16:43 How can parents prepare ahead of time if they’ll be going to someone else’s house, or a holiday party or event? 20:45 If you’re hosting, how can you ensure that the food other people bring is safe and prevent your kid from having an allergic reaction? 24:35  How can we prepare our kids to advocate for themselves? 28:20 What are the best ways to modify recipes to ensure they’re safe? 31:10 What are your favorite recipes from your book? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Kelly mentions that 32 million adults and 5 million kids in the U.S. have food allergies. Kelly talks about oral immunotherapy (OIT). Purchase a copy of Kelly’s book, “The Food Allergy Baking Book." Learn more about Kelly on her website. Follow Kelly on Instagram or on Facebook. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

Artificial sweeteners have been around for more than a century, but today, it seems that they’re showing up almost everywhere: in snacks, sports drinks, and tons of processed foods. And just like sugar, kids are getting too much. In fact, more than one in 4 kids consumes artificial sweeteners on any given day. Although they may seem like a step up from sugar, you might be wondering, are artificial sweeteners safe for kids? In this episode, I sat down with Kimberly Gomer, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master’s in nutrition who specializes in medical nutritional therapy. She has over 25 years of experience coaching clients for health and wellness and is currently the Director of Nutrition at Body Beautiful Miami. Gomer is also a well-known media expert who has been featured in leading media outlets including CNN Health, Fox News Health, and Prevention. Kimberly talks about how to spot artificial sweeteners on labels, the surprising foods they show up in, and what research is revealing about their safety. She also talks about ways to limit artificial sweeteners and sugar in your kid’s diet and dishes up healthy and creative snack ideas for kids. Welcome 2:34 Let’s talk about your story! 7:47 What’s the sugar problem with kids in the U.S.? 15:27 What are artificial sweeteners and how can we spot them on food labels? 17:53 What are some surprising ways they hide? 20:19 Are companies using artificial sweeteners more? 21:09 What are myths about artificial sweeteners? 25:08 Are there certain kids that should avoid them? 29:08 What are your best tips for limiting sugar and artificial sweeteners? 36:02 What are your favorite snack and treat ideas that use real food ingredients? 37:39 What should we be mindful of when it comes to artificial sweeteners around the holidays? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Kimberly talks about the Pritikin Longevity Center. Kimberly mentions that 16.2% of children ages 10-17 have obesity. Julie mentions non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Kimberly talks about Primal Kitchen ketchup. Kimberly mentions phenylketonuria (PKU). Learn more about Kimberly on BodyBeautifulMiami.com. Follow Body Beautiful Miami on Instagram. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.