Picky eating is a common challenge for parents in the U.S. In fact, according to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), 39% of parents say picky eating is an obstacle to get their kids to try new foods and increase the variety of foods and the amount of vegetables their kids consume. Although pediatricians and experts often tell parents picky eating is normal, there’s less attention paid to why kids are picky eaters in the first place. As a result, many parents come to accept picky eating or worse, blame themselves.
In this episode, I’m talking with Marina Chaparro, a nationally recognized registered dietitian, kids nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator. Chaparro is the founder of Nutrichicos, a bilingual nutrition practice specializing in children and family nutrition based in Miami, FL. Chaparro is also the author of, Diabetes & Pregnancy: A Real Guide For Women with Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Chaparro and I talk about what “food neophobia” is and the science behind picky eating, how food preferences are formed, and if kids can grow out of picky eating. We also talk about how to know if your kid is a picky eater, the many ways picky eating can show up, and easy ways to get your kids to be healthy, adventurous little foodies.
Be sure to sign up for the free video course, Turn Your Picky Eaters Into Little Foodies: https://www.julierevelant.com/free-video-email-course/.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:54 — 38.4MB)
Welcome
5:48 When you see families in your practice, what are the most common challenges you see when it comes to feeding kids?
6:57 We hear a lot about “picky eating,” but what is it exactly?
8:33 You’ve said that picky eating is normal developmental behavior so should we expect it?
12:57 What is “food neophobia” and what makes it different than picky eating?
15:00 There’s research that shows picky eating can be evolutionary—is that true?
16:38 You’re a mom too, but are your kids picky eaters?!
24:50 How are our food preferences formed?
31:53 Are babies born to accept all foods?
29:04 How do you know you have a picky eating kid?
38:00 What are the different ways picky eating can manifest itself?
40:27 Will kids eventually grow out of picky eating?
42:00 What are your best tips for coping with picky eating and get kids to be healthy, adventurous eaters?
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW
Marina talks about the best-selling book, “French Kids Eat Everything”
Marina is the founder of Nutrichicos
Marina is the author of Pregnancy & Diabetes: A Real-Life Guide for Women with Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes
Follow Marina on Instagram
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