Episode 113: Rethinking Picky Eating & Building a Healthy Relationship with Food with Jennifer Anderson

What does it actually mean to be a “picky eater,” and how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with food without pressure, shame, or anxiety? In this episode, Rachael sits down with registered dietitian and author Jennifer Anderson to talk about picky eating, childhood nutrition, feeding routines, food boundaries, and the many ways our parenting practices can shape our children’s relationship with food.

Together, they unpack what picky eating really means, how to create structure and boundaries around food while still honoring a child’s autonomy, and how diet culture and social media can influence the way we approach feeding our kids. Jennifer also shares practical strategies for navigating snacks, Halloween candy, food labels, and helping children develop embodied independence and trust in their own bodies.

Inside this episode:

• What picky eating really means and why it’s so common
• How parenting practices can influence children’s relationships with food
• How to create structure and boundaries around meals without shame or pressure
• The role of snacks and routines in children’s eating habits
• How diet culture and social media can impact the way we feed our kids
• Strategies for navigating Halloween candy and other treats
• Why black-and-white thinking about food can be harmful
• How to model healthy behaviors without creating shame around food
• Understanding sensory and developmental factors that can contribute to picky eating
• The importance of embodied independence and helping kids trust their bodies
• How parental language can influence body image and food relationships
• How to talk to kids about food choices without labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
• Resources and support for families dealing with extreme picky eating
• How to foster healthy independence around food as kids grow
• And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Jennifer’s book, Feed Them Well:  Pre-order here
• Pediatric Screener for ARFID and Extreme Picky Eating (PSA-Eat): Take the screener
• BetterBites: Learn more

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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