Episode 41: 3 things that I would and wouldn't change about feeding my kids
Release Date: 07/29/2024
The Easy Feed
Hello, hello and welcome back to The Easy Feed. Today I’m diving into a topic that so many parents ask me about—protein. How much do our children really need? Where should it come from? And are protein powders ever necessary? As a paediatric dietitian and mum, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to keep lunchboxes nutritious, especially when dealing with a fussy eater or a child following a vegetarian diet. While most kids easily meet their protein requirements, the real issue is often the quality of that protein. In this episode, I unpack the difference between dairy-based...
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Today we are diving into ultra-processed foods. What are they exactly? What foods do we need to be avoiding for our kids….and how can we make better choices without the guilt? As a Paediatric Dietitian and a mum, I know that it’s hard enough dealing with a fussy eater without worrying over every label. So this episode is to give you the info without the guilt! No judgement, just practical steps to help you spot these foods, reduce them, and choose better—especially for our kids’ gut health and long-term wellbeing. We’ll chat about how ultra-processed foods impact your child’s...
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Hi lovely people, Karina here. In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I’m diving into five of the most common questions I get from parents navigating the world of kids’ nutrition. Whether you’ve got a picky eater, a milk-obsessed toddler, or you’re simply wondering about multivitamins and organic food, this episode is for you. We’re cutting through the noise of online advice, and getting back to what’s evidence-based and actually works in real family life. Because feeding our kids shouldn’t be a constant battle – it should be simple, realistic, and supportive. Here’s what...
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Thanks for the request for this important topic - feeding neurodivergent children. After 24 years as a paediatric dietitian, I've seen how challenging this can be for families, and honestly, the standard advice for a picky eater just doesn't work here because these brilliant little brains work differently. This isn't about defiance or stubbornness. We're talking about genuine sensory processing differences, anxiety around food, and feeding challenges that go well beyond typical fussy eating. Whether your child has Autism, ADHD, or other Neurodivergent Conditions, their relationship with food...
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Welcome back to The Easy Feed Podcast! This episode is inspired by a recent segment I did on Sunrise (Channel 7), and I knew I had to take a deeper dive with you into the best foods to help your child fight sickness—because let's face it, bugs are everywhere right now. As a paediatric dietitian, I’m constantly talking about immunity and gut health, and with up to 70% of our immune function linked to the gut, it’s essential we understand the connection between food and illness prevention. In this episode, I talk about key immune-supporting ingredients you probably already have in your...
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Feeding kids well doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 5 things I’m doing right now to support my children’s health—not just today, but well into their future. These five strategies are the backbone of my Five Days to Healthier Kids Challenge, and I’ve crafted this episode to give you a strong starting point. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of fussy eating, unsure about food additives, or simply wanting to raise children who enjoy nutritious foods without pressure, this episode is packed with real talk and evidence-based advice. I’ll walk...
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Today we’re tackling one of the most confusing – and often misunderstood – topics in children's nutrition: the difference between food allergy and food intolerance. As a paediatric dietitian, I’ve seen too many families left in the dark, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, just trying to figure out what’s upsetting their baby’s tummy. In this episode, I help you untangle the facts from the fear. Whether you’re dealing with a fussy eater, concerned about your little one’s bloating or tummy pain, or unsure how to approach a potential food allergy, I’m here to walk you through...
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I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the incredible mums out there. Whether it’s Mother’s Day or just another busy day, the role you play in your family’s life is nothing short of amazing. Today, I’m diving deep into something we all struggle with—comparisonitis—and the mental load we carry as mums. It’s all too easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, whether it’s how we look, what our kids are eating, or the seemingly perfect lives we see online. This episode will help you realise that you’re doing an incredible job, even if it feels like it’s never...
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Today, I’m diving into a topic that I know so many of you are grappling with – how to navigate the confusing world of kids’ snacks. Between the supermarket minefield and the misleading marketing, it’s no wonder choosing healthy snacks for fussy eaters feels almost impossible. In this episode, I break down why it’s so tricky, how food manufacturers are exploiting loopholes, and what you can do to better support your child’s nutrition without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. If you're ready for some honest truths, a bit of perspective, and practical, achievable tips from your trusted...
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Taming The Sugar Monster Over Easter Easter is such a special time, filled with family, connection, and yes—plenty of chocolate….which can come with some serious sugar swings and bad behaviour! In this episode, I’m diving into practical ways to help your children enjoy Easter treats, without the chaos. I share my own family’s Easter traditions, including my nonna’s beloved Italian Easter bread, and reflect on how these food memories can shape our children’s relationship with eating. It’s not about restriction—it’s about supporting your child with nourishing food,...
info_outlineIn today's episode, I reflect on lessons learnt both a mum and a paediatric dietitian.
Feeding children can be quite a journey, filled with trials and triumphs. What I know now is very different from what I knew back when I started out as a paediatric dietitian pre kids!
In this episode, I'll be diving into three things I'd do differently if I could start over, and three things I'd definitely keep the same. It's all about learning from our experiences and making life easier for each other.
Key Points of Discussion:
- Avoiding Food Talk at the Table: Learn how reducing food-related conversations can help alleviate mealtime stress and encourage a more relaxed environment.
- Keeping an Open Mind: Discover the benefits of offering a variety of foods and approaching meals with a positive mindset.
- Persistence with New Foods: Find out why it’s crucial to keep presenting new foods to your kids, even if they initially reject them.
- Eating Together: Understand the significance of family mealtimes for fostering healthy eating habits and family bonding.
- Making Food Fun: Explore creative ways to involve your kids in food preparation and make healthy eating enjoyable.
Whether you're a mum or a dad, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to help you navigate the ups and downs of feeding your little ones.
For more recipes and feeding tips, check out my website: Nourish with Karina . Let's make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable for everyone!