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.