Are you a parent managing a picky eater? Explore the psychological and biological reasons behind picky eating in infants and toddlers and learn practical tips for fostering mindful eating habits. Tune in for tips on making mealtimes enjoyable!
Dr. Marcia Herrin, a nutrition education expert with a doctorate from Columbia University and a master’s from the University of California-Berkeley, founded Dartmouth College’s renowned eating disorder treatment program.
With over 35 years of experience treating eating disorders, she serves as a Clinical Professor at Dartmouth’s Medical School and trains Pediatric Residents at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.
Dr. Marcia has authored notable books on eating disorders and was named a fellow in the Academy of Eating Disorders in 2013, crediting much of her success to her personal recovery from these conditions.
In this episode of Raising Parents, Marcia Herrin discusses the importance of promoting healthy eating in children, highlighting the challenges parents face with picky eaters and the psychological factors that contribute to these habits. She explains that picky eating often has genetic roots, with children being predisposed to reject new foods.
Dr. Marcia emphasizes that proper nutrition is vital for growth and brain development, warning that a lack of adequate nutrition can significantly impact a child’s overall development. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between diagnosed allergies and presumed food intolerances.
She also highlights the cultural trend of misidentifying food preferences as intolerances and explains the significance of dairy. Dr. Marcia explains the importance of parents guiding children’s food choices. While children should not be in charge of major decisions like meal planning, allowing them occasional autonomy helps balance their dietary needs.
Additionally Dr. Marcia also discusses the risks of being too restrictive, suggesting that children benefit from moderation and variety.
This episode emphasizes the role parents play in creating a nurturing environment that promotes a balanced and diverse diet. It provides practical guidance for parents managing picky eaters, particularly those with dietary restrictions, and shares valuable methods to encourage mindful eating while fostering a positive relationship with food. It also offers insights to make mealtime pleasurable for picky eaters.
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