Picky Eating in Kids: Causes and Practical Solutions | Episode 100
Picky eating is one of the most common and frustrating challenges for parents. It can turn meals into daily stress, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and unsure what to do next.
In this episode, I am talking to herbalists Sabrina Cooper and Dabney Vaccaro about the root causes of picky eating and how to shift mealtimes from chaos to connection. The roles have been reversed and they are interviewing me! This is originally from their podcast The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast. We cover practical strategies, nervous system regulation, gut health, and how your behaviour directly shapes your child’s relationship with food.
We chat about:
• Simple ways to make mealtimes calmer, safer, and more connected
• Why making separate meals reinforces picky eating long term
• How to use repeated exposure to help children accept new foods
• How to reduce mealtime pressure so kids are more open to eating
• How a parent’s nervous system directly affects her child’s eating behaviour
• Why modelling healthy eating matters more than what you say
• How small portions of disliked foods can build confidence and identity
• The connection between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and picky eating
• Why zinc deficiency and microbiome imbalance can drive food refusal
• How boundaries around food actually reduce anxiety in children
• What to pack for school lunches so your child actually eats
• Why giving kids ownership over food choices improves outcomes
• How to transition away from ultra-processed foods without resistance
• The long-term impact of ignoring underlying causes of picky eating
Listen to The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast
Say hi to Sabrina on Instagram
Say hi to Dabney on Instagram
Come say hi to me on Instagram
Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.
Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.
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Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from functional health for women and gut health to pregnancy and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood.
