EP164. What Kids Learn About Food Starts with You with Dr. Taylor Arnold (@Growing.Intuitive.Eaters)

The Ryann Nicole Podcast

This week, I’m fangirling a little because we’ve got the Dr. Taylor Arnold—pediatric nutrition expert and the genius behind Growing Intuitive Eaters. I’ve been following her forever, even before becoming a mom, and now that Charlotte’s eating solids? Oh, you better believe I’m all over her advice.

If you’re a parent, have nieces, nephews, or even just hang around kids, this episode is a must. Because let’s be real: kids are always watching us, especially when it comes to food, and the way we talk about it becomes the way they think about it.

Dr. Taylor brings the perfect mix of expertise, real-life mom wisdom, and reassurance that you’re not messing this up—promise.

Watch this episode on Youtube!

HIGHLIGHTS

3:00 Dr. Taylor shares how she got into pediatric nutrition and her passion for helping families.

7:00 Why picky eating isn’t “just a phase” and what might really be going on.

12:00 How to get curious about picky eating: looking at sensory issues, sleep, and other non-food factors.

16:00 What to do when your child refuses meals and how to keep exposing them to new foods.

18:00 Why using praise like “you’re such a good eater” can backfire and what to say instead.

20:00 Navigating guilt around serving processed or “easy” foods like Dino Nuggets and PB&Js.

22:30 Tips for making mealtimes less stressful (hint: dinner doesn’t have to be dinner!).

27:00 How to talk about food without labeling it “healthy” or “unhealthy.”

31:00 Teaching kids about sugar: what’s age-appropriate and how to make it neutral.

33:00 What to do when your child only wants sweets and how to balance boundaries with flexibility.

36:00 The difference between restriction and boundaries when feeding kids.

40:00 Addressing concerns about body size and shifting focus to health-promoting behaviors.

44:00 How your attitude about food becomes your child’s inner voice.

46:00 Tips for navigating kids who aren’t interested in eating or prefer play over mealtime.

50:00 The importance of giving yourself grace as a parent and remembering “something is better than nothing.”

51:00 Dr. Taylor’s top 3 tips for raising intuitive eaters.

55:00 Where to find Dr. Taylor Arnold and access her free courses, e-books, and resources.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Follow Dr. Taylor on Instagram

FREE Growing Intuitive Eaters Course

Instagram: @itsryannnicole

Work with me: BingeEatingUnchained.com

Facebook Group: IRN Community

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.