Managing Mealtime Madness

I’ve learned a lot about feeding four kids while life feels a little chaotic at 7 weeks postpartum! I’m sharing some of the shortcuts that are working for us right now, including our emergency dinner plan, plus some nutrition tips as we head into cold and flu season.We’ll talk about easy meals, convenience foods, and giving yourself permission to repeat dinners (because fed is better than not fed!). Then, I’m sharing some of my go-to tips for supporting your family’s immune health as we head into cold and flu season.In this episode you’ll hear about:My go-to emergency dinnerEasy meal shortcuts, freezer meals, and dinners on repeatSimple ways to support immune health during cold and flu seasonKid-friendly foods and drinks to offer when everyone’s feeling under the weatherThis Episode Is Sponsored by Lovebug ProbioticsFeeding your family doesn't have to be perfect — and supporting your family's health doesn't have to make your already-busy routine more complicated.This episode of Managing Mealtime Madness is brought to you by Lovebug Probiotics, a mom-founded probiotic brand offering thoughtfully formulated options for kids and adults.For kids, Lovebug makes it easy to find a format that works for your family, with Chewables, Powders, Gummies, and Pearls, plus probiotic options for babies and toddlers. And because parents deserve to take care of themselves, too, Lovebug also offers a range of adult probiotics.Lovebug probiotics are designed to support digestive and immune health as one simple part of your family's everyday wellness routine.Shop Lovebug Probiotics - Use code MEALTIME20 for 20% off your first order.Learn more about kids probiotics here. Use code MEALTIME20 for 20% off your first order!Learn more about probiotics for mom here. Use code MEALTIME20 for 20% off your first order!LINKSMy favorite Solly wrap: Use code SARAHS10 for 10% offMy favorite new fruit stand!Vitamin D for infantsVitamin D for kidsPodcast episode 24 where we talk probiotics!Quick Dinner Recipes:One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice SkilletCheesy Beef Taco PastaSimple Veggie Sheet Pan EggsKid Friendly Fall Recipes:5 Ingredient Sweetpotato Tater TotsSheet Pan Sweet Potato Nachos with Black BeansSweetpotato Apple MuffinsApple Cottage Cheese Overnight OatsEasy No Bake Pumpkin CookiesCheesy Pumpkin Spaghetti SquashApple Pumpkin Baked OatmealHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

Having a baby changes pretty much everything, including how you think about food, cooking, and meal prep. In this episode, Sarah chats with fellow dietitian and new mom Caroline Thomason Bunn about what happens when the meals that used to feel relaxing suddenly feel like one more thing you have to figure out.Caroline shares what she’s learned during her first five and a half months of motherhood, from surviving those early days of breastfeeding hunger and mental overload to finding a new groove with meal prep. They talk about letting go of the “perfect” balanced meal, leaning on convenience foods, making big batches of protein, and why sometimes a protein and a carb is good enough. In this episode you’ll hear about:The “survival mode” phase of postpartum eatingBreastfeeding hunger and the mental load of constantly needing to eatWhy doubling recipes and prepping bulk protein can be a lifesaverLetting go of the perfectly balanced mealPostpartum produce shortcutsStarting with just one meal, and why breakfast might be the best place to beginLINKSFind Caroline at CarolineThomason.comFollow Caroline on Instagram: @dietitiancaroline_Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

Back-to-school season can feel like a fresh start, and if meal planning has gone by the wayside over the summer, you’re not alone! In this fan-favorite episode, Sarah revisits her conversation with registered dietitian Beth Stark about getting back into a meal-planning routine without making it feel overwhelming. The goal? Progress over perfection and finding what works for your family.In this episode you’ll hear about:Batch cooking, leftovers, and reusing proteinsThe “capsule menu” approach to meal planningEasy, mix-and-match school lunch ideasGetting kids involved in meal planningIntroducing new foods alongside familiar favoritesRedefining meal prep and letting go of perfectionLinks & ResourcesBeth Stark Nutrition: BethStarkNutrition.comPA Beef Council: pabeef.orgHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

In this episode, Sarah shares an update on pregnancy and the 3rd trimester, including managing nutrition, energy levels, and postpartum prep. If you're navigating pregnancy or planning ahead for postpartum, she shares some ideas that can help you, too!Main Topics Discussed: Meal ideas and snacking strategies to boost energy and protein intakeHydration, electrolyte drinks, and staying nourished with simple, manageable foodsFocus on nutrient priorities: protein, fiber, omega-3s, iron, calcium, and vitamin DFitness adjustments and pelvic floor exercises during pregnancyPostpartum preparation and freezer meal ideasResources Mentioned: Blog Post - How My 4th Pregnancy is Different From My First 3Blackberry Baked Oatmeal Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Tuna quesadilla recipe Banana bread bars (great for snacks + easy to freeze!) Watermelon slushie Costco Postpartum NecessitiesHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5:30 p.m. wondering how feeding kids somehow became your full-time mental load, this episode will make you feel very seen. Sarah is joined by Amy Palanjian from Yummy Toddler Food for a refreshingly honest conversation about what feeding toddlers and kids actually looks like in real life - not on Pinterest, not in a 17-second Instagram reel, but in actual busy family life.Sarah and Amy talk about lowering the pressure around meals, why your child refusing dinner might be completely normal, and how a silly ice cream scoop or baby fork can sometimes change the entire mood at the table.This episode feels like a giant exhale for parents who are tired of chasing perfect meals and just want practical ideas that actually work.In this episode you’ll hear about: • Why feeding kids feels so mentally exhausting for parents • The hidden pressure social media adds to family meals • Flexible dinner ideas using freezer staples and shortcuts • Why “picky eating” is often more normal than we think • Family-style meals and giving kids autonomy with food • Fun little tricks that make meals feel less stressful • The truth about hiding veggies in food • Amy’s go-to convenience foods for busy nightsLINKS & RESOURCESCheck out the Yummy Toddler Food blogFollow Amy on Instagram and TikTokCheck out Amy’s cookbook, Dinnertime SOSHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

Today we’re diving into a topic so many of you are thinking about: picky eating.  And honestly, if you’ve ever found yourself saying “my kid is SO picky,” this episode is going to give you a totally new perspective.I’m joined by pediatric PA and dietitian Colleen Sloan, who works with kids from birth through the teen years, and hears about picky eating in almost every visit. We’re unpacking what picky eating actually means (because it’s not as straightforward as you might think), why it happens, and how parents can shift their approach in a way that actually helps long-term. In this episode you’ll hear about: • Why “picky eating” means something different for every family • Common nutrient concerns (and why protein usually isn’t one of them) • How pressure, bribing, and labeling can backfire • Simple ways to create a more positive mealtime environment • Creative, low-pressure strategies to help kids explore new foods • What a “successful” meal can look like (hint: it might be smaller than you think)Links & Resources:Follow Colleen on Instagram at @examroomnutritionListen to Colleen's podcast: Exam Room NutritionListen to Gather 'Round: How to Make Family Meals Doable for Busy Parents With Picky Kids - an episode from Colleen’s podcast that featured Sarah!Want more content on picky eating? Listen to Sarah’s podcast episode with dietitian Sally Kuzemchak, Tips on Feeding Picky Eaters from a Former Picky Eater & DietitianHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kim Kornegay of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce for a behind-the-scenes look at life on a modern family farm. Kim shares her unique perspective as both a mom of three and a fourth-generation farmer, offering insight into how agriculture connects directly to the meals we serve our families every day. From growing sweet potatoes to getting dinner on the table during busy seasons, this conversation bridges the gap between farm and family life in a meaningful (and practical) way.In this episode, you'll hear about: What it’s really like to work on a multi-generational family farm  How growing food impacts the way Kim feeds her family  Why family meals matter at every stage of life (and how that perspective shifts over time) A behind-the-scenes look at how sweet potatoes are grown, harvested, and stored  Common misconceptions about farming, food production, and modern agriculture  How science and technology are improving farming practices and food quality Follow Kornegay Family Farms & Produce on Instagram: @KornegayFFPFollow Kornegay Family Farms & Produce on FacebookVisit their websiteCheck out Sarah's turkey sweetpotato meatball recipe here!Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

In this episode, Sarah interviews Whitney Stewart, a Registered Dietitian and celiac disease advocate. Whitney shares her personal and professional insights on managing gluten-free diets for families and kids. From diagnosis stories to navigating restaurant options, this conversation offers practical advice for parents and individuals alike.In this episode, you’ll hear about: Whitney’s journey with celiac disease and her background in clinical nutritionRecognizing symptoms and getting diagnosed with celiac diseaseKey sources of gluten and how to read labels effectivelyGluten-free eating tips for restaurants and social situationsThe importance of a diverse, nutrient-rich diet and adding rather than restrictingSupporting children with gluten intolerance - from snacks to birthday partiesAddressing the gluten-free craze and misconceptions about healthQuick, healthy gluten-free meal ideas for busy familiesTips for overwhelmed parents facing new diagnoses and the importance of advocacyFollow Whitney on Instagram @whitnessnutrition. Visit whitnessnutrition.com for more information. Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

Navigating spring sports season can be overwhelming for parents, especially juggling multiple kids, hectic schedules, and dinner logistics. In this episode, dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter shares practical tips to streamline meal planning, embrace flexibility, and keep nutrition on track amidst the chaos.In this episode she discusses:How to shift your mindset from perfection to practicality with family dinnersStrategies for scheduling and planning around unpredictable practice timesQuick and easy meal ideas for busy nights, including chaos dinners and batch cookingPortable and on-the-go dinner options that align with sports schedulesThe importance of involving kids in meal prep and packing snacksTop pantry staples and freezer essentials for fast, nutritious mealsTips for reducing mental load through predictabilityHow to make the most of frozen foods, convenience products, and smart prep to save timeCreative ways to incorporate nutrition into snacks and meals for active kidsManaging the chaos: back-up meal ideas and the value of flexibility and adaptabilityWant help planning meals for this week and beyond? Sign up for Sarah’s emails!Try Skout Bars as a great on the go snack!Recipes Mentioned in the Episode:26 One Pot Meals for Families During Busy SeasonsHigh Protein Vanilla Cottage Cheese Fruit Dip2 Minute Chocolate Cottage Cheese PuddingPizza BeansAmazon Links:Stasher BagsElk & Friends Stainless Steel kids drinking cupsHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes

In today's episode, Tony Castillo shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles with body image and dieting to becoming a sports performance dietitian. He discusses how cultural foods have shaped his family traditions and offers practical tips for parents to introduce and normalize these foods for children. Plus, insights on fostering intuitive eating, reducing meal-time stress, and encouraging dads to get involved in feeding their families with easy and actionable tips. In this episode you'll hear about: Tony’s personal health journey from being overnight as a child to becoming a sports dietitianThe impact of parental dieting habits on children’s food perceptionsIncorporating cultural foods like plantains, yuca, and arepas into family mealsStrategies for exposing kids to new foods with stories and positive experiencesBalancing cultural foods with American convenience optionsIntroducing children to mindful eating and respecting hunger cuesNavigating meal-time stress and the importance of flexible routinesTips for dads to participate in family meals and food preparationAddressing body image and disordered eating in young athletes and active kidsPractical pre-game and post-game fueling ideas for youth athletesFostering food curiosity and cultural identity in childrenFollow Tony on Instagram hereHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog RecipesHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text!Support the showJoin the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips!Instagram | Blog Recipes