057: The Scoop on Picky Eating Strategies and Less Mealtime Stress with Nita Sharda

I'm thrilled to have Nita Sharda on the show, the co-founder of Happy Healthy Eaters, a digital platform and community that supports parents to feed their children from a place of trust and confidence and none of the fear and judgment. Although this is such a tough area to navigate with your little ones, how, what, and when to feed them, Nita breaks it down to make this so much easier. In this episode, we get into what it's like to feed toddlers, how to help them navigate picky eating, how to create food resiliency, and how to reverse selective ways of eating that aren’t ideal. We also talk about the right things to say and not say at the dinner table, what to offer at the table, and how to approach it positively while still nourishing them. Nita shares tonnes of helpful tips and you are going to learn so much in this episode.  Highlights from this episode: Selective eating is normal What is the division of responsibility? Creating a flexible routine How to tackle taste fatigue Nita’s approach to snack time Signs of iron deficiency How to shift mealtime to a positive experience The benefit of serving dessert with dinner Should you praise your child for eating? Serving deconstructed meals family style Food for play Feeding toddlers confidently Show sponsors: Needed - Save 20% off Digestive Enzymes when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Lumebox - Limited Time Offer!!! Save 50% off Lumebox November 8th to 11th (discount applied at checkout) Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Happy Healthy Eaters - Save 15% off when you use the code ultimatebaby Follow Happy Healthy Eaters on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Ellyn Satter Institute Ellyn Satter - Division of Responsibility (PDF) Sun Tropics - CocoRolls Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, I am chatting with Meredith Ethington (@perfectpending), an award-winning writer and author of the book Mom Life and her most recent book, The Mother Load. Meredith helps to normalize how hard parenting can be whether you are in your newborn days or dealing with toddler tantrums or feisty teens. Often moms don’t feel safe to talk about their struggles, and Meredith helps shed light on what is not talked about enough. We dive deep into the transition of becoming a parent overnight (without a manual), balancing the impact social media can pose on the reality of motherhood, how to find ways to regulate ourselves and our children, and how "mom brain” is a real thing! If you are ready to take the pressure off, feel heard, and relate to other moms then you don’t want to miss this empowering conversation.  Highlights from this episode: The truth about motherhood It’s ok to have different parenting styles How Meredith embraced imperfection Letting go of unrealistic mom expectations A child’s personality can clash with yours The “good enough mother” theory What postpartum anxiety & depression looks like Talk to your kids about mental health Toxic positivity and social media Mom brain is real The importance of self-care Show sponsors: Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Sunday Farms - Save 20% off your 1st two orders when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Needed - Save 20% off Sleep + Relaxation Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Meredith Ethington - The Mother Load (book) Meredith Ethington's website (Perfection Pending) Follow Meredith Ethington (Perfection Pending) on Facebook and Instagram Meredith Ethington - Mom Life (book) Listen to TUB051: How to Navigate Tiny Human Meltdowns, Tantrums, and Defiance with Alyssa Blask Campbell Alyssa Blask Campbell, Lauren Elizabeth Stauble – Tiny Humans, Big Emotions (book) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

This conversation is with Lexi Miles Corrin (@leximilescorrin), where she shares her raw and traumatic birth story involving a cesarean section with twins. Lexi discusses her journey from the moment she found out she was pregnant with twins in her third pregnancy, which automatically doubled the number of children she would have. She then takes us through the stages of her pregnancy and recounts her traumatic delivery experience. However, Lexi also speaks about her empowering postpartum recovery, detailing all the steps she had to take to heal both mentally and physically. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, Lexi provides incredible insights into how she balances her life as a mother and a successful businesswoman.  Highlights from this episode: Lexi finds out she’s having twins in her 3rd pregnancy! Comparing pregnancy stories Choosing your medical team for twin pregnancy Tips for preparing your body & mind for pregnancy and labour What is the goal gestation for twins? Lexi’s in labour: the twins are coming! The twin's birth stories The challenges with C-section recovery The power of postpartum care There’s no shame in childcare support Lean into your intuition Show sponsors: Lumebox - Save $250 off Lumebox, discount applied automatically at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied automatically at checkout Needed - Save 20% off Needed - Stress Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Follow Lexi Miles Corrin on Instagram Waxon: Laser + Waxbar We Go There Podcast with Lexi & Nikki Nikki Bergon's website (The Belle Method) Listen to TUB018: Pelvic Health: From Birth Prep to Recovery and Beyond with Nikki Bergen Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness GentleBirth Pregnancy (app) We Go There Podcast: S5 EP52 - The Twins Are Coming! Lexi Miles Corrin - I Have Two Nannies and No Apologies - Here’s Why (Today’s Parent article) We Go There Podcast - Episode #90 - Debunking Pregnancy "Food Rules" with Marni Wasserman Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

After suffering from IBS for years, Autumn Smith (@autumnfladmosmith) eventually adopted a whole-food diet and transformed her health. With this new foundation of health, she wanted to share her passion and started Paleovalley with her husband. Through this endeavor, she has been dedicated to harnessing the power of whole foods to help others heal and thrive.  She is also a mom passionate about raising her son on a nutrient-dense diet! In this episode, we get into Autumn's digestive health challenges, the incredible connection between the brain and gut, and how adopting a paleo diet transformed her mental health. We also discuss how Autumn maintained a healthy pregnancy and why she included organ supplements in her regime. She shares her postpartum experience, how she introduced nutrient-dense foods to her son at a young age, and how she navigated picky eating as he got older. Lots of incredible information for you to soak in on this episode! Enjoy.  Highlights from this episode: Healing digestive issues with a whole foods diet Preconception & pregnancy nutrition Hypnobirthing reduces fear Key nutrients for mamas Starting your baby on an ancestral diet Autumn’s learning pod experience during lockdowns The birth of Paleovalley Defining regenerative farming Choose organic when possible Show sponsors: Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order or 3-month subscription of Needed Digestive Enzymes when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Sunday Farms - Save 20% off your 1st two orders when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Paleovalley - Save 15% off, use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Follow Autumn Smith on Instagram Wild Pastures Tracy Anderson Loren Cordain (books)  Sally Fallon (books) The Greater Goods - Grain-Free Crackers Listen to TUHP episode 371: - Autumn Smith – Healing From IBS & Anxiety, Supporting Regenerative Agriculture, Organ Meats To Support Mental Health The Bionutrient Institute - Nutrient Density in Beef Project Dan Kittredge American Grassfed Association Into the Weeds: the Dewayne Lee Johnson Story Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Dr. Elana Roumell (@drelanaroumell) is a Pediatric Naturopathic Doctor on a mission to teach moms how to safely be a “Doctor Mom!” She loves to teach moms how to transform their fear, panic, and overwhelm when their child gets sick into feeling calm, competent, confident, and well-equipped with the right tools to prevent illness and treat it wisely! In this episode, you are going to learn about what to stock up on at home to reduce your child's chances of getting sick, but also when they do get sick (because they will) how to shorten the duration of their colds and how to stay calm and confident as a mom! We also talk about Elana's cross-country trip across the USA with her family and how they found a new place to live, her empowering home birth, and all the best homeopathic remedies to have on hand at home. I am so excited for you to listen to this incredible episode with Dr. Mom. Highlights from this episode: Elana’s 6-month family adventure Medical freedom is a choice Lessons in minimalism & travelling Balancing nature and technology with kids Navigating family meals on the road Elana’s challenging to empowering home birth stories Does your child get sick too often? How to build a healthy immune system The difference between viral and bacterial infections Top supplement recommendations to fight colds naturally Is mold toxicity affecting your child’s health? The benefits of humidifiers and nebulizers What is homeopathy? Build your own natural medicine toolkit + recommendations Show sponsors: Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order of Needed Complete Plan when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Follow Dr. Elana Roumell on Instagram Med School for Moms Doctor Mom Podcast The Doctor Mom Membership Get The Doctor Mom’s DIY Medicine Kit Guide Listen to TUB017: How to Be Your Own Doctor Mom with Dr. Elana Roumell Listen to TUB052: Life Update with Marni Wasserman Thrive Market - Join Thrive Market today and get your FREE gift (up to $60) + 30% off your 1st order ButcherBox Indoor Humidity Meter CarePod Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Xlear Kids' Nasal Spray Wise Woman Herbals - Throat Mist Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray for Kids Gaia Kids - Tummy Tonic Herbal Drops Active Skin Repair (use the code ultimatebaby to save $10 off your order of $100 or more) Boiron Canada (Boiron USA) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, I want to give you a little glimpse into my life and update what has happened over the last few months. With sickness, injuries, birthdays, postponing our family vacation to Disney World, and starting a new online course my life has been hectic and very stressful. I wanted to take a moment to bring you up to speed and to let you know that more incredible episodes and interviews will be coming soon! Highlights from this episode: The never-ending cold season Hayden’s accident Postponing our Disney World vacation Night weaning strategies Work with me! New season starts in September Show sponsor: Needed - Save 20% off Stress Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Boiron Optique 1 - Homeopathic Eye Drops Lesli D. Mitchell - Sally Weans from Night Nursing (book) Oh Baby Nutrition - Want to become a Certified Nutrition Consultant for mom’s and babies please click this link to learn more! Listen to TUB042: Transitioning from Milk to Meals with Luka McCabe Luka McCabe - Boob to Food Contact Me for 1-on-1 Pregnancy, Postpartum & Baby Nutrition Coaching Listen to TUB017: How to Be Your Own Doctor Mom with Dr. Elana Roumell Dr. Elana Roumell aka Doctor Mom Autumn Smith co-founder of Paleovalley Paleovalley - Save 15% off all Palevalley products, discount applied at checkout by clicking this link: paleovalley.com/ultimatebaby Meredith Ethington (Perfect Pending) Nita Sharda from Happy Healthy Eaters Ryan McFarland from Strider Bikes Shelly Patularu (Twin Mom Guide) The Ultimate Health Podcast with Jesse Chappus Subscribe to Jesse Chappus/The Ultimate Health Podcast YouTube Channel Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

This interview couldn’t be coming out at a better time when toddler meltdowns and tantrums have the potential to be at their peak over the holidays. With late nights, more sugar than usual, overstimulation, and just the excitement of the holidays. So there is no greater guest to have on the show than Alyssa Blask Campbell, author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. Alyssa has a master’s degree in early childhood education, is the the CEO of Seed and Sew, and is an established podcaster and influencer. She has been featured as an emotional development expert in numerous national publications. In this conversation, we share the best ways to navigate big emotions from the tiny humans in our life by using a collaborative approach and working with your little one rather than against them. Its not just about regulating their emotions but ours as well. We get into the nitty gritty of emotional intelligence and what that means, how to not react with our default mode when our child has a tantrum, how to respond with intention, the difference between guilt and shame, and how to find calm in your childs storm while setting healthy boundaries. You are going to get so much out of this episode.  Highlights from this episode: Alyssa’s teaching experience to writing Tiny Humans, Big Emotions The 5 components of the Collaborative Emotion Processing Method How to move with regulation and respond with intention Setting boundaries = setting expectations How do we breed connection during difficult moments? Knowing when to shift a boundary to build trust & connection It’s ok to apologize and acknowledge your mistakes Pausing can transform stressful situations Building emotional intelligence kids How to navigate meltdowns and tantrums What is your child trying to communicate? Signs of dysregulation in a child It’s never too late to start shifting your behaviour Show sponsor: Needed - Save 20% off Stress Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Sunday Farms - Save 20% off your 1st two orders when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Alyssa Blask Campbell, Lauren Elizabeth Stauble - Tiny Humans, Big Emotions (book) Alyssa Blask Campbell’s website (Seed & Sew) Follow Alyssa Blask Campbell (Seed & Sew) on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Voices of Your Village Podcast with Seed & Sew The Reggio Emilia Approach Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Kori Estrada, co-founder of RiseWell is disrupting the oral care industry with an all-natural, sustainable brand that prioritizes safe ingredients and transparency. Driven by her personal experiences with celiac disease and IVF struggles, Kori's dedication to overall health and wellness led her, along with two other partners to create dentist-formulated products that are free from harmful chemicals like fluoride, sulfates, and synthetic additives. In our conversation, we get into the details of Kori’s IVF journey, the importance of using clean wellness products in and on your body during pregnancy. We discuss the confusion about fluoride and why it's harmful to your health. Learn what hydroxyapatite toothpaste is and how it can transform your teeth and oral health. Also, learn why your toothpaste shouldn’t foam, how to choose a safer floss, and the importance of getting your kids to start brushing their teeth early and how you can support them!  Highlights from this episode: A ketogenic diet improves PCOS & fertility Kori’s IVF journey Healthy tips to increase your IVF success Creating RiseWell non-toxic oral care products The negative effects of fluoride What is hydroxyapatite? Xylitol improves oral health Top ingredients to avoid in toothpaste! Is glycerin in toothpaste a concern? The challenge with clay-based toothpaste Brushing tips for babies to big kids Use teflon-free floss Spreading holistic oral care awareness Show sponsor: The Balanced Market - (use the code ultimatebaby to save $10 off your order of $100 or more) Needed - Save 20% off Egg Quality Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates RiseWell - Save 10% off when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout (US only) Follow RiseWell on Facebook and Instagram RMA IVF Clinic Dr. Stephen Wasserman Mountain Valley Spring Water AquaTru ultimatehealth at checkout Dr. Mark Burhenne (Ask the Dentist) Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne - Episode #65: Glycerin in Toothpaste: What you Need to Know (podcast) RiseWell - Beware Of False Claims About Glycerin In Toothpaste! (article) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Michelle Henning is a certified Nutrition & Health Coach, writer, and graduate of the Irish Institute of Nutrition & Health. She is the author of “Grow Healthy Babies”, a practical, easy guide for expecting parents. Michelle is on a mission to help her clients raise happier, healthier, more cooperative, and more resilient children - who stay close to their parents as they grow. We had an amazing conversation discussing how to set a healthy foundation for your kids to help them avoid the most common ailments like allergies, asthma and eczema. We discuss what you can start doing while you are pregnant and in the early years when introducing solids to your little ones. We also get into the importance of building microbiome diversity, how and why we want to avoid antibiotics if we can, making it a priority to reduce household chemicals, which essential supplements to include for your kids, and how to prevent picky eating in toddlerhood.  Highlights from this episode: Reducing toxins can improve allergies, asthma & eczema Doulas offer home birth support Baby wipes play a role in developing food allergies Michelle shares her premature birth story to teenage health struggles Friluftsliv: the Norwegian philosophy for health The importance of building a healthy microbiome The overuse of antibiotics + how it affects your immunity Introducing fermented foods into your child’s diet Practical tips for fussy eaters Start improving your child’s flavour memories Breastfeeding helps babies fight infections The peaceful parenting approach Show sponsor: Sunday Farms - Save 20% off your 1st two orders when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Lumebox - Save $250 off (discount applied at checkout) Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Michelle Henning’s website (Grow Healthy Babies) Follow Michelle Henning (Grown Happy Kids) on Instagram Michelle Henning & Victor Henning Ph.D. - Grow Healthy Babies (book) Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan - The Psychobiotic Revolution (book) Dr. Laura Markham - Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids (book) Aha! Parenting Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Today I am chatting with Allison Evans and Kelly Love, co-founders of Branch Basics, Non-Toxic Cleaning Products. They are committed to helping families experience the power of pure living by removing toxic chemicals from the home. They will inspire you to swap out toxins in your home for simple, clean products that don’t negatively impact your health. Once you toss the toxins you will boost your fertility and improve all aspects of your health and well-being. Highlights from this episode: Allison’s fertility & health struggles Why Kelly tossed the toxins Symptoms are a warning sign Pesticides have no place in your home Where can you dispose toxic chemicals? Non-toxic is not a regulated term Synthetic fragrances disrupt hormones The 2 most toxic chemicals to ditch today! Educate kids to empower them How to create a healthy home It’s never too late to start healing What is Branch Basics made of? Allison & Kelly’s birth stories Show sponsor: The Balanced Market - (use the code ultimatebaby to save $10 off your order of $100 or more) Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order of prenatal supplements when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Branch Basics - Save 15% off when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Follow Branch Basics on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Thrive Market - Join Thrive Market and get a FREE gift valued up to $60 + 30% off first order Earth911 Environmental Working Group (EWG) Lesser Evil Popcorn Smart Sweets Toss the Toxins course Austin Area Birthing Center Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!