62: How a new food product goes from dream to Whole Foods shelves [Ft. Ali Bonar]

I am pausing the Mama Knows Nutrition podcast. We have recorded so many podcasts with amazing guests and heart-to-hearts giving you all of the insight. I love creating content, it brings me great joy. This pause is allowing me to shift my focus to prioritize some other exciting projects for Mama Knows. I hope to see you on my website and social media! Resources:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokNewsletter signup

I LOVE this question, because I can answer this question for you from a registered dietitian’s perspective to ease your concerns. Spoiler: you don’t always have to eat the same things as your kids. I’ll talk about what that can look like and what to keep in mind. Resources:Picky Eater Starter Guide with Safe Food SheetEp. 19 How to Stop Dieting and Gain Food Freedom with Colleen Christensen, RD and intuitive eating expert, @no.food.rulesYou could be eating differently because of your kids because of food rules. Find out with this quiz.

Whether you’re new to postpartum life or you’re years into your postpartum journey, it’s not too late for you to feel better. In this episode, Ashley Nowe of Get Mom Strong shares her personal journey and gives advice to help new moms find the right journey for their core and pelvic floor recovery. Resources:​​Get Mom Strong Website Get Mom Strong AppGet Mom Strong InstagramMy coupon code MAMAKNOWS14 will give users two weeks free to try the SLAM programs.

Hannah Hall, known on social media as Hannah Bower, is a mom of two, wife, and owner of Twenty2Nutrition. I had so much fun talking to Hannah about the benefits of exercise and nutrition, and in her words, why exercise makes her a “better human.” Check out her tips for how to move beyond fitness culture and get moving in a way that works for you in your own journey. This advice is amazing for postpartum moms, but really is beneficial for anyone! Resources:Hannah Bower InstagramTwenty2 Nutrition InstagramTwenty2 Nutrition WebsiteWorkout AppKacie’s Code: kacie22 for free domestic shipping on any order from Twenty2Nutrition

Liesel Teen, founder of Mommy Labor Nurse, loves birth and loves helping people…she’s just the best. Listen to our conversation to gain confidence as you prepare for baby, and feel OK about the weird/unexpected things that can happen in labor. You don’t want to miss Liesel’s top hacks for reducing nausea, making labor in the hospital feel more calming, managing pain, and making pumping less awful.Resources:Mommy Labor Nurse InstagramMommy Labor Nurse Website ​Mommy Labor Nurse TikTokBirth Plan Template

Most parents of picky eaters that I work with have something in common - they blame themselves, at least in part, for their kid’s eating. But what if a lot of the causes of picky eating are actually not in your control? Listen to this episode to find out why your little one may be picky, and which things you actually can control. Resources:MKN Picky Eater QuizResearch data:The sweetness and bitterness of childhood: Insights from basic research on taste preferencesFood neophobia across the life course: Pooling data from five national cross-sectional surveys in IrelandAssociations between emotionality, sensory reactivity and food fussiness in young childrenDevelopmental and Environmental Influences on Young Children's Vegetable Preferences and Consumption

There’s a good chance your kid is eating pretzels and Cheerios quite often…but are they healthy? I am NOT one to make you afraid of what you feed your kids so before you even listen I don’t want you to freak out about this! Listen in to find out how to include these kid favorites in a healthy diet, and what my response is to the people who think Cheerios are harmful to eat.Resources:Ep. 40 Are Goldfish Crackers Actually Healthy? Ask a Dietitian! MKN Meal and Snack GuidesMilk for Toddlers: Answering All Your Questions on Cow’s Milk, Non-Dairy Alternatives & HormonesFREE Cereal GuideFREE Healthy Toddler Snack Guide

Kristen Cook describes herself as a plus size mom creator, speaking facts about the hectic lovable chaos of raising kids, dealing with body issues and anxiety, and just overall big sister vibes for all the ladies stumbling trying to make sense of having our sh*t together. This is one of my favorite conversations on the podcast, because it’s raw, honest, fun, and just so incredibly relatable. If you’re not following Kristen already, you will be after you listen to this episode! ResourcesSign up for MKN Newsletter Kristen Cook TikTok Kristen Cook Instagram 

If you’re pregnant or have a baby at home, you don’t want to miss this episode! Mallory Whitmore of @theformulamom joins me to discuss formula feeding. We chat about the breastmilk vs formula divide and she educates us on common myths and concerns about formula feeding to help parents feel comfortable and confident when formula feeding their little ones. ResourcesThe Formula Mom Instagram The Formula Mom TikTokThe Formula Mom Formula GuideThe Formula Mom Formula FinderThe Formula Mom All Access Formula Index

Have you ever wondered how new food products actually get into stores when they’re not made by a big corporation? Ali Bonar, CEO and co-founder of Oat Haus, talks about the hurdles she’s overcome to leave her previous career behind and start a food company. The Oat Haus flagship product, Granola Butter, is the world's first oat-based spread and was born out of Ali's eating disorder recovery. Oat Haus is available at over 1,200 stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market & more. I personally am obsessed with the new Brownie Batter flavor! Granola Butter is nut-free so it’s a great sub for peanut butter at nut-free schools.Resources:Oat HausPressed JuiceryPressed Juicery Chalkboard MagazineWhole FoodsDidn’t I Just Feed YouAli Bonar InstagramOat Haus InstagramOat Haus Store Locator