The Homegrown Podcast podcast

How to nourish your growing child—nutrient-dense baby foods, the pitfalls of baby-led weaning, 10 ways to reverse picky eating, and the importance of the family meal with Christine Muldoon

0:00
1:36:35
Rewind 15 seconds
Fast Forward 15 seconds

In this episode, hosts Liz and Joey welcome back Christine Muldoon, a functional nutrition therapy practitioner, to discuss the intricacies of feeding children, particularly focusing on picky eating and the concept of baby-led weaning. Christine shares her personal journey with feeding her children and emphasizes the importance of intentionality and the relationship between food and family.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intentionality in feeding can improve children's eating habits.
  • Picky eating is a common challenge for parents.
  • Baby-led weaning promotes autonomy in children.
  • Nutrient density is crucial for children's growth.
  • Broth and organ meats are beneficial for babies.
  • Avoid sugar and refined sweeteners for young children.
  • Delayed introduction of solids can lead to picky eating.
  • Zinc-rich foods are important for appetite and taste.
  • Fermented foods help build a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Cooking techniques can make organ meats more palatable. 
  • Presentation matters when introducing new foods.
  • Constant exposure to foods is key for acceptance.
  • Avoid labeling children as picky eaters.
  • Establish a consistent meal routine for kids.
  • Reduce snacking to encourage full meals.
  • Don't be a short order cook for your kids.
  • Smaller portions can make meals less intimidating.
  • Building a relationship with food is crucial.
  • Patience is essential in the journey of learning to eat.
  • Kids often eat better in relaxed environments.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Intentional Parenting and Nutrition
03:08 The Fascination with Feeding Kids
05:58 The Journey of Real Food and Picky Eating
08:57 Understanding Baby-Led Weaning
12:07 The Importance of Nutrient Density in Baby Foods
15:04 Common Pitfalls in Baby-Led Weaning
17:58 First Foods for Babies: A Nutritional Guide
20:50 Foods to Avoid for Young Children
23:46 The Impact of Delayed Solid Food Introduction
27:05 Nutritional Deficiencies in Early Childhood
30:00 Incorporating Zinc-Rich Foods for Kids
33:05 Creative Ways to Introduce Organ Meats
35:55 Cooking Techniques for Organ Meats
39:00 The Value of Whole Animal Consumption
45:32 Exploring Unique Foods: Moose Tongue and Beyond
48:05 Transforming Picky Eaters: Strategies from the Kitchen
52:42 Navigating Spicy Foods and Personal Preferences
01:01:19 The Journey of Learning to Eat: Patience and Exposure
01:13:30 Reversing Picky Eating: Practical Tips for Parents
01:24:41 Building Relationships Through Food: The Heart of Parenting

Find Christine's website HERE.
Find our Picky Eating 101 Episode HERE.
Watch this interview on YouTube HERE.
Find Homegrown on Instagram HERE.
Find Liz Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.
Find Joey Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.
Shop real food meal plans and children's curriculum HERE.
Get  exclusive podcast episodes HERE.
Shop natural home goods on Haselmayer Goods HERE.

More episodes from "The Homegrown Podcast"