Episode 12: A Conversation with Kyla Fox: Creating Safe and Supportive Food Environments During the Holidays

In Episode 12 of "Plateful Parenting," co-hosts Chanel Kenner, RD, and Christine Santucci sit down with Kyla Fox, founder of the Kyla Fox Centre, to explore how families can cultivate a healthy and supportive food and body environment during the often challenging winter holidays. Kyla shares her deeply personal recovery story and how it shaped her unique, compassionate approach to eating disorder treatment. Drawing from her own experience, Kyla emphasizes the importance of family involvement and individualized care, offering parents practical tools to support their loved ones during holiday gatherings—when triggers such as food-centric traditions and body-focused conversations are more likely to arise. In this episode, Kyla, Chanel, and Christine discuss: How Kyla's recovery journey informs her work with both sufferers and their families. Ways parents can set boundaries and navigate harmful conversations about weight and food at family gatherings. The importance of creating a safe, judgment-free environment around meals during the holidays. How families can redefine holiday traditions to prioritize connection, joy, and inclusivity over diet culture and rigid expectations. This heartfelt and practical conversation provides parents with tools to foster an environment of safety and acceptance during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming for those in recovery. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. Resources Mentioned: The Kyla Fox Centre: Offering individualized, compassionate eating disorder treatment for individuals and their families. Equip: A virtual eating disorder treatment program providing evidence-based care for individuals and families. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): A leading resource offering support, education, and advocacy for those impacted by eating disorders. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for this powerful conversation with Kyla Fox. Her story reminds us that recovery is possible and that families play an essential role in creating safe spaces for healing—especially during the holidays. Join us next time as we continue to provide support, resources, and hope for families navigating eating disorder recovery.