Episode 48: Food, Mood & School: Raising Nourished Kids with Lauren Dorman

In Episode 48, Chanel and Christine sit down with dietitian Lauren Dorman, MS, RD, CDE to talk about what parents are really navigating when food feels hard: stress, regulation, emotional wellbeing—and the messages kids absorb every day at school. Lauren's work centers on Nine to Nourished, a framework that expands "nutrition" beyond food rules and checklists, and instead focuses on whole-child nourishment—especially in environments where diet culture can show up quietly (and constantly). She also shares what she's seeing in school settings right now, how "healthy choices" messaging can backfire, and what supportive, non-shaming nourishment education actually looks like. Together, they explore: ✨ Why "nourishment" is bigger than food—and how it connects to emotional health ✨ How Nine to Nourished moves families away from diet-centric thinking ✨ What diet culture looks like in schools (even when intentions are good) ✨ How school-based food rules can impact anxious, sensitive, or struggling kids ✨ What it looks like when schools "do it right"—supporting regulation, safety, and connection ✨ How parents can help kids process mixed messages between school and home ✨ Small, practical shifts that reduce stress around food and emotions at home ✨ Phrases to retire—and better language that supports whole-child wellbeing If you've ever felt caught between what your child hears at school and what you're trying to build at home, this episode will leave you feeling clearer, calmer, and more equipped. 🔗 Guest Resources  About + services: https://www.laurendormanrd.com Schools work + STRONG Student Shift: https://www.laurendormanrd.com/schools Article (Brainz Magazine): https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/transforming-health-and-nutrition-education-in-schools-the-strong-student-shift Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dont_diet_dietitian/ Nine to Nourished Guidebook (free download link on site): available via the "Download your FREE Nine to Nourished Guidebook" section on her homepage 🔗 Plateful Parenting Website: https://platefulparenting.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plateful.parenting.podcast/# Follow your hosts: Christine — https://www.instagram.com/christineheller621/# Chanel — https://www.instagram.com/chanel.kenner.nutrition