How to Raise Confident Eaters Without Food Battles with Rachel Solano

Send us Fan MailHow can parents help children develop a healthy relationship with food without turning every meal into a battle?In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Solano, Curriculum Director at Young Chefs Academy.Rachel has extensive experience teaching both adults and children, and today she helps create cooking programs designed to build children’s confidence, curiosity, independence, and practical kitchen skills.We discuss why children are often more willing to taste foods they have helped prepare, how parents can respond to picky eating without pressure, and why repeatedly exposing children to new foods can be more effective than forcing them to eat.Rachel also shares age-appropriate ways children can help in the kitchen, practical ideas for busy families, and why family meals without screens can support healthier eating habits and stronger relationships.We also explore how adults may unintentionally pass down food fears, dieting habits, body criticism, and emotional associations with food—and what parents can do differently.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why involving children in cooking can increase their willingness to try food• How early children can begin helping in the kitchen• Age-appropriate kitchen tasks for young children, school-age children, and teenagers• Why repeated exposure matters with unfamiliar foods• How to respond when a child says, “I don’t like it”• Whether children should be asked to take one bite• Why preparing a completely separate meal may not be necessary• How to include children in meal planning• Why labeling a child as a “picky eater” may reinforce that identity• Why food should not be used as a reward• Whether children should be required to finish everything on their plate• How to help children recognize hunger and fullness• Why family meals without screens matter• How parents unintentionally pass down food fears and dieting habits• One simple way families can start cooking together this weekConnect with Young Chefs AcademyWebsite:https://youngchefsacademy.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/YoungChefsAcademyInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/youngchefsacademy/Connect with Rachel SolanoInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/racheljsolano/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rachel.solano.338Connect with Turo VirtaCoaching and fitness:https://personaltrainerturo.itFitMitTuro Fitness Podcast:https://www.fitmitturo.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/personaltrainer_turoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@personaltrainer_turoIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a parent or grandparent who wants to create a healthier and more positive relationship with food at home.Try The Consistency ResetMy new personalized coaching app for women 35–55 who are tired of starting over with diets, workouts, and healthy habits.Get simple daily actions, realistic workouts, practical nutrition habits, and Reset Mode to help you keep going when life gets busy.Take the quiz and build your personalized plan here: studio.com/turo/consistency-reset