The Nourished Child

Summer should feel like a break. But for parents of kids between nine and fourteen, it often quietly unravels everything that kept their child healthy during the school year. Sleep shifts later. Breakfast gets skipped. Screens fill the hours. Movement drops off. And by August, you're wondering how things got so far off track. In this episode, I walk through what the research actually shows about what happens to children's health over the summer break, why tweens are especially vulnerable, and what one structural change can make a meaningful difference before the drift sets in. If you want to go deeper, I'm also hosting a free live webinar in June where I walk parents through a complete summer health framework. The registration link is in the show notes. If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps more parents find reliable, research-based information.

Food allergies in children are on the rise, but so are treatment options. In this episode, I interview Christopher Parrish, a leading food allergy expert and researcher, about the latest treatments for kids with food allergies, including oral immunotherapy, biologic medications, and emerging therapies that may change the future of allergy care. If you're a parent navigating food allergies, this conversation will help you understand: New treatment options for children How oral immunotherapy works The role of biologics in food allergy treatment What's on the horizon for safer allergy management For more resources, visit the Latitude website: www.latitudefoodallergy.com If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps more parents find reliable, research-based information.

Nutrition advice for kids can feel overwhelming right now. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle breaks down popular nutrition trends like seed oils, sugar, protein obsession, clean eating, and the Dirty Dozen list. She explains what parents actually need to know, what's worth paying attention to, and how to support a child's health without creating fear or rigid food rules.

What if the way we feel about our child's body matters more than anything we say?  In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by body image psychotherapist Zoë Bisbing to unpack what body image really is—and how it quietly develops in childhood.  We talk about the subtle, often unintentional ways parents influence their child's relationship with their body, and why even well-meaning efforts to "help" can sometimes backfire.  You'll learn:  What body image actually is (and why it's more than appearance)   The difference between body positivity and body neutrality   Early signs your child may be struggling with body image   Why some children are more vulnerable than others   How parental "vibe" around food and bodies shapes kids more than words   What to do if your child says, "I hate my body"   When to seek professional support—and what therapy looks like   We also explore a powerful idea: that supporting your child's body image often starts with your own awareness, beliefs, and healing.  This episode will help you create a home where kids feel safe, respected, and supported in their bodies—no matter their size. 

Family dinners can get complicated during the teen years. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle explains why teens' appetite rhythms change, why they may resist family meals, and how parents can maintain healthy habits and strong connection without pressure or conflict.

What is REDs, and why are more teen athletes at risk? Jill Castle interviews sports dietitian Rebecca McConville about the warning signs and prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Low appetite in kids and teens can be completely normal, or a signal that something deeper is going on. In this episode, Jill Castle explains how to tell the difference and when under-fueling becomes a concern.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dani Lebovitz, co-author of Food Positivity, to explore why emotional safety at the table matters more than food rules—and what actually helps kids build trust with eating.

Most parents don't mean to shame their kids about food — but it happens more often than we realize. In this episode, Jill Castle breaks down the subtle ways food shame shows up at home, why it backfires, and how parents can shift toward supportive, emotionally safe feeding practices that help kids thrive.

When picky eating is extreme, it's rarely just about the food. Pediatric dietitian Katharine Jeffcoat explains how anxiety and sensory challenges impact eating, what helps beyond nutrition, and how to reduce pressure at the table—plus a simple "food science" approach to support progress.

A powerful reframe on child nutrition for 2026—why food alone isn't enough and how a whole-child approach supports lifelong health and well-being.

Fiber researcher, Joanne Slavin, discusses fiber for kids and why it's so important to their health.

Pediatrician and mom, Dr. Chrissie Ott, chats about the use of GLP-1 meds in kids and teens.

Let's talk turkey! Learn how to make Thanksgiving a positive experience to remember, especially if you have a picky eater or a child with high weight. 

Feeding therapist, Kelly Komisaruk, chats about ARFID in kids and teens and the new treatment she's using to help them overcome anxiety about food.

Registered dietitian Cheryl Harris teaches us about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, in children, including how to manage symptoms with nutrition.

Registered dietitian, Shannon Leatherman discusses PANS/PANDAS illness and how nutrition can help reduce inflammation and help your child heal.

Registered dietitian, Sarah Schlichter shares actionable, real-world strategies that help parents increase their child's intake of fruits and vegetables without turning mealtime into a battle.

Jessica Setnick helps parents heal their relationship with food, what she calls the "inner eater," so you can raise a competent eater.

Dietitian and Eating Disorder specialist, Sumner Brooks, shares insights about raising an intuitive eater in a diet- and body-focused culture.

Food scientist, John Hayes, discusses the research behind food preferences. Learn about our complicated food world and what you can (and cannot do) to influence your child's food preferences. 

Pediatric Dietitian, Malina Malkani, discusses the research behind, and benefits of, goat milk-based infant formula. 

Dr. Krupa Playforth and Cinthia Scott, RD discuss their new book, Baby Leads the Way. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/

From the very first bites to mastering the self-feeding journey, feeding expert Barbara Coven-Ellis gives us tips for helping children develop skills with eating. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/

Sara Dean, a former fitness professional and gym owner, shares her reasons for leaving the fitness world. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/  

Learn about celiac disease in kids from a pediatric dietitian and a mom living with it. We'll cover key symptoms, diagnosis, and how to successfully manage the gluten-free diet for your child's health. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/

Do your kids need Omega-3 fish oil? https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/

Want to be more confident with feeding your kids? Understand the common reasons parents struggle with confident parenting and food. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/

Lynn Fredericks, founder of FamilyCook Productions, shares her innovative work in nutrition education in the community and its impact on well-being. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Food and agriculture thought leader, Charlie Arnot, explores the conflicting and confusing information about food and nutrition online and helps us find the truth. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Body composition expert and obesity specialist, Dr. Robert Dubin, explains body composition and how too much body fat may affect health.  Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Sweetness researcher Adams Berzins explains artificial and natural sweeteners and their role in reducing sugar intake. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

A pediatric dietitian's wish list for how to make America healthy for all kids. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Dr. Debbie Kennedy, a chef and PhD nutritionist, discusses the psychological benefits of cooking for children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Researcher Dr. Stephanie Anzman-Frasca shares easy parenting strategies for shaping good habits for kids.  Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Jill's husband, Jon Castle, joins the show to talk about feeding a family and the lessons they learned along the way.  Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Registered dietitian and author, Malina Malkani, shares the latest on food allergy prevention in childhood. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Dr. Devon Kuehn, neonatologist and Chief Medical Officer at ByHeart, chats about the future of infant formula, advancements in formula nutrition, and how to navigate the baby formula market. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Registered dietitian and children's book author, Dave Grotto, discusses trying new foods and building healthy eating habits in children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

In this special episode, we shine a light on soy foods and the myths surrounding them. Three registered dietitian nutritionists, including myself, team up for an insightful podcast collaboration to discuss four common misconceptions about soy using the latest evidence-based research.  Joining me are Melissa Joy Dobbins, "The Guilt-Free RD" and host of Sound Bites, and Karen Collins, an expert in cardiovascular and cancer nutrition. Together, we break down myths like 'soy increases breast cancer risk,' whether soy has "feminizing" effects on boys and men, the belief that processed soy is nutritionally inferior to traditional forms, and concerns about seed oils like soybean oil.  We explore why respected health organizations support soy and share science-backed insights to help you see soy's place in a healthy diet.  Tune in to learn the truth and gain a fresh perspective on soy foods and nutrition. What You'll Learn About Soy Foods with Karen Collins and Melissa Joy Dobbins:  4:42 Addressing the myth that processed soy foods are less nutritious than traditional options 05:50 Understanding public concerns and perceptions about processed foods 09:27 Insights from nutritional research on ultra-processed foods 23:16 Examining the myth that seed oils are harmful to health 26:33 Clarifying misconceptions about omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation 33:26 Debunking the belief that soy increases breast cancer risk 38:21 Reviewing research on soy and breast cancer survival rates 44:49 Dispelling the myth that soy causes feminizing effects in boys and men 47:57 Scientific findings on soy's impact on male hormones 49:48 How to critically interpret nutrition research and avoid sensationalized health scares // Feature 📌 Check out Jill's book, Kids Thrive at Every Size https://thenourishedchild.com/kids-thrive-at-every-size 📌 Does Your Child Have the Habits to Thrive at Every Size? Take My Quiz! https://thenourishedchild.com/healthy-habits-quiz 📌 For all the resources mentioned on this show, go to: https://soundbitesrd.com/273 // Connect with Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND 📌 Karen Collins Nutrition website, to access reviews of nutrition research https://karencollinsnutrition.com 📌 Subscribe to receive nutrition research updates by email https://info.karencollinsnutrition.com/subscribe-email-research-reviews 📌 Continuing Professional Education (CPEUs) from Karen Collins Nutrition https://karencollinsnutrition.com/dietitian-continuing-education-cpe 📌 Karen's dietitians-only membership, the Daunting to Doable Nutrition Pro Circle information and waitlist https://info.karencollinsnutrition.com/membership-waitlist-info 📌 Instagram: @KarenCollinsNutrition 📌 Facebook:  @KarenCollinsNutrition 📌 LinkedIn: @KarenCollinsRD // Connect with Melissa Joy Dobbins: 📌 Website: https://soundbitesrd.com/ Podcast: https://soundbitesrd.com/podcast/ 📌 Directory of FREE CEUs: https://soundbitesrd.com/sound-bites-podcast-free-ceus/  📌 NEW 15-CEU Course: https://soundbitesrd.com/15ceu/  📌 nstagram: @MelissaJoyRD  📌 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MelissaJoyDobbinsSoundBites 📌 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-joy-dobbins/ // Follow and Subscribe! 📌 Podcast Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nourished-child/id1149940384  📌 YouTube https://thenourishedchild.com/youtube 📌 Spotify https://thenourishedchild.com/spotify 📌 Apple Podcast https://thenourishedchild.com/applepodcast 📌 Stitcher https://thenourishedchild.com/stitcher 📌 RSS https://thenourishedchild.com/libsynrss // Links 📌 Learn more about The Nourished Child https://thenourishedchild.com/about-us 📌 Learn more about Jill Castle https://jillcastle.com/about-jill 📌 Listen to The Nourished Child Podcast https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/  // Follow Jill on Social 📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenourishedchild 📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.pedird/  📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pediRD 📌 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pediRD 📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillcastle/   Note: This description may contain affiliate links to products I recommend as a pediatric dietitian and nutritionist. If you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! Also, this channel provides general advice. It does not offer individualized nutrition interventions, instructions or counseling. Please consult with your primary healthcare provider with health concerns or for medical advice.

Dr. Reshma Shah, a plant-based pediatrician, helps us navigate and support our vegetarian teens. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Dr. Zeena, a pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, chats about how she supports children with larger bodies. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Sharon Lemons, a registered dietitian and autism specialist, chats about nutrition and feeding children with autism. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Listen to Sara Dean, Creator of the Shameless Mom Academy and Shameless Leadership podcasts, interview Jill about how growing up with a smaller or larger body makes life more challenging for kids today. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Dr. Emily Gordon, a Boston-area therapist specializing in teen mental health, joins me to talk about building healthy coping skills in teens. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Sarah Ladden, registered dietitian and founder of Better Family Meals, explains how social media sets unrealistic standards for feeding kids and what parents can do to avoid feeling like a failure. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Listen to Tanya Sheckley, Founder and President of UP Academy, a private school in San Mateo, CA, interview Jill about her new book, Kids Thrive at Every Size, and how schools can positively influence health habits and body attitudes in children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Monica Reinagel, registered dietitian and host of the Nutrition Diva podcast, now in its 16th year, takes over the show as a guest host! She interviews Jill about her new book, Kids Thrive at Every Size. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog

Dr. Charlotte Markey, a researcher and expert in body image, is here to talk about her latest book, Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog 

Dani Lebovitz, registered dietitian and founder of Kid Food Explorers, explains why our food and nutrition education approach with kids is problematic and how we can educate with inclusivity and support instead. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog