The My Little Eater Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#23: Foods to Avoid for Babies Under 1 Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I’m doing something I don’t normally do - telling you what NOT to do! I’m usually talking all about the wonderful things you CAN serve your baby. So today I decided to switch it up, because I often hear… “Surely babies can’t eat everything, right Edwena?” So, I’m sharing my list of foods that you should avoid serving your baby under 12 months old. I go over what they are, and why to avoid them. Now, whenever I tackle topics like this, I feel the need to add a disclaimer. So here it is… no Mom guilt allowed! I’ll say it over and over until we all start to hear it! When you know better, you do better. So if this topic is completely new to you, well, now you know. You can’t do what you don’t know - so no guilt, okay? If you get value from this episode, please remember to subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts so more parents can find these tips too! And, share this episode with a fellow Mama - just make sure you pass along the disclaimer too ;) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If this episode was eye-opening for you, and you want to make sure you have all you need to know moving forward - enroll in my Baby Led Feeding online course now! When you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s hard to make important decisions... like what to feed your baby. Let me guide you on this journey so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your little one grow. (https://mylittleeater.com/baby-led-feeding/) Feeling a bit unsure about how to decrease your baby’s salt intake? Take a look at my blog post on this topic to see my guidelines on salt, and my tips on areas where you may be able to decrease your baby’s consumption of it. (https://mylittleeater.com/salt-for-babies-how-much-is-too-much/) SKIP TO... Welcome back! (0:47) Food Category #1 (1:41) Food Category #2 (3:53) Food Category #3 (9:17) Food Category #4 (14:00) Food Category #5 (15:50)

#22: Safe Foods for Picky Toddlers Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I’m talking about a technique that is absolutely necessary when dealing with picky eaters - SAFE FOODS! And no, I don’t mean serving food safely - that’s a whole other topic. I mean, ensuring that at every meal and snack there is at least one food that you know, or reasonably expect, your toddler will eat. I always get a ton of questions about this concept, and recently had a listener bring up her concerns, so today I’ll be diving into some answers. I often hear… “But, Edwena, I want them to eat something new, not something they already like!” “If I give them one thing they like, they’ll ONLY eat that - is that okay?” “They change their minds so often, if they liked it yesterday they probably won’t like it today. So, what do I do?” “The only foods my toddler willingly accepts are carbs! That can’t be okay right? They’d eat nothing but bread all day!” “My toddler only has one safe food - I swear - they like nothing!” These are all valid concerns, and I’ve got answers for them all! So, grab your headphones, find a quiet, toddler-free space (if you can ;) ) and listen up close. Once you understand the ins and outs of this concept, you’ll never go back to feeding without keeping this in mind, trust me. As always, if you get value from this episode, remember to subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts. Share this tip with a friend, because let’s face it, feeding toddlers can be an adventure... let’s help you lean into the fun of that journey, and away from the stress! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If this episode leaves you feeling like you need more - more answers, more tricks, more solutions - grab my Feeding Toddlers online course! It’s packed full of wisdom like this, to not only stop picky eating right where it is, but actually prevent it from ever becoming a serious issue. You’ll also get access to my exclusive Facebook group, for clients only, where I answer even more questions, and other parents are right there with you for support and encouragement along the way. Enroll now! (https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/) SKIP TO... Hey there! (0:47) Today’s question (1:37) Safe foods (3:27) Meet your toddler where they are (5:12) What can be a safe food? (7:17) How to increase variety in safe foods (11:50)

#21: What to Do When Your Toddler Just Won’t Eat! Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m tackling a question from one of my followers on Instagram. In a nutshell, her 2 year old used to eat anything as a baby, but now refuses everything! Even foods she used to accept without hesitation. She’ll even refuse all food until she gets the milk, or specific food item, she wants - sometimes withholding for an entire day. I gotta hand it to toddlers, their ability to persevere to get what they want is top notch! So here’s the deal - I’ll be talking about the calorie needs of a toddler, mealtime pressure, trust in feeding, AND boundary testing, in order to answer this one. If this sounds like your toddler, or even if you have a baby approaching toddlerhood, this is a must listen! Having these tools ready to use, should the need arise, is so much easier than trying to find them when your toddler is already pulling at your last nerve. If you get value from this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts. And please share this with fellow parents in the thick of it, we could all use a little peace of mind when it comes to feeding our (very) stubborn toddlers. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you’re new to the Division of Responsibility, then you’re definitely going to want to check that out first before listening too far into today’s episode. Having that base knowledge is key, and I teach you all about it in a previous episode, so listen in here: https://mylittleeater.com/9-the-one-feeding-strategy-that-will-change-mealtimes-forever/ To get the full details on the knowledge, tips, and tricks I share in this episode, enroll in my Feeding Toddlers online course! I prepare you for everything your toddler can throw at you, and then some! Be ready if a situation like this happens, AND, if it’s already happening, get all the support you need while you navigate it. (https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/) Have a question you’d LOVE for me to answer on the podcast? Submit your question, or topic idea, at the following link, click subscribe, and wait to hear what I have to say! https://form.asana.com?hash=637ba960206da82669d082ca17b976d3237288d5805d908450d012018b58899e&id=1163605392084654 SKIP TO... Welcome back! (0:47) Today’s question (1:33) Rejecting previously liked foods (3:44) Is responsive feeding still a thing? (6:19) Toddler calorie requirements (10:43) The importance of schedules (14:36)

#20: Raising Body Positive Kids with Verena Dickson Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, I speak about a topic that is close to my heart - raising our kids to have a positive body image - with Verena Dickson. Verena is the owner of Kinder Nutrition, and is a Registered Nutritionist that specializes in child nutrition. We’ll be talking about why weight does not equate to health, how to speak about bodies in a neutral way, how important it is to address these issues within yourself first, and what you can teach your child to do if someone comments on their weight/image. I know, lots to unpack here, but this topic is so incredibly important. Think about struggles that you have maybe experienced throughout your life. Have you ever looked in the mirror and not liked what you saw? Have you ever put yourself down, or decided not to wear something, because it just didn’t look “right” on your body? Same. So please listen to this episode. We are sharing some great concepts and tips that you can apply with your children beginning in early toddlerhood. That’s right - toddlers - start this now and get them set up for a lifetime. If you get value from this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts. And, feel free to let me know... was this content something that you would like to hear more info about? Did it resonate with you? Follow this link and tell me what you want to hear about next! (https://form.asana.com?hash=637ba960206da82669d082ca17b976d3237288d5805d908450d012018b58899e&id=1163605392084654) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Looking for more of Verena’s awesome content? Check out her blog to see content ranging from “3 secrets to raising body confident kids” to “Top 10 super quick and easy family meals”. (https://kinder-nutrition.com/blog/) You can also find Verena’s list of recommended resources for kids, as discussed on the episode, here: https://kinder-nutrition.com/free-resources-for-kids/. VERENA'S BIO: Verena Dickson is a registered nutritionist specialising in child nutrition, and is the founder of Kinder Nutrition. Her aim is to dispel some common myths and replace some misplaced practices relating to children’s eating habits and body image so that children develop a natural, relaxed relationship with food and their own bodies. Most of us grew up watching our mums complain about their tummy fat and jumping from one diet trend to another. This certainly didn’t help with the development of our own body image. The message that thin means worthy has been ingrained in us and is often hard to let go. But our children today are subject to even more intense pressures than previous generations. Verena has a very gentle, respectful approach to building body confidence in children that can be applied from a very young age. She has helped many families across the UK with issues like weight concerns, overeating, undereating, and many more. SKIP TO... Meet Verena (1:58) Weight does not equate to health (7:23) Words/phrases/actions to be aware of (14:24) How to respond if your child asks: “Am I fat?” (19:24)

#19: Baby Led Weaning Myths You Can Ignore! Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of the My Little Eater Podcast, I’ll be busting a few of the most common myths about baby led weaning. I’m sure you’ve heard these before… traditional puree feeding is safer… wait, nevermind, finger foods are safe for all babies… or even, babies need teeth to have actual solid foods. Nope, nope, and nope! Deciding whether to go the traditional feeding route with purees, or to go the baby led weaning route, is a difficult task. You might even decide that a mixed approach is the best fit for your family - yes, this IS an option! Either way, let me help you make this decision by providing you with the facts. It can be information overload out there in Google-land, so listen in to hear the truths behind baby led weaning, before you decide which option is best for you and your baby. Then, I’ll be here to support you - no matter what method you choose! As always, if you get value from this podcast, please subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts. And, let me know on Instagram - which one of these myths shocked you? Tag me in a screenshot of the podcast while you listen, and I’ll share you to my stories! (@mylittleeater) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Once you’ve decided on which method is the best for you and your baby - let me guide you throughout your journey! Whether you’ve chosen puree feeding, BLW, or a mixed approach, my Baby Led Feeding online course is for YOU! I’m all about following your baby’s cues - regardless of what you’re feeding - so that you can raise a happy, independent little eater! Enroll now and let the fun begin! (https://mylittleeater.com/baby-led-feeding/) SKIP TO... Welcome back! (0:47) Myth #1 - Babies need teeth (1:55) Myth #2 - Babies need pincer grasp (6:40) Myth #3 - All babies can start with BLW (9:58) Myth #4 - You can’t mix approaches (12:58) Myth #5 - BLW has an increased choking risk (16:55)

#18: What is Baby Led Feeding? Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between Baby Led Weaning and Baby Led Feeding. Didn’t know there was a difference? Exactly my point! These terms, and so many others, are used so interchangeably that most people don’t even realize that they describe different methods for introducing solid foods to an infant. Now, I am not getting into the pros and cons of all methods, but I will be sharing why I teach Baby Led Feeding, as opposed to a strict Baby Led Weaning approach. Hopefully, you’ll come away with an understanding of why I advocate for this method. And, realize that it actually allows you to custom make a feeding approach that you are comfortable with, but that also follows your baby’s cues and acknowledges their skill levels. Above all else, you need to choose a method that fits your family, which Baby Led Feeding allows. Feeding is not a one size fits all scenario - what is with parenting anyways? As always, if you get value from this episode please subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts. Feel free to tag me on Instagram in videos of your baby eating the baby led way - I love to see Baby Led Feeding in action! Find me there @mylittleeater :) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you find that the idea of Baby Led Feeding resonates with you, my infant course is custom made just for you! Grab my Baby Led Feeding course and get ready to feel completely confident moving into this next phase of your parenting journey. Between the videos, downloadable resources, bonus content, and ongoing support from yours truly, there isn’t a bump in the road that you won’t be prepared to handle. (https://mylittleeater.com/baby-led-feeding/) SKIP TO... Hey there! (0:47) So many terms! (1:30) What is Baby Led Feeding? (4:17) Recognizing baby’s cues and skill level (9:12) The texture timeline (12:44)edfeeding

#17: How to Foster Independence in the Kitchen with Adeline Dubreuil Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adeline Dubreuil! Adeline is an AMI Montessori teacher, and runs a successful in-home Montessori program. If you are new to the world of Montessori, you’re not the only one! I shared this episode with my assistant, and she was blown away with the information Adeline had to share. Here is what she has to say: “I had NO idea that this is what Montessori was all about! I had heard the word tossed around in different mom groups, but honestly, felt too overwhelmed, and intimidated, to look it up. After listening to Adeline, I’m realizing that a lot of what I aim to teach my girls, aligns perfectly with its theory on encouraging independence. When she speaks about tasks for a one year old and a three year old in the kitchen… my girls are 1 and 3… I have definitely not let my 3 year old cut food, and I am just realizing now how much she has been begging me for this type of independence.” If you want to know exactly what she’s referring to, listen in! Adeline and I go over everything. Including, why you should foster your toddler’s independence (not only in the kitchen), and how to accomplish this safely. She even provides examples of tasks that are appropriate as they continue to grow and learn. If you get value from this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts! Share with me what you’re taking away from this episode. And, I’d love to see your little sous chefs in action, be sure to tag me, @mylittleeater, in your next cooking photo! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you completely resonate with the ideas that Adeline was sharing today, head on over to her Instagram. She shares wonderful tips and ideas there all the time! (https://www.instagram.com/maritimemontessorimom/) If you need to upgrade your toddler’s kitchen supplies, or start their collection, check out my Amazon shop for some awesome recommendations. (Please note that this is an affiliate link :) ) (https://www.amazon.com/shop/mylittleeater) Want to get your hands on that wonderful freebie I mention at the end of the episode? Grab your copy now and get ready to watch your toddler’s love for cooking grow, while getting some memorable quality time with them too! (https://courses.mylittleeater.com/episode17) ADELINE'S BIO: Adeline is the mother of a happy toddler in Halifax, NS. She is also an AMI Montessori teacher and has an in-home Montessori program for children aged 3 to 6 years old. She believes in the independence of the child, and also loves working with families as a parenting coach. She is an advocate for head-to-toe well-being which may start... in the kitchen! SKIP TO... Welcome Adeline! (1:32) About Montessori (4:03) Why foster independence in the kitchen? (11:13) Prepare the environment (14:05) Give toddlers opportunities (15:49) But I don’t have the time! (19:01) Age appropriate tasks (24:56) Product recommendations (30:47)

#16: What to Do When Your Toddler is Sweet Obsessed? Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m going to be smashing every belief you’ve ever had about desserts! That’s right - we’re talking about sweets - including: if to serve them, when to offer them, and how frequently they should be in your meal plans. You just might be shocked with what I have to say.... hint: I’m pro-desserts! I’m even a firm believer in increasing how often you offer them if you notice your toddler just can’t get enough of those scrumptious treats. Disclaimer: I know this may cause fear and panic in you - as parents, we want only the best for our kids, and we were always taught desserts are not that! So, why am I flipping the script now? Because we want a future generation that has a positive relationship with all foods - we don’t want them to feel instant guilt every time they have a slice of cake. Today, I’m teaching you how you can accomplish this with a few simple steps. As always, if you get value from today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts! Tag me on Instagram while you’re listening... better yet? Tag a friend too! I’d also love to hear your thoughts on this episode - how were desserts treated when you were growing up? Are you ready to try changing it up for your own kids? Let’s see your kiddos (and you!) enjoying those delectable treats - tag me in your photos on Instagram, @mylittleeater, and I’ll share them to my stories. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: For more tips on how to handle sweet treats with your toddlers - check out my blog on this topic here >> https://mylittleeater.com/top-3-strategies-for-serving-dessert-to-kids/ If you’re loving this concept, and are on-board with creating a positive relationship with all foods for your toddler, but are not quite sure of your next steps, my Feeding Toddlers online course teaches you how to accomplish this! Feel confident that you’re creating a positive balance in your child’s diet, and let’s work together to help your toddler become a happy and adventurous eater! (https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/) Finally, I go over a few different concepts in this podcast. From ensuring you aren’t discussing food the whole time you’re at the dinner table, to being confident in the Division of Responsibility for my tips to truly be effective. Check out the relevant blog posts, and podcast episode, here: >> https://mylittleeater.com/mealtime-conversations-part-1/ >> https://mylittleeater.com/mealtime-conversations-part-two/ >> https://mylittleeater.com/9-the-one-feeding-strategy-that-will-change-mealtimes-forever/ SKIP TO... Hi! (0:47) Understanding your fear of sugar and sweets (2:16) The #1 thing I want to tell you (4:43) Treat desserts like any other food (8:38) Offer desserts more (9:33) Offer desserts to everyone (17:28) Serve desserts WITH your main meal (20:03)

#15: How to Stand in your Confidence as a Parent with Myla Leinweber Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I’m interviewing Parent Coach Myla Leinweber! She has a Masters of Education, is a PCI Certified Parent Coach, and just recently launched The Joyful Parenting Collective! If you have a parenting-related worry - she’s got your back! We are speaking today about “standing in your confidence as a parent”. Now, what the heck is that? I have never met a parent that is truly confident 100% of the time - have you? We all worry, stress, and second-guess - but Myla is here with all the tips on how to decrease that, while increasing joy. Sound impossible? It’s not, I promise you! You can learn how to be your child’s safety net... handle their big emotions, without losing control of yours... be empathetic and understanding. You can be confident. If you want to learn how to do this, listen in because this stuff is GOLD! Any parenting issue that comes up is much easier to address if you are confident in your role as their parent. I think you know this, but what you may not know is how to get there. That’s where Myla comes in. If you get value from this episode please subscribe, rate, and review it at Apple Podcasts. AND - please share this with a fellow parent! Chances are they’re feeling similar to you, but don’t know what to do - help them out. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you connect with Myla the way that I do, go and check out her new membership program. The Joyful Parenting Collective is ALL about bringing joy into the parenting experience. That is possible! You can feel confident, know how to respond, take care of yourself, AND enjoy this parenting journey - it doesn’t have to be a trade-off. Find out how to get on her waitlist, here >> https://parentcoaching.kartra.com/page/Uyz17 Do you feel like you need to bring some confidence to the table at mealtimes? That’s where I come in! Toddlers are full of big emotions, and those often appear at mealtimes - particularly when they don’t feel like eating. Or stopping their game. Or when they don’t approve of the menu. Or because it’s Tuesday. Whatever the reason is that your toddler is just not having it, I can teach you what to do. Check out my Feeding Toddlers online course for more! (https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/) And, if you are the parent of a toddler, chances are you have experienced your fair share of tantrums! Take a look at Myla’s tantrum script that she references on the episode - It. Is. Amazing. Grab your copy, print it out, put it on the fridge - whatever works! Keep it close so you can have it available the next time your toddler needs some help with those big emotions. (https://parentcoaching.kartra.com/page/MrT49) MYLA'S BIO: Myla Leinweber is a PCI Certified Parent Coach and Parent Educator, former kindergarten teacher with a B.Ed and M.Ed, and most importantly, a mama of two young girls. She strives to help parents find more ease, confidence, and joy in parenting. She is originally from Tofino, BC, a small town on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and currently lives in another small town in the mountains, with her husband and two daughters, where they joyfully ski, mountain bike, and hike. SKIP TO... Welcome Myla! (1:51) What does “stand in your confidence” mean? (5:03) Practical Tips (7:48) How does confidence sound? (16:33) How to be confident even when you’re scared (22:52)

#14: Feeding Schedules for Toddlers Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I’m going to be giving you a complete breakdown of my top tips for creating a mealtime schedule for your toddler - that will actually work! If you are the parent of a toddler, chances are you have heard them ask for a snack a time or two. Or….let’s face it... 5, or (what feels like) 1000 times! Snacks are coveted to toddlers, it’s like their favourite time of day - it must be if they want it so often, am I right?! If they love the food you serve so much, that they ask for it constantly, why then when they sit down for a meal is it a complete battle and they end up leaving without eating so much as a crumb?? I’m hoping you see the connection. In reality, the number one reason that kids choose not to eat at mealtimes is because they are just not hungry! And who would be after having snack after snack all day? No worries, I’m here to help today with all of my tips on creating, and maintaining, a consistent mealtime AND snack-time routine for your toddler. I’ve got your back with 4 easy steps to set this up and make it last! No more fetching 20 snacks a day for you! As always, if you get value from this episode, please subscribe (so you don’t miss out!), and rate and review it on Apple Podcasts (so others don’t miss it either!). Share this with a fellow Mama that could use a break from endless snacks too - just think of all that free time that will open up if you aren’t constantly making snacks all day! Enough time to listen to another episode I’m sure ;) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you LOVE this concept and the easy step-by-step guide I provide to put it in place, you are going to be OBSESSED with my Feeding Toddlers course! It is exactly that - a step-by-step guide - but for everything toddler nutrition related. I walk you through all of my strategies that help form a foundation for adventurous and healthy eating that will stick with your toddler through childhood and into adulthood as well! Don’t wait until the signs of picky eating emerge, give yourself a head start. Enroll now! (https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/) Download your copy of my toddler clock here. Set yourself, and your toddler, up for success when you implement this new schedule. Toddler’s understand concepts visually much better than having it explained over and over. It will make this transition easier for both of you! (http://my-little-eater.ck.page/routineclock) And, download your copy of the “kitchen is closed” sign here. This will be a huge life-saver when your toddler asks for a snack outside of their newly scheduled times. It can visually remind them that they aren’t able to get something right now, while you remind them that another snack or meal is coming up soon. Remember, a little hunger is a good thing! (https://my-little-eater.ck.page/kitchenisclosed) SKIP TO... Hello! (0:47) When to implement a schedule (2:39) The #1 reason kids don’t eat (4:44) What can parents do? (9:14) So, what does the schedule look like? (13:01) And, how do I implement it? (17:26)

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