Episode 113: Rethinking Picky Eating & Building a Healthy Relationship with Food with Jennifer Anderson

What does it actually mean to be a “picky eater,” and how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with food without pressure, shame, or anxiety? In this episode, Rachael sits down with registered dietitian and author Jennifer Anderson to talk about picky eating, childhood nutrition, feeding routines, food boundaries, and the many ways our parenting practices can shape our children’s relationship with food.

Together, they unpack what picky eating really means, how to create structure and boundaries around food while still honoring a child’s autonomy, and how diet culture and social media can influence the way we approach feeding our kids. Jennifer also shares practical strategies for navigating snacks, Halloween candy, food labels, and helping children develop embodied independence and trust in their own bodies.

Inside this episode:

What picky eating really means and why it’s so common

How parenting practices can influence children’s relationships with food

How to create structure and boundaries around meals without shame or pressure

The role of snacks and routines in children’s eating habits

How diet culture and social media can impact the way we feed our kids

Strategies for navigating Halloween candy and other treats

Why black-and-white thinking about food can be harmful

How to model healthy behaviors without creating shame around food

Understanding sensory and developmental factors that can contribute to picky eating