Picky eating, protein, food dyes, and nutrition myths: What parents actually need to know with Jennifer Anderson

Jennifer Anderson, registered dietitian, founder of Kids Eat in Color, and author of the new book Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life, joins me to help parents cut through the noise around nutrition, focus on what actually matters, and let go of the guilt, perfectionism, and fear that so often surround mealtimes.

Together we explore:

• Why the atmosphere around the table may matter just as much as what's on your child's plate.

• The surprising reason play can be one of the most effective tools for helping picky eaters become more adventurous.

• How to tell the difference between nutrition advice that's worth paying attention to and the headlines designed to scare you.

• The simple framework Jennifer uses to help parents stop worrying about every food trend and focus on the changes that make the biggest difference.

• Why talking about foods as "good" or "bad" may shape the way children think about eating in ways we don't always realize.

• What parents can do when the usual feeding advice doesn't seem to work for their unique child.

• How your own relationship with food may be influencing your child's, often without you even realizing it.

• The permission every parent needs to stop chasing perfect nutrition and start building a healthier relationship with food for the whole family.

Whether you're navigating picky eating, trying to cut through the endless stream of nutrition advice online, or simply hoping mealtimes can feel a little less stressful, this conversation will leave you feeling calmer, more confident, and equipped with practical strategies you can start using right away.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Kids Eat in Color

📚 Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life

📱 IG: @kids.eat.in.color TikTok: @kids.eat.in.color FB: Kids Eat in Color

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren

🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families

📱IG: @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Need support with picky eating or feeding challenges? If mealtimes have become a source of stress, or your child is struggling with picky eating, ARFID, or other feeding challenges, Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers parent coaching to help you better understand what's driving your child's eating and learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support them. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about picky eating, ARFID, and SPACE with Dr. Yaara Shimshoni

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about nurturing open mindedness in kids through food with Priya Krishna

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your child would never stop eating unless you restrict them?