The Nourished Child
The Nourished Child is a podcast about child nutrition and feeding kids with confidence. Hosted by pediatric dietitian Jill Castle, it covers practical strategies for picky eating, food-focused kids, teen appetites, and raising children of all body sizes. The episodes blend evidence-informed advice with body-positive parenting and tips for supporting a child's relationship with food and self-esteem. The goal is to help families build healthy habits and create a positive food culture at home.
Episodes
Are Seed Oils in Baby Formula Safe? A Researcher Explains
If you've scrolled social media lately, chances are you've seen someone call seed oils toxic, and that has a lot of parents second guessing the infant formula sitting in their pantry. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle sits down with Dr. Corrie Whisner, an infant nutrition researcher at Arizona State University, to separate the science from the scare. They cover why fat is foundation
Oreogate: What a Viral Lunchbox Feud Teaches Us About Food Restriction
A cookie ban in one family's lunchbox turned into a school-wide group chat feud, complete with trading, secret stashes, and a full-on parent showdown. It's a funny story, but it's also a near-perfect real-world example of what happens when a food gets fully restricted. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle breaks down the research behind the forbidden fruit effect, why restriction ten
Fresh Food Isn't Always More Nutritious (with Jennie Norka)
Frozen food gets a bad reputation it hasn't earned. If you've ever felt a flicker of guilt tossing a bag of frozen peas into dinner, or wondered whether a frozen entree is really as nutritious as something made from scratch, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Jennie Norka, MPH, Senior Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at the American Frozen Food Institute, to walk through what's ac
The Back to School Eating Reset: Lunches, Schedules, and Sanity
The first week of school, the lunchbox is packed the night before and everything feels manageable. By week two, most of us are scrambling at seven in the morning wondering how we lost the thread so fast. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Jill Castle shares the simple lunch framework she used with her own four kids and still walks parents through in practice today, along with a practical approac
The Truth About Omega-6 Fats and Kids, with Researcher Dr. Martha Belury
You have probably seen it in your feed: "Seed oils are toxic." "Omega-6 fats cause inflammation." "Never cook with vegetable oil." But is any of that actually true? And more importantly, what does it mean for what you are feeding your children? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Martha Belury, a registered dietitian and professor at The Ohio State University who has spent more than 30 y
Does Your Child Need More Protein? What the Research Actually Says
Protein bars in the lunchbox. Protein powder in the smoothie. Protein added to everything from waffles to mac and cheese. If it feels like protein is suddenly everywhere! You're not imagining it. In this episode, I'm pushing back on the idea that more protein is automatically better for kids, walking through what the RDA actually recommends, what newer research on "optimal" protein intake really m
Puberty, Periods, and Your Daughter's Health: A Conversation with OB-GYN Dr. Melisa Holmes
If you have a daughter who is heading into puberty or is already in the middle of it, this episode is one you will want to save. Jill Castle sits down with Dr. Melisa Holmes, board-certified OB-GYN, co-founder of Girlology, and co-author of Youology: A Puberty Guide for Everybody. With more than 25 years of clinical experience in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, Dr. Holmes brings both the fact
Why Summer is the Season Your Child's Health Quietly Slides
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 w
The Future of Food Allergy Treatment for Kids Is Here
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 co
Raising Healthy Eaters Without Food Fear or Food Rules
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.
Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image (Without Pressure or Shame)
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
Why Your Teen Won't Come to Dinner
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.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): What Parents Need to Know About Under - Fueling in Teen Athletes
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: What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Worry
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.
Creating Safety at the Table: Why It Matters More Than Getting Kids to Eat "Well"
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.
The Hidden Ways Parents Shame Kids About Food (And How to Stop)
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.
ARFID vs Picky Eating: Red Flags, Anxiety Signs, and What Helps
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.
The Nutrition Shift That Changes Everything in 2026
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 for Kids Made Simple: How to Boost Gut Health and Regularity
Fiber researcher, Joanne Slavin, discusses fiber for kids and why it's so important to their health.
A Conversation about Obesity Meds for Kids
Pediatrician and mom, Dr. Chrissie Ott, chats about the use of GLP-1 meds in kids and teens.
Navigate Thanksgiving Food Dynamics like a Pro
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.
New Treatments for ARFID in Children
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.
Beyond Salt and Water: Practical Nutrition Strategies for Families Navigating POTS in Children
Registered dietitian Cheryl Harris teaches us about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, in children, including how to manage symptoms with nutrition.
Understanding PANS/PANDAS: How Diet Can Make a Difference
Registered dietitian, Shannon Leatherman discusses PANS/PANDAS illness and how nutrition can help reduce inflammation and help your child heal.
Win the Veggie War with Real Life Strategies that Work with Sarah Schlichter
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.
Heal Your Relationship with Food and Raise Competent Eaters with Jessica Setnick
Jessica Setnick helps parents heal their relationship with food, what she calls the "inner eater," so you can raise a competent eater.
Raising an Intuitive Eater When Diet Culture is Everywhere
Dietitian and Eating Disorder specialist, Sumner Brooks, shares insights about raising an intuitive eater in a diet- and body-focused culture.
Kids' Food Preferences: The Role of Nature vs. Nurture
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.
The Case for Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula
Pediatric Dietitian, Malina Malkani, discusses the research behind, and benefits of, goat milk-based infant formula.
Baby Led Feeding: The New Way to Start Solids with Babies
Dr. Krupa Playforth and Cinthia Scott, RD discuss their new book, Baby Leads the Way. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
The Self-Feeding Journey: Expert Tips from Barbara Coven-Ellis
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/
"Just Regular:" How the Culture of Fitness Influences Women and Children
Sara Dean, a former fitness professional and gym owner, shares her reasons for leaving the fitness world. https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
Raising a Child with Celiac Disease
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?
Do your kids need Omega-3 fish oil? https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
5 Reasons Parents Struggle with Feeding Kids
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/
Empowering Families and Healthier Communities through Food with Lynn Fredericks
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
Navigating the Truth about Food Online: Who Can You Trust?
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
How Too Much Body Fat May Affect Health
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
A Little Sweetness Goes a Long Way (Reducing Sugar)
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
Make America Healthy for All Kids
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
How Cooking Can Improve Your Child's Mental Health
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
Easy Ways to Shape Your Child's Health and Habits
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
6 Lessons We Learned from Feeding a Family
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
How to Prevent Food Allergies with Malina Malkani
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
The Future of Infant Formula and Parent Empowerment with Dr. Devon Kuehn
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
Trying New Foods with Children's Book Author, David Grotto
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
Soy Foods: Navigating 4 Major Myths Using Research with Karen Collins and Melissa Joy Dobbins
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 c
How to Support Vegetarian Teens with Dr. Reshma Shah
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
Medical & Lifestyle Support for Kids with Larger Bodies with Dr. Zeena Al-Rufaie
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
Feeding Kids with Autism with Sharon Lemons
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
BONUS: Help Your Child Thrive at Any Size
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
Healthy Coping Skills for Teens with Emily Gordon
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
How Social Media Warps Our Perception of Feeding with Sarah Ladden
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
BONUS: Whole Child Health and Nutrition on Rebel Educator®
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
Kids Thrive at Every Size with Guest Interviewer Monica Reinagel
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
Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life with Charlotte Markey
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
We Need to Change How We Educate Kids about Food with Dani Lebovitz
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
The Kissing Game (and Other Sleep Strategies for Children) with Kendall Hampton
Kendall Hampton, pediatric sleep specialist, walks us through some key strategies for helping children who don't want to go to bed, get good quality sleep. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
Advancing Nutrition Security for Children with Dr. Caree Cotwright
Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, shares the many programs aimed at ending hunger for children in the United States. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
Trends in Sports Nutrition for Student Athletes with Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones, a sports and media dietitian, talks about trends in sports nutrition with student-athletes. From creatine, energy drinks and RED-S, Kelly shares her insight and knowledge and sets the record straight. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
"I'm Feeding Two Very Different Kids and Stages of Childhood"
In this one-time counseling session, Jill helps a working mom who is simultaneously navigating babyhood and adolescence. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
The Psychology of Eating Habits with Nina Crowley
Nina Crowley, the psycho dietitian, talks about the psychology of eating habits, health behaviors, and motivation and how these impact both parents and children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog
How to Tell if Your Child is Really Hungry
Jill explores true, physiologic hunger versus "head" hunger, and gives parents a series of questions so they can assess what's going on and respond accordingly. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
How to Support Kids with Feeding Problems
Cheryl Pelletier, a speech-language pathologist and feeding professional, discusses feeding problems in children and how to find the right support for children who aren't eating well. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
How to Help Kids with Low Iron
Jill reviews iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in kids and what parents can do to help. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Easy Food Tips to Help All Children Eat Better
Jill reviews for easy tips for helping all children, especially those with large bodies, eat better. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
My Child is Always Hungry and Overweight
Jill reviews nutrition and feeding tips for parenting a child who is always hungry and overweight. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
6 Principles for Introducing New Foods to Young Children
Jill reviews 6 principles to keep in mind when introducing new foods to young children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
The Genetics of Your Child's Food Approach and Why It Matters
Jill reviews the genetics of food approach in kids and revisits an interview with Dr. Alison Miller about child eating styles. Why are some kids more interested in food and others less so? Find out! Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Do Parents Restrict Food when Kids Are Larger?
Jill reviews how parent feeding may change when raising a child with a larger body. She chats about the genetics of being larger and the impact of restricting food. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
3 Wishes for the New Year
Jill has three wishes for the New Year for parents and anyone who cares about children. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Simple Ways to Educate Toddlers about Food
Jill reviews three simple ways to teach toddlers about food without stigmatizing and compromising their developing relationship with food. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Eating in secret: Why do kids sneak food?
Jill reviews why kids sneak food and what parents can do about it. If your child is eating in secret, this is a must-listen! Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Stereotyping Children About Their Size, Eating, and Activity Levels
Jill reviews three labels adults place on kids about their eating, size, and activity levels, and the impact these have on children's well-being. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
How to Arm Your Child Against Dysfunctional Eating with Jessica Setnick
Jessica Setnick shares her insights on dysfunctional eating in children and what parents can do right now to protect them. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Is it okay for a child to be a pescatarian?
Is it safe for children to be pescatarian? Understand the benefits, watch-outs, and potential mistakes when raising a pescatarian child. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
The State of the Teen Plate with Ty Beal
Ty Beal shares his research and insights on adolescent nutrition in the U.S. and globally. Sponsored by National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Can Your Diet Be Healthy if You Eat Ultra-Processed Foods? with Julie Hess
Julie Hess shares how she planned a healthy diet pattern that meets the Dietary Guidelines for Americans using ultra-processed foods. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
The Inlaws: Eating, Feeding, Food and Kids' Bodies
Jill answers a listener's question about inlaws who constantly talk about nutrition, weight, and health when her toddler is around. Get full information on the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
Making Fruits and Vegetables Fun with Lori Taylor
Lori Taylor of The Produce Moms talks about making fruits and vegetables fun for kids. Get full information in the blog: https://thenourishedchild.com/blog/
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