The Pediatric Dietitian

Jen Ross, RD and Danielle Mein, RD
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  • NUTRITION

The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to resource for parents who want real, practical solutions to improve their child’s nutrition—without turning mealtimes into a daily battle. Hosted by pediatric dietitians, Jen & Danielle, this podcast cuts through the noise of social media trends and generic advice to bring you evidence-based, clinically grounded guidance that actually works in real life. We cover everything from: Picky eating and food refusalWeight concerns (underweight, overweight, and everything in between)Balanced meals and snacks for kidsBlood sugar, diabetesGut health Long-term health not short term fixesFamily habits, routines, and the home environmentEach episode focuses on what you can actually do as a parent—with clear strategies, realistic expectations, and honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t). Because raising a healthy eater isn’t about perfection—it’s about building the right habits, environment, and mindset over time. If you’re tired of conflicting advice and want a straightforward, research-backed, practical approaches to feeding your child, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. Ep 7. Starting Solids for Infants

    3 HRS AGO

    Ep 7. Starting Solids for Infants

    In this episode, we cover: When to start solids (and signs your baby is ready)Purees vs. baby-led weaning — and why you don’t have to chooseWhy staying on purees too long can lead to feeding challengesThe difference between gagging vs. choking (and what to do)How to introduce allergen foods safelyWhy texture exposure is critical for developmentHow to prevent picky eating early onWhy “kid food” is a modern problem — and what to do insteadThe importance of family meals, no screens, and eating togetherHow your behavior as a parent shapes your child’s eating habitsOne of the biggest takeaways: Feeding is a skill. And like any skill, it has to be practiced. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s exposure, consistency, and creating a positive environment around food from the very beginning. Resources mentioned: Solid Starts app (how to safely serve foods by age)101 Before OneWho this is for: New parents starting solidsParents struggling with picky eatingFamilies wanting to prevent feeding issues earlyAnyone confused by conflicting feeding advice online

    42 min
  2. Ep 6 Picky Eating What's normal, what's not normal, how to prevent it, how to fix it

    APR 14

    Ep 6 Picky Eating What's normal, what's not normal, how to prevent it, how to fix it

    Is your child a picky eater… or is it something more serious? In this episode of The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast, pediatric dietitians Jen & Danielle break down everything parents need to know about picky eating—what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to seek help. We’re talking real-life strategies (not generic advice) to help you prevent, manage, and even reverse picky eating—without turning mealtimes into a battle. You’ll learn: What normal* picky eating looks like (and why it happens) Red flags that signal a more serious feeding issue When to involve a pediatrician, dietitian, or feeding therapist How to handle food refusal without power struggles Why forcing bites can backfire (even if it “works” short-term) Simple ways to increase food exposure (without pressure) The role of snacks, ultra-processed foods, and family habits Real patient stories—from mild picky eating to severe cases We also share *practical tools you can start using today**, like: ✔️ Balanced meal structure (even when they don’t eat everything) ✔️ How to introduce new foods without resistance ✔️ Why consistency matters more than perfection ✔️ What to do when your child only eats a handful of foods Whether your toddler is throwing broccoli on the floor or your older child refuses entire food groups—this episode will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. --- Have a question about your child’s eating? DM us on Instagram: @thepediatricdietitian 🎧 Subscribe for more evidence-based, real-life nutrition guidance for kids #pickyeater #toddlernutrition #kidsnutrition #parentingtips #feedingkids #pediatricdietitian

    39 min
  3. Ep 5. Childhood Obesity: Practical Tips for Parents (Portions, Snacks, Screens & Routines)

    APR 14

    Ep 5. Childhood Obesity: Practical Tips for Parents (Portions, Snacks, Screens & Routines)

    If your child is struggling with obesity and you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated — this episode is for you. In this episode, Jen and Danielle (clinical pediatric dietitians) share real-life, practical strategies to help parents manage childhood obesity without extreme diets, shame, or quick fixes. We talk about what actually works in real families — including: • Why pediatricians often don’t have enough nutrition tools • Why injectables and medications are not the first solution for most kids • How to know the right portion sizes for your kid without food scales • Why kids can overeat healthy foods (yes, even rice and pasta) • How to set boundaries before expecting self-control • Structuring after-school routines to prevent pantry binges • Pre-portioned snack strategies that reduce impulsive eating • How to handle grocery store meltdowns and treat requests • Why routine and consistency are key • How to reduce screen time and increase physical activity (even for non-athletic kids) • Creative exercise ideas for kids who hate team sports • Why “exercise as punishment” backfires • Heavy work and movement strategies for ADHD and neurodivergent kids This is not about putting your child on a diet. This is about changing the environment, building structure, and creating long-term healthy habits as a family. If you’re thinking: “My child keeps overeating.” “They snack constantly.” “They only want packaged foods.” “I don’t know what to do anymore.” You are not alone — and you are not failing. Follow us for evidence-based, practical pediatric nutrition advice: Instagram: @thepediatricdietician #childhoodobesity #howtohelpanoverweightchild #kidsnutrition #pediatricobesity #familyhealth #portioncontrol #screen time #ADHDandnutrition #feedingkids #pediatricdietitian

    31 min
  4. Ep 4: Childhood Obesity: What’s Actually Causing It (and What Parents Can Do Today)

    APR 14

    Ep 4: Childhood Obesity: What’s Actually Causing It (and What Parents Can Do Today)

    Childhood obesity isn’t caused by one “bad food” or one parenting mistake. In this episode, Jen + Danielle (UCLA clinical pediatric dietitians) break down why childhood obesity is so common, what’s driving it in real families, and what actually helps—without shame, extremes, or diet culture. We talk about the real-life factors that matter: - Why childhood obesity is multifactorial (culture + portions + lifestyle + environment) - The “whole family” approach (because parents control the food + routine) - How after-school fast food runs create cravings and a vicious cycle - Portion sizes, fast eating, and practical strategies like the 20–30 minute pause before seconds - Screens + low physical activity (and how they impact eating and overeating) - Emotional eating, stress, sleep, and when therapy/support may be part of the plan - Ultra-processed foods, “food science” (hyper-palatable snacks), and why kids stop wanting real food - Hidden sugar everywhere (even “healthy” staples like breads, cereals, and spreads) - Why there are no shortcuts—and how to start with one realistic change at a time - Simple, practical ways to cook more at home (including meal kits as a bridge) If you’re a parent thinking: “My kid is always snacking… won’t eat real meals… wants fast food… hates vegetables… and nothing we try sticks.” This episode gives you a real plan to start changing the pattern—one step at a time. Follow for more evidence-based, real-life kid nutrition tips: Instagram: @thepediatricdietitian #kidsnutrition #pediatricnutrition #ultraprocessedfoods #pickyeating #familymeals #screen time #prediabetes #parentingpodcast

    28 min
  5. Ep 3: First-Time Parent Feeding Mistakes (and What Actually Helps)

    APR 14

    Ep 3: First-Time Parent Feeding Mistakes (and What Actually Helps)

    First-time parent feeding advice online can be so misleading — and it can create unnecessary anxiety around bottles, formula ounces, starting solids, choking fears, and what “healthy” really means. In this episode, Jen + Danielle (UCLA clinical pediatric dietitians) break down the most common mistakes we see first-time parents make—not to shame anyone, but to help you avoid the stress spiral and get your baby eating and growing confidently. We cover: Why Instagram/TikTok “rules” can create feeding anxiety (and when to ignore them) The truth about formula ounces (especially for preemies + corrected age) Why bland food and fear of salt can backfire (and the difference between salt used in home cooking vs ultra-processed sodium) Bottle habits that make weaning harder (and why “out of sight, out of mind” works) Why we don’t recommend mixing formula/breast milk into purees (most of the time) Easy ways to add calories the right way: avocado, yogurt, nut butter, eggs, coconut cream, cheese, etc. The “purees only” trap (and why waiting too long to introduce textures can hold babies back) How to reduce choking fear: Solid Starts, food prep tips, CPR/choking classes, and staying calm Why parent anxiety during feeding can affect feeding success, especially in failure to thrive / slow weight gain cases This episode is for parents thinking: “My baby isn’t following the textbook… am I doing something wrong?” You’re not. Let’s make feeding feel simpler and more realistic. 👇 Send us your questions (or your “I wish I knew this earlier” moments). We love turning real parent struggles into real solutions.

    17 min
  6. Ep 2: Common Pediatric Nutrition Mistakes (Doctors & First-Time Parents)

    APR 14

    Ep 2: Common Pediatric Nutrition Mistakes (Doctors & First-Time Parents)

    In this episode, Jen + Danielle (UCLA clinical pediatric dietitians) talk about common nutrition mistakes we see every single day—from both pediatricians and first-time parents. This episode is lighthearted, honest, and educational… but also important. Because some of these well-intentioned recommendations can actually delay progress, worsen feeding issues, or create long-term problems when it comes to growth, weight, and nutrition. We cover: Common nutrition mistakes pediatricians make (and why they happen) When failure to thrive should be taken more seriously—and what parents should watch for Why weight alone is never the full picture Infant formula mistakes that can cause constipation, reflux, kidney stress, or poor weight gain Why toddler formulas are usually unnecessary (and often expensive marketing) Bottle → cup transitions and what not to mix in bottles The biggest nutrition mistakes first-time parents make (and how to avoid them) Why kids aren’t becoming overweight from whole milk, red meat, or butter What’s actually driving childhood obesity today (hint: cereal, snacks, sugary drinks, and low fiber) This episode is for parents who: Feel confused by conflicting advice Have been told “everything is fine” but feel something is off Are trying to help their child gain weight or lose weight safely Want real explanations—not fear, shame, or extreme rules We’re not here to blame parents or doctors. We’re here to help families understand when to ask more questions and when it’s time to bring a pediatric dietitian into the picture. Have questions about your child’s nutrition? Send them to us—we answer what parents are actually dealing with.

    19 min
  7. Ep 1. When to start teaching healthy habits to your kids

    APR 14

    Ep 1. When to start teaching healthy habits to your kids

    When should you actually start focusing on your child’s nutrition—before school? Before sports? When picky eating starts? In this episode, Jen + Danielle (UCLA clinical pediatric dietitians) break down the real answer: start now—and ideally, start before your kids are even born. Because your child’s eating habits don’t begin with them… they begin with the adults in the home. We talk about: Why parents need to be on the same page (and what happens when they’re not) How grandparents and family dynamics can unintentionally sabotage healthy habits—and what to say to set boundaries The biggest reason kids end up eating in front of screens, skipping family meals, or relying on fast food Why we don’t recommend using food as a reward (and what to do instead) How to build a realistic routine that works for busy parents (easy meals, grocery list tools, simple planning) Our “nutrition icks” we hear all the time in clinic (and what families actually need to do to make progress) This is for the parent who feels stuck in the cycle of: “My kid won’t eat what I cook… they snack all day… they only want Chick-fil-A… they’re picky… they eat too much / too little… and nothing we try works.” You’re not failing. You just haven’t been given a plan that works in real life. Want help from pediatric dietitians who keep it practical? Follow along and send us your questions—we love answering what parents are really dealing with. Mentioned in this episode: AnyList (shared grocery list app) + saving easy recipes/“favorites” folders.

    24 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to resource for parents who want real, practical solutions to improve their child’s nutrition—without turning mealtimes into a daily battle. Hosted by pediatric dietitians, Jen & Danielle, this podcast cuts through the noise of social media trends and generic advice to bring you evidence-based, clinically grounded guidance that actually works in real life. We cover everything from: Picky eating and food refusalWeight concerns (underweight, overweight, and everything in between)Balanced meals and snacks for kidsBlood sugar, diabetesGut health Long-term health not short term fixesFamily habits, routines, and the home environmentEach episode focuses on what you can actually do as a parent—with clear strategies, realistic expectations, and honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t). Because raising a healthy eater isn’t about perfection—it’s about building the right habits, environment, and mindset over time. If you’re tired of conflicting advice and want a straightforward, research-backed, practical approaches to feeding your child, you’re in the right place.

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