Managing Mealtime Madness

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Biweekly

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3. Managing Mealtime Madness is a podcast about feeding kids and families (from babies and toddlers through older kids), to help you manage the stress and raise competent eaters. With expert tips from Registered Dietitians and parents, you'll walk away feeling inspired and empowered with new meal prep tips, easy kid-friendly recipes, meal ideas and new ways to feed your family. 

  1. 3d ago

    39. Feeding Kids Is Exhausting… Here’s How to Make It Easier (with Amy Palanjian)

    If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5:30 p.m. wondering how feeding kids somehow became your full-time mental load, this episode will make you feel very seen. Sarah is joined by Amy Palanjian from Yummy Toddler Food for a refreshingly honest conversation about what feeding toddlers and kids actually looks like in real life - not on Pinterest, not in a 17-second Instagram reel, but in actual busy family life. Sarah and Amy talk about lowering the pressure around meals, why your child refusing dinner might be completely normal, and how a silly ice cream scoop or baby fork can sometimes change the entire mood at the table. This episode feels like a giant exhale for parents who are tired of chasing perfect meals and just want practical ideas that actually work. In this episode you’ll hear about:  • Why feeding kids feels so mentally exhausting for parents  • The hidden pressure social media adds to family meals  • Flexible dinner ideas using freezer staples and shortcuts  • Why “picky eating” is often more normal than we think  • Family-style meals and giving kids autonomy with food  • Fun little tricks that make meals feel less stressful  • The truth about hiding veggies in food  • Amy’s go-to convenience foods for busy nights LINKS & RESOURCES Check out the Yummy Toddler Food blog Follow Amy on Instagram and TikTok Check out Amy’s cookbook, Dinnertime SOS Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    44 min

  2. May 5

    38. Rethinking Picky Eating: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What Actually Helps

    Today we’re diving into a topic so many of you are thinking about: picky eating.  And honestly, if you’ve ever found yourself saying “my kid is SO picky,” this episode is going to give you a totally new perspective. I’m joined by pediatric PA and dietitian Colleen Sloan, who works with kids from birth through the teen years, and hears about picky eating in almost every visit. We’re unpacking what picky eating actually means (because it’s not as straightforward as you might think), why it happens, and how parents can shift their approach in a way that actually helps long-term.  In this episode you’ll hear about:  • Why “picky eating” means something different for every family  • Common nutrient concerns (and why protein usually isn’t one of them)  • How pressure, bribing, and labeling can backfire  • Simple ways to create a more positive mealtime environment  • Creative, low-pressure strategies to help kids explore new foods  • What a “successful” meal can look like (hint: it might be smaller than you think) Links & Resources: Follow Colleen on Instagram at @examroomnutrition Listen to Colleen's podcast: Exam Room Nutrition Listen to Gather 'Round: How to Make Family Meals Doable for Busy Parents With Picky Kids - an episode from Colleen’s podcast that featured Sarah! Want more content on picky eating? Listen to Sarah’s podcast episode with dietitian Sally Kuzemchak, Tips on Feeding Picky Eaters from a Former Picky Eater & Dietitian Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    52 min

  3. Apr 21

    37: From Farm to Family Table: A Farmer’s Perspective on Feeding Your Kids

    In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kim Kornegay of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce for a behind-the-scenes look at life on a modern family farm. Kim shares her unique perspective as both a mom of three and a fourth-generation farmer, offering insight into how agriculture connects directly to the meals we serve our families every day. From growing sweet potatoes to getting dinner on the table during busy seasons, this conversation bridges the gap between farm and family life in a meaningful (and practical) way. In this episode, you'll hear about:  What it’s really like to work on a multi-generational family farm  How growing food impacts the way Kim feeds her family  Why family meals matter at every stage of life (and how that perspective shifts over time) A behind-the-scenes look at how sweet potatoes are grown, harvested, and stored  Common misconceptions about farming, food production, and modern agriculture  How science and technology are improving farming practices and food quality  Follow Kornegay Family Farms & Produce on Instagram: @KornegayFFP Follow Kornegay Family Farms & Produce on Facebook Visit their website Check out Sarah's turkey sweetpotato meatball recipe here! Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    37 min

  4. Mar 31

    36. Understanding Gluten-Free Diets For Kids with Whitney Stewart: Navigating Family Needs and Food Safety

    In this episode, Sarah interviews Whitney Stewart, a Registered Dietitian and celiac disease advocate. Whitney shares her personal and professional insights on managing gluten-free diets for families and kids. From diagnosis stories to navigating restaurant options, this conversation offers practical advice for parents and individuals alike. In this episode, you’ll hear about:  Whitney’s journey with celiac disease and her background in clinical nutritionRecognizing symptoms and getting diagnosed with celiac diseaseKey sources of gluten and how to read labels effectivelyGluten-free eating tips for restaurants and social situationsThe importance of a diverse, nutrient-rich diet and adding rather than restrictingSupporting children with gluten intolerance - from snacks to birthday partiesAddressing the gluten-free craze and misconceptions about healthQuick, healthy gluten-free meal ideas for busy familiesTips for overwhelmed parents facing new diagnoses and the importance of advocacy Follow Whitney on Instagram @whitnessnutrition. Visit whitnessnutrition.com for more information.  Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    40 min

  5. Mar 16

    35. Busy Spring Season Hacks for Mealtimes: How to Manage Dinners During Busy Seasons

    Navigating spring sports season can be overwhelming for parents, especially juggling multiple kids, hectic schedules, and dinner logistics. In this episode, dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter shares practical tips to streamline meal planning, embrace flexibility, and keep nutrition on track amidst the chaos. In this episode she discusses: How to shift your mindset from perfection to practicality with family dinnersStrategies for scheduling and planning around unpredictable practice timesQuick and easy meal ideas for busy nights, including chaos dinners and batch cookingPortable and on-the-go dinner options that align with sports schedulesThe importance of involving kids in meal prep and packing snacksTop pantry staples and freezer essentials for fast, nutritious mealsTips for reducing mental load through predictabilityHow to make the most of frozen foods, convenience products, and smart prep to save timeCreative ways to incorporate nutrition into snacks and meals for active kidsManaging the chaos: back-up meal ideas and the value of flexibility and adaptability Want help planning meals for this week and beyond? Sign up for Sarah’s emails! Try Skout Bars as a great on the go snack! Recipes Mentioned in the Episode: 26 One Pot Meals for Families During Busy Seasons High Protein Vanilla Cottage Cheese Fruit Dip 2 Minute Chocolate Cottage Cheese Pudding Pizza Beans Amazon Links: Stasher Bags Elk & Friends Stainless Steel kids drinking cups Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    28 min

  6. Mar 3

    34. A Dad's View on Infusing Culture and Feeding Kids with Tony Castillo, Sports Dietitian

    In today's episode, Tony Castillo shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles with body image and dieting to becoming a sports performance dietitian. He discusses how cultural foods have shaped his family traditions and offers practical tips for parents to introduce and normalize these foods for children. Plus, insights on fostering intuitive eating, reducing meal-time stress, and encouraging dads to get involved in feeding their families with easy and actionable tips.  In this episode you'll hear about:  Tony’s personal health journey from being overnight as a child to becoming a sports dietitianThe impact of parental dieting habits on children’s food perceptionsIncorporating cultural foods like plantains, yuca, and arepas into family mealsStrategies for exposing kids to new foods with stories and positive experiencesBalancing cultural foods with American convenience optionsIntroducing children to mindful eating and respecting hunger cuesNavigating meal-time stress and the importance of flexible routinesTips for dads to participate in family meals and food preparationAddressing body image and disordered eating in young athletes and active kidsPractical pre-game and post-game fueling ideas for youth athletesFostering food curiosity and cultural identity in childrenFollow Tony on Instagram here Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    36 min

  7. Feb 19

    33: 8 Ways I've Changed Feeding My Kids Since Becoming a Mom

    In this solo episode, Sarah discusses:  The benefits of early introduction via baby-led weaningWhy smaller servings promote better eating habitsEmbracing family-style meals to build independenceThe importance of eating early and flexible bedtime snacksHow to encourage try-new-food without pressureThe division of responsibility in feedingManaging feeding challenges when kids are not eatingBalancing treats and sweets with long-term health in mindPast episodes referred to: Starting baby led weaningBaby led weaning recipesEpisode 8: Division of ResponsibilityEpisode 11: Tips on Picky Eating from a former picky eaterEpisode 19: Bedtime SnacksEpisode 31: Sugar and KidsBedtime snacks blog postHave a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    21 min

  8. Feb 2

    32: Postpartum Nutrition and Breastfeeding with Allegra Gast, RD, IBCLC

    In today's episode, Sarah talks with Allegra Gast, a registered dietitian and IBCLC. Allegra shares evidence-based tips to fuel new moms and optimize milk supply, as well as strategies for postpartum recovery, nutrition, and breastfeeding success. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of nutritional recovery during postpartum, not just bouncing backHow pregnancy and breastfeeding increase caloric and nutrient needsPractical tips for preparing freezer meals and simplifying postpartum meal planningThe role of minerals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron in postpartum healingThe impact of stress and stress management on milk supplyDebunking myths about lactation cookies and supplementsHow to personalize nutrition and the value of working with an IBCLCStrategies for balancing self-care with a busy postpartum lifeThe significance of listening to hunger cues and honoring your body's needsResources Mentioned:  - FullWell Prenatal - Needed Prenatal - Allegra's Website - Allegra's social media Have a listener question or feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Join the email list to get a list of easy popular family recipes and meal prep tips! Instagram | Blog Recipes

    43 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3. Managing Mealtime Madness is a podcast about feeding kids and families (from babies and toddlers through older kids), to help you manage the stress and raise competent eaters. With expert tips from Registered Dietitians and parents, you'll walk away feeling inspired and empowered with new meal prep tips, easy kid-friendly recipes, meal ideas and new ways to feed your family. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Managing Mealtime Madness
  • Show Website
    Managing Mealtime Madness

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