Messy Bites

Marina Chaparro, RDN, CDCES
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Parenting
  • Biweekly

Welcome to Messy Bites — where nutrition science meets real mom life, with a side of culture, chaos, and amor. I’m here to help you navigate the beautifully messy world of feeding kids—with science, love, and maybe a tortilla or two. I’m Marina Chaparro, a pediatric registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and mamá of two. From “Is my kid From “Is my kid eating enough protein?” to “Are baby carrots even safe?”, we dive into the messy side of feeding with real stories, expert guests, and tips rooted in science (not fear). Let’s make feeding our kids less about guilt—and more about connection!

  1. 2d ago

    How Much Halloween Candy Should Kids Eat? 🎃 (Pediatric Dietitian) | Messy Mom Hotline EP 37

    🎃 MESSY MOM HOTLINE: How much Halloween candy should kids eat? A pediatric dietitian explains what she does on Halloween night, on Nov 1st, and with that giant candy stash 🍬 📞 Today's call: A mom with a 5-year-old and a giant pumpkin full of candy asks how much she can let him eat (and what to do with the stash) without everyday meltdowns. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:• 🎃 How much Halloween candy is actually "too much"?• 📞 A real-life Messy Mom Hotline call from a overwhelmed mom• 🍬 How to handle Halloween night: sorting, checking, and enjoying• 🍫 Why it's crucial for your kids to see YOU enjoy candy, too• 🏠 Smart strategies for November 1st and the days following• 🔢 Why Marina doesn't always recommend a strict piece limit• 🧙‍♀️ Stash management options (and the truth about the Switch Witch)• 🙅‍♀️ How to say NO to candy without turning it into the "bad guy"• 💬 Practical, real-life scripts you can use right at home• 😵‍💫 What to do if your child seems completely obsessed with sweets• ✅ The 3 essential takeaways for stress-free feeding• 💜 Long-term goals: building trust with food instead of fear• 🧡 Why at the end of the day, candy is just candy 💬 What's YOUR rule for the candy bucket? 👍 Follow Nutrichicos for guilt-free feeding advice! ⚠️ Check candy for choking hazards, allergies, and damaged packaging. General education, not medical advice. Hi, I'm Marina Chaparro, a Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. Let's raise confident, joyful eaters together! ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrichicos ➡️ Website: https://www.nutrichicos.com/#MessyMomHotline #HalloweenCandy #PediatricDietitian

  2. Oct 21

    Feed Them Well: Why Is My Kid Hiding Food? 🍬🕵️‍♀️ | EP 36

    You walk into your kid's bedroom only to find candy wrappers hidden under the bed. Your first question is: Why is my child hiding food, and am I doing something wrong? In Episode 36 of Messy Bites, we are joined by pediatric dietitian Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, to talk about children hoarding snacks, secret eating, and what to do when a kid hides food. We dive deep into the research behind food restriction, the genetics of binge eating, and how to build food trust with toddlers and older kids alike. If you are struggling with a child who is obsessed with sweets or want to learn intuitive eating strategies for kids, this episode gives you the gentle parenting tools you need. Connect & Resources: Get Jennifer's Book: Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life Instagram: @nutrichicos Website: nutrichicos.com

  3. Oct 14

    🤰 Are You Following Fake Pregnancy Food Rules? What Science Says | EP 35

    Are you Googling every single snack after finding out you’re pregnant? Before you throw out your morning coffee or panic over sushi, take a deep breath! In this episode of the Messy Bites Podcast, pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro sits down with prenatal dietitian Ryann Kipping (founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist) to bust the most common fake pregnancy food rules and unpack what science actually says. We clear up the "eating for two" myth, reveal the real safety facts on deli meat, soft cheeses, and caffeine, and cover the essential first-trimester nutrients—like Folate, Choline, Iodine, and Vitamin D—your baby needs to thrive. Ditch the fear-based rules, stop stressing, and start enjoying your food again! In this episode, we cover:• Busting the "eating for two" myth• Key 1st-trimester nutrients: Folate, Choline, Iodine & Vitamin D• The truth about fish, mercury, and sushi• How much caffeine is actually safe?• The real deal with deli meat, soft cheeses, and food recalls• Why taking care of Mom means taking care of Baby• Rapid-fire: Pregnancy food rules to forget! Connect with Our Guest:• Follow Ryann Kipping on Instagram: @prenatalnutritionist• Download The Prenatal Nutritionist Library app for evidence-based answers to all your pregnancy nutrition questions. Official Sources Mentioned:• FDA Advice About Eating Fish: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish• FDA Q&A on Eating Fish & Raw Fish/Sushi: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or Connect with Marina:• Instagram: @nutrichicos• Website: nutrichicos.com Don't forget to follow/subscribe to the Messy Bites Podcast so you never miss an episode!

  4. Oct 7

    Is Fruit Sugar Actually Bad For Kids? 🍓 (Pediatric Dietitian Explains)

    Have you ever hesitated before giving your child a second banana because you were worried it had "too much sugar"? You are not alone! Parents are constantly told to avoid sugar...but does that rule apply to whole fruit? In this episode of Messy Bites, pediatric registered dietitian Marina Chaparro breaks down the real difference between natural sugar and added sugar. We dive into the science of the "food matrix," share a practical supermarket guide for reading nutrition labels, and reveal why you can finally stop stressing about serving fruit to your kids! Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The Fruit Fear: Are grapes really no better than a candy bar? Social Media Trends: Deconstructing the viral claims making parents fear fruit. Fiber Over Fear: Why the real issue in kids' diets is lack of fiber, not natural fructose. The "Food Matrix" Explained: The crucial metabolic difference between a whole apple, apple puree, and apple juice. Reading Labels Like a Pro: How to navigate total vs. added sugars on supermarket nutrition panels. Pickled Eaters & Fruit Fixations: What to do if your child only wants to eat fruit and yogurt. The Messy Bites Takeaway: Why it's time to stop hyper-focusing on single nutrients. Scientific Sources & Evidence: Guyenet, S. J. (2019). Impact of Whole, Fresh Fruit Consumption on Energy Intake and Adiposity: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31139631/ Wang, F., et al. (2024). The estimated effect of increasing fruit interventions on controlling body weight in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37992975/ Connect with Marina: Instagram: @nutrichicos Love the show? Don't forget to follow/subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with another parent who needs to hear this!

  5. May 26

    🎙️Messy Bites: The RIGHT WAY to Introduce Allergens with Malina Malkani | EP 33 🥜👶

    Food allergies can feel overwhelming for parents... especially when it comes to introducing peanuts and other common allergens for the very first time. In this season finale of Messy Bites, Marina Chaparro sits down with pediatric registered dietitian and bestselling author Malina Malkani to break down the latest evidence-based guidance on introducing allergens safely and confidently. Together, they discuss when babies are developmentally ready for allergen introduction, why severe eczema is considered a major risk factor for food allergies, and how early exposure during the “golden window” may help reduce allergy risk. You’ll also hear practical tips for preparing peanut butter safely, the importance of dietary diversity, common signs of allergic reactions in babies, and whether parents really need to wait days between introducing new foods. This episode is packed with reassuring, realistic advice designed to help parents feel informed instead of fearful during the feeding journey. Hosted by Marina Chaparro, Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition and founder of Nutrichicos, helping families raise confident and joyful eaters. Follow Marina on Instagram: @nutrichicosVisit: www.nutrichicos.com

  6. May 6

    🎂Messy Bites Anniversary: The 5 Lessons That Changed the Way I Parent and Feed My Kids | EP 32

    One year ago, Messy Bites was born to cut through fear-based parenting advice and bring more joy back to the dinner table, and this episode is a celebration of that journey. 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Marina shares the 5 biggest lessons that have completely transformed the way she approaches feeding her own kids. And here’s the twist: none of them came from a textbook. From rethinking expectations and navigating the emotional labor of feeding a family, to letting go of comparison and embracing your child’s individuality, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to raising confident eaters. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “get it right” at mealtimes, this episode will help you zoom out, breathe a little easier, and focus on what truly matters. Because health and joy can absolutely coexist, and chances are, you’re already doing better than you think. 💛 Hi, I’m Marina Chaparro, a Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. Let’s raise confident, joyful eaters together. Follow along for more support and real-life tips:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrichicosWebsite: https://www.nutrichicos.com/

  7. Apr 28

    📱Messy Mom Hotline: The Truth About KETO Bread & Kids' Nutrition 👧🥖 | EP 31

    Is keto bread actually a healthy choice for kids, or just clever marketing wrapped in a trendy label? 🍞🤔 In this episode of Messy Mom Hotline, we’re breaking down everything parents need to know about keto bread. What is it really? How do “net carbs” and sugar alcohols work? And most importantly, does it make sense for growing kids? As a pediatric registered dietitian, I’m sharing my honest take on the pros and cons, including how these products can impact digestion and whether they’re truly supporting your child’s nutritional needs. We’ll also talk about why carbs are essential for kids’ growth and energy, and what might be missing when we swap them out. Plus, I’ll walk you through simple, real-food alternatives, think high-protein, fiber-rich options you can easily find at your local grocery store. No gimmicks, just practical choices that support your family’s health. Let’s cut through the noise, ditch the confusion, and focus on what really matters: raising confident, joyful eaters. ✨ Hi, I’m Marina Chaparro, a Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. ➡️ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrichicos ➡️ Visit my website: https://www.nutrichicos.com/

  8. Apr 15

    📱Messy Mom Hotline: Orgánico vs Convencional: Lo que nadie te dice de la Docena Sucia 🥦 | EP 30

    ¿Deberías dejar de comprar fresas y espinacas? 🍓🥬 Cada año, la famosa lista de la “Dirty Dozen” genera preocupación en muchas familias por el tema de los pesticidas… pero, ¿qué dice realmente la ciencia? En este episodio de Messy Mom Hotline, desmontamos los titulares alarmistas y te doy la tranquilidad que necesitas como mamá o papá. Hablamos de por qué “la dosis hace el veneno”, qué muestran los reportes de seguridad alimentaria y si realmente vale la pena optar por productos orgánicos. Además, te comparto 3 acciones simples y prácticas que puedes aplicar en casa , como lavar adecuadamente tus frutas y vegetales, para alimentar a tu familia con confianza y sin miedo. Menos culpa, menos perfección… y más conexión. 💙 Hola, soy Marina Chaparro, Dietista Registrada especializada en nutrición pediátrica. ¡Criemos juntos niños seguros y felices a la hora de comer! ➡️ Sígueme en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrichicos➡️ Visita mi sitio web: https://www.nutrichicos.com/

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Trailer

5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to Messy Bites — where nutrition science meets real mom life, with a side of culture, chaos, and amor. I’m here to help you navigate the beautifully messy world of feeding kids—with science, love, and maybe a tortilla or two. I’m Marina Chaparro, a pediatric registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and mamá of two. From “Is my kid From “Is my kid eating enough protein?” to “Are baby carrots even safe?”, we dive into the messy side of feeding with real stories, expert guests, and tips rooted in science (not fear). Let’s make feeding our kids less about guilt—and more about connection!

Information

  • Creator
    Marina Chaparro, RDN, CDCES
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marina Chaparro, RDN, CDCES
  • Show Website
    Messy Bites

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