86 episodes

With hundreds of thousands of Americans dying each year from obesity, type-2 diabetes, and a slew of chronic health conditions—all a direct result of food inequities, a broken food culture, and food marketing, and worsened by COVID-19, a significant shift in how we think about food and how we feed our kids must happen now if we want to change the trajectory of health for our kids. 



Food Issues hosted by health journalist and healthcare copywriter Julie Revelant features interviews with authors, researchers, healthy food advocates, and thought leaders who want to educate, inspire, and empower organizations, parents, and local communities to create real, lasting change and ensure a healthier future for our kids. Through profound conversations that uncover the real issues affecting families coupled with easy, practical tips for parents, this podcast is the place to change our kids’ futures.

Food Issues Julie Revelant

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 9 Ratings

With hundreds of thousands of Americans dying each year from obesity, type-2 diabetes, and a slew of chronic health conditions—all a direct result of food inequities, a broken food culture, and food marketing, and worsened by COVID-19, a significant shift in how we think about food and how we feed our kids must happen now if we want to change the trajectory of health for our kids. 



Food Issues hosted by health journalist and healthcare copywriter Julie Revelant features interviews with authors, researchers, healthy food advocates, and thought leaders who want to educate, inspire, and empower organizations, parents, and local communities to create real, lasting change and ensure a healthier future for our kids. Through profound conversations that uncover the real issues affecting families coupled with easy, practical tips for parents, this podcast is the place to change our kids’ futures.

    Simple Meal Prep Ideas w/ Catherine McCord of Weelicous | BONUS

    Simple Meal Prep Ideas w/ Catherine McCord of Weelicous | BONUS

    Getting healthy dinners on the table that our kids will actually eat and that also save us time and money is no easy feat. Maybe you have the same recipes on rotation and cooking is the last thing you want to do after a long, busy day. With some simple meal prep ideas, however, serving up healthy and delicious dishes in no time can be a breeze.

    In this special bonus edition of the podcast, I sat down with Catherine McCord, founder of the popular site Weelicious, co-founder of One Potato, 4-time cookbook author, and a go-to media expert who has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Food Network, and others.

    Catherine gives us her best tips for organizing our kitchens, simple meal prep ideas, and the system she uses every week to get dinner on the table without fail. She also lets us in on her favorite kitchen appliances and shares her favorite recipes from her new book, “Meal Prep Magic.”

    Welcome

    2:41 Let’s talk about your story!

    4:25 Were you a healthy eater when you were younger?

    5:03 What do you think are the biggest challenges parents have when it comes to feeding their kids?

    6:35 How do you break free from mealtime boredom?

    7:22 What are myths about getting healthy meals on the table?

    9:12 What are your best tips for organizing and setting up our kitchens?

    12:43 What are your best meal prep hacks that save time and money?

    14:54 Are you a fan of buying pre-cut veggies and using other shortcuts to save time?

    18:36 How can we cut down on multiple trips to the grocery store?

    20:41 What are your favorite products that make cooking faster?

    23:16 How can we speed up the clean-up?

    24:06 What are your favorite recipes from your book, “Meal Prep Magic?”



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Julie mentions Catherine’s meal delivery company, One Potato.

    Julie mentions research that shows “children’s choices depend on what is most visible and easily accessible.”



    Julie mentions Catherine’s book, “Smoothie Project.”

    Catherine mentions Vitamix and KitchenAid Pro Line Series blenders.

    Pre-order a copy of Catherine’s book, “Meal Prep Magic.”

    Learn more about Catherine on Weelicious.com.

    Follow Weelicious on Instagram.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

    • 26 min
    Mom Founders: Sprouted Nuts for Kids w/ Diane and Laurel Orley of Daily Crunch Snacks | Episode 6

    Mom Founders: Sprouted Nuts for Kids w/ Diane and Laurel Orley of Daily Crunch Snacks | Episode 6

    When it comes to kids' snacks, there are a ton of so-called healthy options. You know the ones: they have buzzwords like "organic," "natural," and "made with real fruit.” But that doesn't necessarily mean they're good for our kids. Many are ultra-processed, high in sugar, and lacking in nutrition.

    In this episode, I sat down with Diane and Laurel Orley, co-founders of Daily Crunch Snacks, a company that makes superfood-infused, sprouted nuts that are made without added sugars, preservatives, or additives, minimal to no oil, and are what they call Uniquely Crunchy.™

    We talk about how Daily Crunch Snacks came to be, the benefits of sprouted nuts for your kids, plus some healthy and easy recipe ideas. Diane also shares a personal story and how Daily Crunch Snacks is turning a family tragedy into hope for others.

    Welcome

    2:12 Let’s talk about your story!

    3:17 What was it like to launch a company during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    5:37 What are the greatest challenges you see with parents feeding their kids today?

    8:27 What is different about the almonds you use?

    9:43 What are sprouted nuts and why are they good for us?

    10:40 What is the history of sprouting?

    13:25 Are there myths about sprouted nuts or nuts in general that parents should know?

    16:48 What are some of your favorite healthy and easy meal and snack ideas using sprouted nuts?

    17:27 Let’s talk about the flavors and different varieties of Daily Crunch Snacks?

    19:48 Can we talk about what Daily Crunch Snacks does to give back and support mental illness?



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Diane mentions this lentil salad recipe.

    Learn more about Daily Crunch Snacks on their website.

    Follow Daily Crunch Snacks on Instagram.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

    • 22 min
    Healthy Eating For Teens + Social Media, Body Image, & More w/ Kiran Dodeja Smith | Episode 5

    Healthy Eating For Teens + Social Media, Body Image, & More w/ Kiran Dodeja Smith | Episode 5

    During the pre-teen and teen years, a lot changes, including how kids eat. They often have new food preferences, want what other kids are eating, and may be embarrassed by what you’re packing them for lunch. They’re exposed to a lot more food marketing and social media, and with more social opportunities, you realize you have a lot less control over what they eat.

    In this episode, I sat down with Kiran Dodeja Smith, a mom of 4, a certified integrative health coach, marketing expert, and founder of Easy Real Food. Previously, Kiran spent more than 8 years working with the popular brand, 100 Days of Real Food.

    Kiran and I talk about healthy eating for teens, TikTok, and dietary restrictions. She also shares a personal story about her child’s eating disorder diagnosis and what she learned from the experience.



    Welcome

    2:44 Let’s talk about your story!

    5:18 Can you talk about your health journey?

    5:57 Did your interest in raising healthy eaters start when you became a mom?

    7:08 Why is it important to lay the foundation of healthy eating from the start?

    8:22 Around the infant and toddler years, why are kids more accepting of different foods?

    9:32 What changes when kids get older in terms of how they eat?

    12:08 What are you seeing on TikTok in terms of kids and food?

    19:15 We see a lot of influencers promoting “clean eating” and organic. What are tips for parents looking to feed their kids healthy but also within their means?

    22:38 What are practical tips for encouraging our kids to eat healthier?

    24:24 Do you cook with your kids?

    25:16 How can we navigate food allergies and dietary restrictions with older kids?



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Kiran mentions 100DaysOfRealFood.com.

    Kiran talks about the Real Lunches, Real Easy! ebooks.

    Kiran mentions the Dirty Dozen.

    Learn more about Kiran on EasyRealFood.com

    Follow Kiran on Instagram.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

    • 28 min
    Mom Founders: Organic Baby Food & Global Flavors w/ Shibani Baluja of lil’gourmets | Episode 4

    Mom Founders: Organic Baby Food & Global Flavors w/ Shibani Baluja of lil’gourmets | Episode 4

    In recent years, there’s been an explosion of new organic baby food brands that are veggie-forward and focused on real food ingredients instead of highly-processed foods and those with a ton of sugar. We’re also seeing a lot of really interesting flavor combinations that you’re more likely to see on restaurant menus but can go a long way in raising healthy, adventurous little eaters.

    In this episode, I sat down with Shibani Baluja, a mom of 2 and founder & CEO of lil’gourmets, a company that offers fresh, organic, veggie-first meals with no added sugars.

    Shibani shares the amazing, deeply personal, story of how lil’ gourmets came to be, why “flavor training” is so important, and how to foster a love of global flavors and curiosity in our babies.

    She also talks about what she’s most proud of since launching the company, the challenges she has faced along the way, and what’s next for lil’gourmets.

    Welcome

    2:29 Let’s talk about your story!

    5:45 Why is starting solids such an important time for babies?

    8:10 Why is it important to foster curiosity in babies through food?

    10:00 What are some myths about baby food?

    14:25 What do you think are the most common challenges today for parents when they start solids?

    16:19 Pouches are convenient but what are some of the drawbacks?

    21:08 What is unique about your lil’ gourmets?

    22:32 What are the challenges that you have faced in growing the business?

    24:40 What is one accomplishment since launching the company you’re most proud of?

    27:23 What is next for lil’gourmets?



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Shibani mentions the Partnership for a Healthier America.

    Learn more about lil’ gourmets on their website.

    Follow lil’ gourmets on Instagram.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

    • 30 min
    Do Kids Need Vitamins? w/ Krupa Playforth, M.D. | Episode 3

    Do Kids Need Vitamins? w/ Krupa Playforth, M.D. | Episode 3

    If you’re like most parents, your kids are picky eaters. Whether they refuse to eat vegetables, avoid certain textures and tastes, or have only a handful of foods they’ll eat, maybe you’ve turned to vitamins in the hopes of filling in the nutritional gaps. But maybe you've thought about it and wondered, do kids need vitamins?  



    Vitamins for kids are a big business in the U.S. and show no signs of slowing down. By 2025, the global gummy vitamin market is estimated to reach 10.6 billion. Not only are there tons of brands on store shelves, but in recent years, we’re seeing new subscription-based companies as well as influencers on social media pushing vitamins. Sifting through all the science and figuring out whether or not your kids need vitamins, and which types are the best and safe isn’t always easy. 



    In this episode, I sat down with Krupa Playforth, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, founder of ThePediatricianMom.com, and a mom of 3. Dr. Playforth talks about nutritional deficiencies, explores whether or not kids need multivitamins and supplements in the first place—the answer may surprise you—and how to find the best, and safest brand for your kids. She also talks about vegan and vegetarian diets, kids who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, and the best way to deal with picky eating and encourage healthy eating habits. 

    Welcome

    2:56 Let’s talk about your story!

    6:08 So many kids are sick lately and we’re seeing a lot of COVID-19, Flu, and RSV—what’s going on?

    10:04 Should we be giving our kids vitamins to help combat some of these illnesses?

    14:30 Most kids are picky eaters. How do you know if your kid has vitamin deficiencies?

    16:40 Are there certain vitamin deficiencies that can lead to picky eating?

    21:29 Do all kids need vitamins and supplements?

    22:39 What about kids who are lactose intolerant or who avoid dairy?

    24:16 Do kids who are picky eaters and have poor weight gain need vitamins?

    25:42 For kids who are vegetarian or vegan, what should parents do?

    27:45 Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. How can parents find a quality brand of kids' vitamins?

    29:18 What are your best tips for encouraging healthy eating habits in picky-eating kids?



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Dr. Playforth mentions Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

    Dr. Playforth mentions that her kids drink Ripple Milk.

    Julie mentions her daughter takes NovaFerrum Liquid Iron.

    Dr. Playforth talks about ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and US Pharmacopeia (USP).

    Dr. Playforth mentions the Ellyn Satter Institute.

    Learn more about Dr. Playforth on ThePediatricianMom.com

    Follow Dr. Playforth on Instagram or Facebook.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives,

    • 34 min
    Mom Founders: Plant-based Milk For Kids w/ Lauren Abelin of Kiki Milk | Episode 2

    Mom Founders: Plant-based Milk For Kids w/ Lauren Abelin of Kiki Milk | Episode 2

    When it comes to plant-based, non-dairy milk for kids who are lactose intolerant, have a dairy sensitivity, or are avoiding cow’s milk for another reason, the options are endless: almond, oat, pea milk, coconut, and many more. By 2028, the global plant-based dairy market is expected to reach $31.5B, and while demand continues to grow, what you may not know is that not all plant-based milk for kids is created equal.

    In this episode, I sat down with Lauren Abelin, co-founder of PlantBaby and Kiki Milk, an organic, plant-based milk for kids that is made with only whole foods and nothing else. Lauren has dedicated her life to researching and developing human-centered solutions to problems impacting mental and physical well-being. Lauren and I talk about whether or not kids need cow’s milk, why not all plant-based milk is the same, and how to make the best decision for your family. She also talks about her journey to grow the company, her commitment to transparency and pure ingredients, and what’s next for the brand.

    Welcome

    2:08 Let’s talk about your story!

    10:33 After the first year of life what are the benefits of milk for kids?

    15:01 The Healthy Drinks, Healthy Kids guidelines state kids shouldn’t drink plant-based milk because it often lack key nutrition—what do you think?

    18:08 Why has interest in plant-based milk for kids grown?

    20:30 Is pea milk a good option?

    26:05 Let’s talk about your journey to launching the company: what were the steps you took to get it off the ground?

    30:00 What were the challenges you encountered that you were grateful for?

    31:38 Can you talk about a call you took early on with another plant-milk company and what you learned from that experience?

    35:32 Can you talk about new products you’re working on?



    LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

    Lauren mentions this study in the journal Pediatrics that shows only 25% of babies are breastfed exclusively at 6 months.

    Julie talks about the Healthy Drinks, Healthy Kids guidelines.

    Learn more about Kiki Milk on their website.

    Follow Kiki Milk on Instagram.



    FROM OUR PARTNERS



    Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

    The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.



    Thrive Market

    Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift. 

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

Ljenki ,

Great Podcast

I have always been very interested in food and how it impacts health. I love listening to this podcast. Very informative and intriguing! I look forward to each new episode.

Liferider54 ,

Must Listening!

Well done, informative, real life experiences that worked and loads of healthy nuggets of information. Nice job!

Bensonhurst Lady ,

Timely and Relevant Info!

Wow. This was very informative about childhood nutrition, food insecurities, and the pandemic. Ms. Revelant is on target about what is facing today’s parents in offering their children healthy food choices, and what the school lunches are offering.

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