Tips and Tricks from Pediatric Dietician Emily French

The realm of child nutrition is as vast as it is crucial. In our recent podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Emily French, a seasoned dietitian shedding light on approaches to nutrition. This episode is a full of insights into child nutrition, highlighting the essential role dietitians play in shaping the lives and health of our children and talking about how parents can take on this role for their children.

One of the major challenges many families face is maintaining a balanced diet amidst a hectic lifestyle. Emily generously shared her expertise on this topic, offering practical tips on listening to our children's cues, managing meal times, and the art of preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. Emily offered guidance on fostering a healthy relationship with sugar and managing snack temptations, especially during travels or special occasions. Emily shared a few of her favorite recipes to make ahead of time and freeze, pulling out for easy snacks and breakfasts!

The importance of empowering our children with knowledge about healthy eating was a key topic in the discussion. Emily emphasized the significance of connecting food and feelings and encouraging self-reflection in food choices. She offered insights into understanding different food groups and their importance, and specifically teaching how certain foods can make our bodies work and grow. Did you know that tomatoes are good for your heart?! This is something new both Kim and Mary learned while interviewing Emily!

Promoting positive language around food was another aspect discussed in depth. The way we talk about food can greatly impact a child's perception and relationship with it. By promoting positive language around food, we can foster a healthier relationship with it, ultimately influencing our children's eating habits in a positive way.

Emily has co-founded "RDS for Little Eaters" with her partner, Kayla Harrell . The website is a resourceful platform for parents and patients seeking dietitian support, filling a need for those who lack access to dietitian services. Not only does Emily have a foundation and education in nutrition and being a dietician, she also has a son who needs the daily expertise in having his nutrition intake monitored for specific medial reasons. Emily understands the carryover of what’s recommended in the clinic setting and how to implement and make a plan that is manageable at home.

This episode offered a comprehensive view into the world of child nutrition, making it a must-listen for anyone striving to promote healthy eating habits in their children!