Susana Ritchey takes us on her fascinating journey from pseudoscience believer to registered dietitian, revealing how deeply she once embraced "clean eating" myths before science education transformed her perspective. The transition wasn't immediate—it took years of graduate school and clinical experience to recognize that obsessing over "toxins" and food additives distracts from addressing the fundamental nutrition problems most Americans face.

Working primarily with children in genetics clinics, Susana offers practical wisdom for parents struggling with picky eaters. She introduces the division of responsibility framework: parents decide when, where, and what kids eat, while children decide if and how much. This approach reduces mealtime battles while establishing healthy boundaries. Her actionable tips include offering regular meals without screens, providing at least three food groups per meal with one guaranteed "safe" food, and recognizing that every exposure to a new food counts as progress—even if kids don't immediately eat it.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Susanna discusses her work with patients who have rare metabolic disorders like PKU, where protein must be severely restricted—sometimes to as little as 4 grams daily. These conditions highlight how nutrition advice can never be universal and why evidence-based approaches matter. She also addresses food affordability, offering practical suggestions like frozen produce to reduce waste and simple meal combinations that provide balanced nutrition without complexity.

For anyone overwhelmed by contradictory nutrition information, Susana's closing advice resonates powerfully: abandon perfectionism. The "all-or-nothing" approach inevitably leads to "nothing" because perfection is unsustainable. Instead, focus on small, consistent improvements that gradually enhance your diet without the pressure of flawless execution. Connect with Susana on social media @Susana.Ritchey.RD where she continues fighting nutrition misinformation with evidence-based content.

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