Behind the Plate with Heather Soman, RD

From Dread to Delight: Finding Joy (and Sanity) in the Kitchen Again with Olivia Cupido RD


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Dinner doesn’t have to feel like a test you can fail. We sit down with registered dietitian, cooking instructor, and mom of two, Olivia Cupido, to get real about kitchen overwhelm and how to find an easier rhythm that actually fits your life. From navigating disordered eating and perfectionism to cooking with a baby on your lap, Olivia shares mindset shifts and practical systems that turn “what’s for dinner” into a lighter lift.

We dig into the real reasons the kitchen can feel heavy—anxiety, all-or-nothing thinking, and skill gaps—and walk through gentle fixes that build momentum fast. Think freezer stashes of soup and meatballs, cooked rice ready for fried rice, and go-to staples like eggs on toast, tuna or sardines with avocado, and pasta that brings comfort without the guilt. Olivia’s all-foods-fit approach invites convenience back to the table: pre-packaged salads, jarred sauces, and planned takeout nights that remove decision fatigue while keeping nourishment front and centre.

You’ll also hear a realistic take on meal planning that prioritizes cravings, store flyers, and your actual schedule. We cover ADHD-friendly tweaks like printing recipes in big font, planning only two days at a time, and pre-choosing a midweek break. Along the way, Olivia shows how to model a positive food culture for kids, embrace “good enough” dinners, and use small wins to rebuild confidence in the kitchen. It’s permission to make cooking simpler, not perfect.

If this conversation helps you breathe easier about dinner, follow and subscribe for more practical, judgment-free nutrition talk. Share the episode with a friend who needs a freezer win, and leave a review to tell us your favorite five-minute meal.

Learn more at behindtheplate.ca

Grab the free Hunger & Fullness Cues Guide: behindtheplate.ca/hunger-fullness-cues

Explore The Empowered Eating Journey: behindtheplate.ca/empowered-eating-journey

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Behind the Plate with Heather Soman, RDBy Heather Soman, RD