In this episode of Untidy, Hannah and Matilda chat to Rachael Wilson, a UK-trained registered dietitian and feeding therapist specialising in family feeding, feeding disorders, disordered eating and body image. Rachael’s professional training and background also includes mindfulness and mindful eating, intuitive eating, and she is a highly-trained feeding therapist with the Ellyn Satter Institute. They discuss how to nurture a positive relationship with food and body for our children, as well as learning about healing from our own challenges. 

(Trigger warning: This episode covers topics such as disordered eating, body dysmorphia and child feeding conditions.)

They dive deep into the complexities of picky eating, exploring the psychology behind it and offering practical advice for parents struggling with mealtime battles. Rachael explains how to create a relaxed mealtime environment, the importance of offering familiar foods, and why we need to give our children autonomy over their eating.

The conversation also covers the challenges of fostering a positive relationship with food and body image in a world obsessed with diet culture. Rachael emphasises the importance of mindful eating, understanding that food is more than just fuel, and how parents can model positive eating behaviors and attitudes towards their body for their children even when they’ve grown up with unhelpful conditioning, eating and body image issues themselves.

Rachael introduces the concept of feeding disorders like ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and provides insights into the rise of eating disorders among children and adolescents. She offers advice on how parents can spot the early signs of disordered eating and the importance of seeking help early.

This episode is packed with valuable tips and honest discussions that resonate with anyone concerned about their child’s, or their own, relationship with food and body image.

Find Rachael Wilson online thefoodtree.co for more information, workshops, seminars, and to book a consultation. Follow Rachael on Instagram @thefoodtree.co.

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