In this episode, co-hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, sit down with Dawn Smith-Theodore—former professional ballerina, licensed therapist, and host of the Tutu Thin podcast—to explore the often-overlooked relationship between dance culture, body image, and eating disorders.

Dawn shares her personal journey through the pressures of ballet, her own recovery from disordered eating, and how she now supports dancers and their families as a therapist and advocate. Together, we discuss the culture of body control in dance, red flags for parents, and how to foster resilience and body trust in high-pressure performance environments.

Whether your child is in ballet, gymnastics, or competitive sports, this episode offers vital insights on how to support a healthy relationship with food and body in achievement-driven settings.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dawn Theodore's website: www.dawntheodore.com

• Tutu Thin Podcast: Listen on Apple Podcasts

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

• F.E.A.S.T (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment): www.feast-ed.org

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. If you or your child are struggling with an eating disorder, please consult your treatment team or seek professional support.

In this enlightening episode of Plateful Parenting, we're joined by Keira Oseroff Lambert, a licensed therapist and faculty member at the Ellyn Satter Institute, whose work focuses on feeding dynamics, eating disorder recovery, and trauma-informed care.

Keira shares her journey into the field of eating disorder treatment and how she became involved with Ellyn Satter's approach to competent eating. Together, we unpack the Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR)—a foundational concept in Satter's model—and how it supports autonomy, trust, and long-term healing in families navigating disordered eating and restrictive intake.

Whether you're supporting a child with ARFID, anorexia, or lingering fears around food, Keira offers practical guidance for shifting from control-based feeding to trust-based care. We also explore common myths around feeding, how parental anxiety influences mealtimes, and how to support recovery even when parents have their own complex history with food.

This episode is filled with compassionate, actionable insight for parents looking to create a more connected, respectful feeding environment—while still supporting structure, boundaries, and recovery.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Ellyn Satter Institute – Learn more about the Division of Responsibility and eating competence

• Keira Oseroff's Website – Explore Keira's therapy offerings, blog, and parent resources

• Feeding with Love and Good Sense – A practical guide for building trust and structure in feeding

• Eating Competence Model – A weight-neutral, evidence-based approach to healthy eating habits

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, therapeutic, or nutritional advice. Always consult with your child's treatment team for individualized support. The opinions shared are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the views of all affiliated organizations.

In this powerful episode of Plateful Parenting, cohosts Chanel Kenner RD and Christine Santucci are joined by Kelsey Gilchriest, a peer mentor with Equip and an inspiring voice in the eating disorder recovery space. Kelsey shares her personal recovery story, her work supporting families as part of Equip's care team, and her insights on what makes peer mentorship such a unique and vital piece of the treatment process.

Together, we explore how lived experience can complement clinical care, what families need to hear during the hardest moments, and how Kelsey helps parents navigate their fears, frustrations, and hope throughout their child's healing journey. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work with a peer mentor—or how connecting with someone who's "been there" can change the course of recovery—this is a must-listen.

Kelsey also offers encouragement for parents feeling isolated or overwhelmed, reminding us that recovery is not only possible—it's powerful.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment that includes peer and family mentorship alongside medical and therapeutic support

• Kelsey Gilchriest's Contributor Page on Equip – Read Kelsey's articles and personal insights from recovery

• Peer Mentorship at Equip – Learn more about the role of mentors in Equip's treatment model

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Education and support resources for families navigating eating disorders

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Always consult your care team for individualized guidance. The opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Plateful Parenting or its hosts.

In this week's episode of Plateful Parenting, we're joined by parent coach Oona Hanson, a nationally recognized expert in helping families navigate diet culture, body image concerns, and disordered eating. With a background in education and a deep understanding of the emotional landscape families face, Oona offers compassionate, practical guidance for raising body-confident kids in a world steeped in food rules and appearance pressure.

Together, we discuss how diet culture shows up in parenting, schools, media, and even healthcare—and how parents can reframe their language and actions to support their child's well-being. Oona shares advice for responding to body image concerns, handling unsolicited comments from relatives, creating a peaceful food environment at home, and helping kids develop resilience against diet culture messaging.

Whether your child is in recovery from an eating disorder or you're simply seeking tools to foster a healthier relationship with food and body image, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and expert strategies.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Oona Hanson, Parent Coach – Learn more about Oona's services, blog, and parent support resources

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• The Ellyn Satter Institute – Resources for feeding competence and family mealtimes

• Beauty Redefined – Tools to challenge appearance-based worth and promote body image resilience

• Be Real USA – Body confidence education for schools and communities

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your child's specific needs. The views shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Plateful Parenting team.

In this insightful episode of "Plateful Parenting," hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, sit down with Dr. Jacqueline Shiels, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, to discuss what parents need to know about eating disorder treatment for teens and adolescents. Drawing on her vast experience that has encompassed residential treatment and outpatient pediatric care, Dr. Shiels shares the emotional and logistical challenges families face when their child is diagnosed with an eating disorder—and how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

You'll learn: ✅ What to expect from eating disorder treatment for kids and teens ✅ How parents can effectively support the recovery process ✅ The differences in treatment approaches for kids vs. adults ✅ Red flags parents shouldn't ignore—and what to do first if you're concerned ✅ The role of emerging treatment trends and integrative care in recovery

Whether you suspect a problem or are already navigating treatment, this episode offers compassionate, expert-driven guidance for every step of the journey.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Jacqueline Shiels, Licensed Clinical Psychologist – Learn more about Dr. Shiels' work and therapy services.

• F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders)

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Around the Dinner Table Forum (Parent Support)

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, nutritional, or mental health advice. Always consult your child's physician or qualified healthcare provider for individual guidance. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Plateful Parenting team.

In this powerful episode of "Plateful Parenting," hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, explore the consequences of scaling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in the eating disorder space. What happens when inclusive representation is removed from treatment, media, and advocacy? Who gets left out of the conversation—and care?

Together, they unpack: ✅ The harm of outdated stereotypes and narrow narratives ✅ How lack of DEI leads to underdiagnosis and inequitable treatment ✅ The role of weight stigma, cultural competence, and affirming care ✅ What parents and advocates can do to push for inclusive, accessible support

This episode is a call to action for families, professionals, and communities to keep DEI at the heart of eating disorder treatment and recovery—for every body, everywhere.

• Project HEAL – Access to treatment for underserved populations

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Education, helpline, and advocacy tools

• BE REAL USA – Promoting body diversity and equity in health education

• Health at Every Size (HAES) – A weight-inclusive approach to wellness and care

• Diversify Dietetics – Supporting BIPOC professionals in nutrition

• The Body Is Not An Apology – Radical self-love and body empowerment

• Inclusive Therapists – A directory for culturally responsive mental health care

This episode is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

📲 Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @plateful.parenting.podcast Visit platefulparenting.com for more resources, expert insights, and support for your family.

In this episode of "Plateful Parenting," hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, sit down with Katie Maki, a leading advocate in the eating disorder community, to discuss her journey navigating her daughter's early diagnosis of anorexia. Katie shares her experience of identifying early signs, overcoming treatment barriers, and becoming a resource for parents facing similar challenges.

Together, they explore: ✅ Refeeding and extreme hypermetabolism – How to approach high-calorie needs without fear ✅ Managing extreme behaviors in young children – Recognizing red flags and understanding eating disorder-driven actions ✅ The role of diet culture – Unlearning harmful health messages that can fuel disordered eating ✅ Support and advocacy – How parents can find community and push for better access to care

Whether you're in the early stages of your child's recovery or looking for ways to support other families, Katie's wisdom and advocacy provide invaluable guidance. Tune in for hope, encouragement, and practical advice.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment) – Global support community for parents and caregivers
• Around The Dinner Table Forum – Peer-to-peer support for parents navigating eating disorder treatment
• Health at Every Size (HAES) Community – Weight-inclusive approach to health
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Education, advocacy, and helpline
• Health Equity & Eating Disorder Support – Financial aid and advocacy for equitable eating disorder treatment

⚠ Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

📲 Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @plateful.parenting.podcast and visit platefulparenting.com for more resources. If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of Plateful Parenting, renowned therapist and eating disorder expert Carolyn Costin returns for a deeper conversation on life beyond recovery. We explore:

• Navigating insurance and access to care – how to advocate for treatment coverage and alternative resources.
• Bridging the gap after treatment – ensuring long-term recovery, fostering autonomy, and preventing relapse.
• Identity beyond an eating disorder – helping kids and teens rediscover their passions and self-worth.
• Giving back to the community – ways families can support advocacy, mentorship, and awareness efforts.

Carolyn shares practical tools, expert insights, and hope for parents navigating the ongoing journey of recovery.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Carolyn Costin's Website – Therapy, books, and resources.
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Support, advocacy, and treatment options.
• The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness – Free support groups and education.
• Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment for families.
• Project HEAL – Grants and support for individuals facing financial barriers to treatment.
• The Eating Disorders Coalition – Advocacy for improved access to eating disorder care and health equity.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

For more from Carolyn Costin, visit: 🌐 Carolyn Costin's Website 📚 Books & Resources 📢 Advocacy & Support Organizations

Thank you for joining us for this incredible conversation with Carolyn Costin. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who might need support on this journey. Be sure to follow Plateful Parenting for more expert insights, and join us next time as we continue to navigate eating disorder recovery together.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!

Welcome to "Plateful Parenting," the podcast dedicated to providing resources, support, and community for parents navigating their child's eating disorder recovery. In this episode, co-hosts Chanel Kenner, RD, and Christine Santucci discuss binge eating disorder (BED)—the most common yet often least recognized eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder is more than just overeating; it involves recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, often followed by guilt or shame. Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Many parents struggle to recognize BED because it doesn't always align with stereotypical eating disorder presentations, but early intervention is crucial.

In this episode, Chanel and Christine explore:

• The diagnostic criteria for BED and how it differs from other eating disorders
• The emotional and physical consequences of BED, including its impact on mental health
• Treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), nutrition counseling, and medical support
• How parents can create a supportive home environment without reinforcing food shame or diet culture
• When to seek professional help and how to start the conversation with your child

Chanel provides expert insight into the role of a dietitian in supporting clients with BED and shares real-world examples of how shifting away from restrictive food rules can help break the cycle of binge eating. Christine offers practical strategies for parents to foster a safe, structured, and shame-free relationship with food at home.

Join us as we break down misconceptions, offer tangible tools for parents, and reinforce the message that recovery is possible, no matter where your child is in their journey.

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): A trusted nonprofit providing education, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
• Equip: A virtual, evidence-based eating disorder treatment program designed for individuals and families.
• Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA): Offers education, resources, and support for those affected by BED.
• Health at Every Size (HAES) Community: Focuses on weight-inclusive approaches to health and sustainable wellness.
• The Body Trust Approach: Encourages self-compassion and a non-diet approach to healing from binge eating and disordered eating patterns.

Binge eating disorder is a complex and deeply personal struggle, but healing is possible with the right support, treatment, and compassionate guidance. If you or your child are struggling, reaching out for help is the first step. Remember, food is not the enemy, and your child's worth is never defined by what they eat.

Thank you for joining us on Plateful Parenting. Stay connected with us for more expert insights, practical advice, and supportive conversations. See you next time!

In Episode 21 of "Plateful Parenting," co-hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD tackle an often-overlooked challenge in eating disorder recovery: the financial barriers that many families face. From the high costs of treatment to the rising price of groceries, financial strain can make recovery feel even more overwhelming for parents trying to support their child.

Christine and Chanel break down the impact of food insecurity, insurance limitations, and treatment costs, while also providing practical strategies for navigating recovery on a budget. They share affordable meal-planning ideas, community resources, and advocacy tips to help parents find the support they need without financial stress standing in the way.

In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How food insecurity can contribute to eating disorders and complicate recovery ✅ Practical meal-planning strategies for families on a budget ✅ Free and low-cost eating disorder treatment options ✅ How to advocate for insurance coverage and financial assistance

Recovery shouldn't be a privilege—it should be accessible to all. If financial challenges have made your child's recovery more difficult, this episode is for you.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
• Equip – A virtual treatment program offering evidence-based care for individuals and families navigating eating disorder recovery.
• Project HEAL – Provides financial assistance and advocacy for individuals who need eating disorder treatment but face barriers to access.
• Feeding America – A nationwide food bank network supporting families experiencing food insecurity.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – A government program that helps low-income families afford groceries, ensuring better access to nutrition.

Thank you for joining us for this important conversation about the financial challenges of eating disorder recovery. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the cost of treatment or struggling to afford nutritious meals, remember: you're not alone, and resources are available to help.

Follow us on Instagram @plateful.parenting.podcast for more insights, and visit platefulparenting.com for additional resources.

Recovery is possible, even in the face of financial hardship—let's take it one step at a time.