In the Season 2 finale, I’m bringing it all together — the research, the real-life examples, and the practical wisdom from my BLOOM™ Framework — to help you see picky eating in a whole new way.

Instead of adding more tips to your already overwhelming to-do list, I’m inviting you to shift your lens and ask: What is my child’s picky eating really trying to tell me?

We’ll talk about:

• Why picky eating is often dismissed — and why that can be a dangerous mistake
• The deeper root causes behind picky eating (hint: it’s not “just behavior”)
• How toxic environmental factors are making food struggles worse
• Why oral motor skills, gut health, and nutrient status matter more than sticker charts
• How the 5 pillars of my BLOOM™ Framework connect to create lasting change
• The smallest shifts that can create the biggest impact — even if you start with just one
• How connection and safety can open the door to new food experiences

Whether you’re parenting a toddler who refuses everything but goldfish crackers or an older child with years of food struggles, this episode will help you see their eating patterns through a whole-child lens — and know exactly where to start.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Grab the 10 Easy Strategies to Help Picky Eaters at Home guide

my website: www.lenalivinsky.com

Free clarity call with Lena

The Picky Eating Reset

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

What if picky eating, energy crashes, sugar cravings, and even hormone imbalance weren’t just about what your child eats — but when they see the sun?

In this eye-opening episode of The Livin'Sky Podcast, I’m joined by blood sugar and metabolic health expert Dani Hamilton — and we go far beyond glucose.

Dani and I talk about:

• Why sunlight and circadian rhythm matter just as much (or more!) than food when it comes to blood sugar regulation and mood
• How metabolic health and light exposure affect children’s behavior, cravings, and resilience
• What picky eating might be telling us about underlying blood sugar swings, sensory needs, or nervous system stress
• Why “nature is the medicine” — and how to make simple, low-cost shifts that support real healing
• The truth about vitamin D supplements, sunscreen, and what you actually need to thrive

We also talk about motherhood, trauma recovery, and postpartum healing through the lens of light, rhythm, and nourishment.

This is one of those episodes that will have you nodding, pausing, and maybe even running outside barefoot with your kids. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you’re doing all the right things but still stuck in the same food battles — this conversation is your permission slip to simplify and reconnect.

Because sometimes, it’s not about doing more... it’s about coming back to what nature already knows.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

What if you can help your child become a more adventurous eater without changing their diet first? 

In this episode of The Livin’Sky Podcast, I sit down with integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, the bestselling author of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience, to explore what’s really behind picky eating, sensory struggles, and rising health challenges in kids today — and how we can help them heal from the inside out.

From the vagus nerve to the gut-brain axis, Dr. Song shares practical ways to support your child’s microbiome and nervous system without pressure or perfection. Whether your child eats five foods or fifty, this conversation offers empowering, low-stress tools that work.

Takeaways

• The vagus nerve can shift your child’s microbiome — even without changing diet.

Dr. Song explains how stimulating the vagus nerve helps improve gut diversity and resilience, which can reduce picky eating and sensory overwhelm.

• Gut health influences food cravings, behavior, and mood.

The microbiome isn’t just about digestion — it plays a major role in your child’s emotional regulation and food preferences, including selective eating.

• Zinc deficiency is a major but overlooked root cause of sensory struggles and picky eating.

From taste aversions to sensitivity to sounds, tags, or textures — zinc is often the missing piece.

• Behavioral feeding therapy isn’t enough if we don’t address internal imbalances.

Many feeding therapies focus only on increasing bites or exposure — but without calming the nervous system and healing the gut, progress often stalls.

• Sensory sensitivities are often a sign that the body doesn’t feel safe.

Kids who are overwhelmed by textures, flavors, and smells need more nervous system support before they can feel safe enough to try new foods.

• Microbiome healing can start with simple, doable changes.

Sleep, hydration, breathwork, movement, and emotional connection all help shift the gut — no food battles required.

• Connection and co-regulation are therapeutic.

Working on nervous system safety together — even outside of mealtime — builds trust, reduces stress, and lays the foundation for better eating.

• Pre-diabetes is on the rise in kids — even in those who look "healthy."

Many children are showing early signs of metabolic dysfunction due to hidden sugars in “healthy” foods. Awareness and label-reading are key.

Resources

• Dr. Elisa Song’s book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids
• More resources at www.healthykidshappykids.com
• Dr. Song's Instagram
• Lena's website
• Lena's Instagram

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this essential episode of The Livin'Sky Podcast, Lena is joined by Cory and Ashley Wenter — the powerhouse duo behind Pangea Consulting. With decades of combined experience in emergency preparedness, school safety, trauma response, and parenting, they break down exactly how families can take simple but powerful steps to become more prepared and protected — without fear or overwhelm.

Learn how to create a realistic emergency plan, teach your children body safety from toddlerhood, use trauma kits effectively, and make your home a haven — even in a crisis. Whether you're worried about natural disasters, home security, or simply want to feel more confident as a parent, this episode will leave you empowered and equipped.

Takeaways

• Families should prepare for common emergencies like fires and earthquakes.
• Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is crucial.
• Emergency planning can be simplified into three steps: get a kit, make a plan, and make it real.
• Teaching kids basic safety starts at a young age and should include body awareness.
• Home safety drills can help children understand emergency procedures without instilling fear.
• First aid training is essential for families to respond effectively in emergencies.
• Gun safety requires ongoing training and open conversations with family members.
• There are non-lethal alternatives to firearms for home defense.
• Home security systems can provide peace of mind and time to react in emergencies.
• Resilience in children can be built through exposure to challenges and understanding control versus influence. 

Time Stamps

01:27 Common Emergency Scenarios for Families
04:24 Essential Tools for Fire Preparedness
05:21 Emergency Planning Steps for Families
07:16 Starting from Zero: Basic Preparedness
08:25 Teaching Kids Basic Safety Tips
10:53 Understanding Body Safety and Terminology
13:20 Navigating Conversations About Safety
15:21 Home Drills and Safety Awareness
18:36 Building Community Connections for Safety
19:23 The Importance of Ongoing Safety Conversations
21:12 Emergency Preparedness Kits: Essentials and Recommendations
23:17 The Role of First Responders and Self-Preparedness
24:51 Trauma Training: Essential Skills for Parents
28:08 Gun Safety and Responsible Ownership
31:56 Alternatives to Firearms for Home Safety
34:39 Home Security Systems: Enhancing Safety
37:20 Empowering Resilience in Children

Resources

• Pangaea Consulting website
• Pangaea Consulting Instagram
• Family Emergency Plan
• Emergency Supplies Checklist 
• "The New Safety Playbook for Moms" 
• Lena's Instagram
• Lena's website 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Lena Livinsky is joined by award-winning nutritionist, educator, and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Jess Sherman, creator of The Roadmap to Resilient Kids. Together, they explore the deep connection between nutrition, nervous system health, attachment, and child development.

Jess shares her transformative journey from high school teacher to holistic pediatric nutrition expert, and offers a refreshing perspective on how behavior is deeply rooted in biology—not just learned or behavioral. The conversation unpacks the myths around picky eating, the role of medication, the importance of sleep, poop, hydration, and how to support children with ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences with holistic strategies.

If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s eating habits or emotional health, this episode will leave you empowered, informed, and deeply validated.

✨ Topics Covered:

• Jess’s journey from education to functional pediatric nutrition
• Why behavior is often biology in disguise
• The “eating, sleeping, pooping” rule for identifying stress
• How medications impact learning and emotional regulation
• Addressing picky eating without pressure or trauma
• The 5 Nourishment Needs every child requires
• Why attachment is the foundation of nervous system health
• Creating a nourishing home culture for long-term resilience

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• There’s no single “root cause” of behavior—everything is interconnected.
• Parents have more influence than they think—starting with connection.
• Small shifts in food, sleep, and hydration can create big breakthroughs.
• Picky eating is often a signal, not a stubborn behavior.
• Attachment and emotional safety are essential “nutrients” for children.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Nutrition
04:32 The Role of Medication in Child Development
10:18 Transformative Changes Through Nutrition
15:42 Five Essential Needs for Children
22:57 The Importance of Secure Attachments
27:11 Identifying with Labels and Chronic Conditions
32:55 Building a Positive Relationship with Food
41:16 Listening and Observing for Better Parenting

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• Jess Sherman’s Website
• Jess on Instagram
• The Roadmap to Resilient Kids
• Lena’s Free Picky Eating Workshop 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this workshop, Lena Livinsky addresses the challenges faced by parents of picky eaters, emphasizing that picky eating is often a symptom of deeper issues rather than a mere phase. She introduces her BLOOM framework, which identifies five root causes of picky eating: balanced health, learned oral skills, gut health, open exploration, and mealtime boundaries. Lena discusses the importance of understanding the science behind picky eating, including the role of nutrition and sensory sensitivities. The workshop concludes with actionable steps for parents to create a supportive environment for their children, fostering a positive relationship with food.

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET HERE

Takeaways

• Picky eating is often a symptom of deeper issues.
• Balanced health is crucial for healthy eating habits.
• Learned oral skills can impact a child's ability to eat.
• Gut health plays a significant role in picky eating.
• Open exploration of food is essential for children.
• Setting mealtime boundaries helps establish healthy habits.
• Nutritional deficiencies can lead to picky eating.
• Consistent mealtime routines support feeding progress.
• Trust between parent and child is vital for overcoming picky eating.
• Every small win in a child's eating journey matters.

Time Stamps

00:00
Introduction to Thriving, Not Just Surviving

02:16
Understanding Picky Eating: Root Causes

07:38
The Science Behind Picky Eating

13:56
Creating an Action Plan for Change

16:13
Empowerment and Moving Forward

SCHEDULE A FREE 30 MIN CALL WITH LENA

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Sweet mama, this episode is like sitting down for coffee with your most knowledgeable friend who truly gets the beautiful complexity of feeding your little one.

I'm walking you through your baby's feeding journey from those tender first days all the way to watching them confidently feed themselves - and honestly, I wish someone had shared these insights with me when I was navigating this path myself.

We'll talk about why breast milk really is liquid gold that adapts perfectly to your baby's needs (and why extended nursing is something to celebrate, not apologize for). I'll help you recognize the real readiness signs for starting solids - because it's about so much more than just hitting a certain age - and share why I'm passionate about animal-based first foods like egg yolks for optimal brain development.

You'll learn when to embrace the beautiful mess of self-feeding, how to trust your child's natural timeline, and most importantly, when those mama instincts are telling you to seek support from a feeding specialist. Because early intervention isn't about failure - it's about giving your child the best possible start.

This conversation is for every mama who's ever wondered "Am I doing this right?" or felt overwhelmed by conflicting feeding advice. You're going to leave feeling confident in your instincts, excited about your journey, and reminded that you already know your child better than anyone.

Trust me, mama - you've got this, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making medical or therapeutic decisions. 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

The Bloom Pediatric Feeding Therapy Framework is a holistic approach to addressing feeding challenges in children. The framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of balanced health, learned oral skills, optimal microbiome, open exploration, and mealtime boundaries to help a child become an adventurous eater. Through a case study of a child named Maya, Lena illustrates how the Bloom framework can transform feeding experiences and improve children's relationships with food. The episode concludes with practical steps for parents and practitioners to implement the Bloom framework in their own practices and homes. 

Takeaways

The Bloom framework is a child-centered approach to feeding therapy.
Feeding is a holistic experience involving sensory, emotional, and familial components.
Balanced health addresses all aspects of a child's well-being related to feeding.
Gut health plays a crucial role in a child's relationship with food.
Open exploration encourages children to discover food through play.
Mealtime boundaries create a structured environment for healthy development.
Case studies illustrate the effectiveness of the Bloom framework.
Practical steps can be taken to implement the Bloom framework at home.
Progress in feeding therapy can happen in small steps.
The connection between gut health and feeding is vital for child wellness.

Free Guide:

An Introduction to the BLOOM Framework

Connect With Lena:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked health threat of toxic mold exposure. Discover how even short-term exposure in environments like vacation rentals can trigger months of mysterious symptoms that conventional medicine frequently misses.

Learn about the diverse ways mold toxicity manifests—from neurological symptoms like vertigo and brain fog to immune disruptions, digestive issues, and more. We explore effective testing methods for both your environment and body, and share practical, nature-based approaches to recovery.

Whether you're dealing with unexplained health issues or want to protect your family preventatively, this episode provides critical insights into recognizing, addressing, and healing from mold exposure. Plus, discover the most commonly overlooked places where mold hides in homes and how to properly inspect them.

This essential guide to environmental health might just provide the missing piece in your family's wellness puzzle.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of simplicity in health and wellness.
• Overstimulation from modern life can hinder our internal healing processes.
• Mold toxicity can lead to severe health issues and symptoms.
• Personal experiences with mold exposure can vary widely among individuals.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure.
• Identifying mold in the home can be challenging due to its hidden nature.
• Trusting your instincts is crucial when dealing with unexplained health symptoms.
• Proactive measures can prevent mold-related health problems.
• Recovery from mold toxicity is possible with the right approach.
• Consulting with healthcare providers familiar with mold-related illnesses is essential.

Free Guide:

The Room-by-Room Inspection Guide for Detecting Hidden Mold 

Connect With Lena:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

In this episode, I share my personal journey with the GAPS (Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome) Diet and how this powerful protocol transformed my health in just a few weeks. Join me as I break down everything you need to know about implementing GAPS as a busy mom, including practical strategies and real-world solutions for family healing.

Episode Highlights:

• My health transformation story: postpartum struggles, mold toxicity, and finally finding healing
• What the GAPS Diet is and who developed it (Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride)
• The critical difference between meat stock and bone broth (this matters!)
• Who can benefit from the GAPS protocol
• The three phases of GAPS: Introduction, Full GAPS, and Reintroduction
• How to implement GAPS as a busy mom with kids
• Common challenges and how to overcome them
• My combined approach: GAPS + Mary Ruddick's autoimmune protocol

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the GAPS Diet Journey
02:29 Understanding the GAPS Diet and Its Origins
10:16 The Mechanisms of the GAPS Protocol
16:26 Who Can Benefit from the GAPS Diet?
22:33 The Role of Meat Stock in Healing
29:23 GAPS Food Protocol: What's In and What's Out
37:13 The Power of Healthy Fats
38:34 Nutrient Density Over Calorie Restriction
39:33 Implementing GAPS for Families
41:42 Practical Strategies for Busy Moms
43:38 Batch Cooking and Meal Prep
45:05 Involving Kids in Food Preparation
47:05 Addressing Picky Eaters
48:50 Navigating Social Situations on GAPS
50:18 Budgeting for GAPS Diet
52:07 Common Challenges and Solutions
56:23 Managing Gut Reactions
01:00:42 The Role of Supplements
01:02:03 Personal GAPS Journey and Insights
01:10:15 Preparing for Future Health Goals
01:12:20 Conclusion: Embracing the GAPS Journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride's book "Gut and Psychology Syndrome"
• Mary Ruddick's autoimmune protocol
• Environmental Working Group's Clean 15/Dirty 12 lists
• Free GAPS Guide for Busy Families
• Book a 1:1 consultation

Connect With Me:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Action Steps:

1. Start with meat stock (not bone broth) - simmer meat on bone for 2-3 hours
2. Download my free GAPS Guide for Busy Families for practical implementation tips
3. Begin gradually by adding healing foods before removing problematic ones, if starting with the introduction diet too hard for now. 
4. Focus on progress, not perfection!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.