In celebration of reaching our 50th episode, Anna, Anna and Elizabeth have a conversation about things we really wish parents knew about food and bodies.

We discuss:

• The dangers of “Clean Eating” and Wellness Culture.
• How kids and teens going vegetarian, vegan, or wanting to “eat healthier” can be a red flag.
• Absence of menstruation for teenage girls is not normal (Amenorrea; RED-S)
• Casual comments on weight loss or people’s bodies are harmful.
• Normalizing compensatory behaviors can lead to disordered movement and eating.
• Fitness trackers are generally a bad idea, especially for kids.
• It’s OK if your child doesn’t like to play a sport.
• Nutrition education is often diet and weight focused, and not developmentally appropriate.
• Disease & body-related jokes are harmful and should not be tolerated, or worse, encouraged.
• “Health” warnings from well-meaning adults (e.g., healthcare providers, gym teachers and parents) can send the wrong messages.

Links:

• The People Who are Afraid of Food by Virginia Sole-Smith
• Elizabeth’s blog post about vegetarian
• Sports Nutrition for Kids & Teens with Leslie Schilling
• Nourishing a Dancer’s Mind & Body with Monika Saigal
• School Nutrition Curricula with Sarah Ganginis
• Early Childhood Health with Shawna Daniels
• Sunny Side Up Nutrition Podcast 
• Lutz, Alexander & Associates Nutrition Therapy
• Pinney Davenport Nutrition

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit snutrition.substack.com