Teaching Body Awareness: Guiding Kids to Listen to Their Gut

Summary:
Raising kids with food sensitivities can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be all about restrictions! In this episode, Rachel shares how she helps her boys make mindful food choices, especially at social events, while still letting them enjoy treats. From corn syrup to food dyes, she's had her learning moments—but the goal is teaching them to listen to their bodies without the guilt or strict rules.

You’ll hear some funny, relatable stories about how our kids have become little food detectives and how we strike the balance between healthy eating and fun. Whether you’re managing food sensitivities or just want to help your kids build healthier habits, this episode is packed with real-life tips and insights!

 

Key Topics Covered:

• Teaching kids to recognize how food affects their bodies
• Handling social situations with food sensitivities
• Balancing fun treats with maintaining healthy habits
• Avoiding judgment while respecting different family food choices
• The importance of modeling healthy eating behaviors as parents

Timeline Summary:

• [1:15] – Navigating food sensitivities at social gatherings and how it impacts the kids.
• [5:22] – Explaining to my kids why different families eat differently.
• [10:08] – Letting the kids have occasional treats and discussing how it affects their behavior and energy.
• [17:45] – Teaching my boys to listen to their bodies and recognize symptoms after eating certain foods.
• [24:30] – A funny story about my son’s "liver power" and how kids perceive food and health.
• [31:10] – Making small, sustainable changes in our family’s eating habits and seeing long-term improvements.
• [38:45] – Encouraging mindful eating and physical intuition for lifelong healthy habits.

Links & Resources:

• The Dirty Dozen List: EWG’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. Your support helps us continue these important conversations. Share this episode with a friend who might be struggling with navigating food choices with their kids. See you next time!