Eating Episodes

Feeding your kids shouldn’t feel like a minefield—but let’s be honest, it kind of does. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter talks with registered dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter about some of the most controversial topics in kids’ nutrition. From hiding veggies in food (should you?) to whether chocolate milk belongs in your kid’s lunchbox, they break down what matters, what doesn’t, and how to make food less stressful at every age.

You’ll hear tips on:

How often kids really need ...

Family meals are supposed to be good for kids—but what if getting everyone to the table feels like the most stressful part of your day? Join Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, host of the Managing Mealtime Madness podcast to hear realistic, judgment-free advice for busy parents: how to plan meals around your schedule, make dinnertime less chaotic, and more fun.

Check out my favorite Kids Cooking/Baking set – it's a great gift idea!

Listen to Sarah Schlichter’s podcast: Managing Mealtime Madness and r...

Is your child’s weight something to be concerned about—or just a normal part of growing up? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Natalie Muth, MD joins me to talk about how doctors decide when a child’s weight needs attention. We explain why a shift in BMI percentile—not just a number on the scale—can grab our attention, and how puberty, sleep, and lifestyle all play a role. Plus, we share practical tips for supporting healthy habits at home without harming your child’s self-esteem.

Read The F...

Think it’s all about diet and exercise? Think again. Explore the surprising lifestyle factors that play a powerful role in childhood obesity and healthy weight—like sleep and even friendship. Guest pediatrician Dr. Natalie Digate Muth shares what science says about how things like social connection and sleep routines affect your child’s metabolism and long-term health. Learn how small, simple changes in your family’s daily habits can make a big difference—no calorie counting required.

Send your...

Weight loss drugs are all over the news—and your social media feeds! But are they safe for teens? And when are they actually used? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Dr. Natalie Digate Muth explains how doctors are combining lifestyle changes with new medications to help adolescents manage their weight and avoid long-term health problems.

Learn more from Dr. Natalie Digate Muth

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

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We're bringing back our most downloaded—and most debated—episode ever! You might think the most controversial parenting topic would be fevers, vaccines, or screen time… but nope! It’s Intuitive Eating. Get ready to revisit the conversation that had everyone talking!

Do you want to make mealtimes better for you and your kids? Are you tired of food battles? Discover “Intuitive eating” which isn't just about eating whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s about understanding how we eat – our ins...

Eating isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also a social skill. As parents, it’s your job to help kids feel confident about eating in social settings. How can you tell if your child has an unhealthy relationship with food? Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares how to spot the signs and guide your child toward normal, balanced eating habits. She breaks down the risks of fad diets, the importance of “celebration eating,” and why teaching kids to have a healthy relationship with food is ...

A doctor’s words can shape how kids feel about their body. In this episode, Adolescent Medicine pediatrician Dr. Maya Kumar shares how doctors can approach weight conversations with care and compassion. Learn how to focus on health, while addressing weight-related issues.

Find Maya Kumar, MD at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

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*As an Ama...

Kids won’t come out and say, “I don’t like my body,” but their feelings about themselves can show in other ways. What shapes how kids see their bodies? Do sports or dance help or hurt their self-esteem? In this episode, Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares the key signs of poor body image and practical ways to support your child in loving and accepting themselves.

Find Maya Kumar, MD at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego

Send your questions to hello@pediatricia...

Want to make mealtime healthier and yummier? You know that avocado oil, fish, and kale are packed with nutrients—but getting kids to actually eat them? That’s the tricky part! In this episode, Chef Kelly Senyei reveals her top secret ingredient—one that’s affordable, boosts protein and calcium, and works in everything from pancakes to bolognese. Tune in for her tips on making healthy foods fun and delicious for kids!

Serenity Kids Salmon and other pouches

The Best Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe at...

Cooking together isn’t just fun—it’s packed with benefits! From learning healthy habits to boosting confidence, getting kids in the kitchen is a win. Dr. Wendy shares holiday gift ideas to spark your kids’ inner foodie, with kid-friendly tools and fun recipe kits. Plus, special guest Kelly Senyei, creator of Justataste.com, joins us to share ways to make cooking (and eating!) a family adventure.

Kids’ Cooking Supplies:

Foldable Kitchen Stepper

Kids Knife Set

Finger Guards for cutting

Cookin...

What if you could get your kids to actually enjoy healthy foods like sardines, beans, and mushrooms? If that sounds impossible, we’ve got the perfect guest! Chef Kelly Senyei from Justataste.com joins us with simple, tasty tips to sneak these powerhouse ingredients into meals even the pickiest eaters might love. From fun recipes to creative kitchen hacks, this episode is all about making healthy food family-friendly. Give it a listen—you may just find your next family favorite!

The Secret Ingre...

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, the most important ingredient is love! We tackle the big questions new parents have: Is it normal for newborns to lose a little weight at first? We’ll talk about how long you can store milk, the right way to use a breast pump, and why pacifiers are actually awesome. And we’ll share tips on getting the perfect latch. Tune in for expert advice from Shelby Abramson, FNP, IBCLC—because feeding your baby should be as easy as it is loving them!

Latching Baby Vid...

Big Dairy says calling plant-based drinks "milk" is risky. Are these drinks actually healthier than cow’s milk? With so many non-dairy options, how can parents pick the best ones for their families?

Discover the fascinating history of plant-based drinks and find out the real nutritional value of dairy alternatives.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

Find products from the show on the shop page.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissio...

Do you want to make mealtimes better for you and your kids? Are you tired of food battles? Discover “Intuitive eating” which isn't just about eating whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s about understanding how we eat – our instincts, thoughts and feeling about food. Learn tips to help your child eat better naturally with pediatrician and lifestyle medicine specialist, Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster.

Learn more about Dr. Yami, author of A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating. Find her at Nourish...

You’ve decided your family wants to try a plant-based diet. What should you eat? How do you handle food at parties, school or daycare? What supplements do your kids need? Discover new recipe ideas and practical tips for making a gradual transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Learn more about Dr. Yami, author of A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating. Find her at Nourish Wellness.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

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Ever thought about trying a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle? Wondering about the health benefits but concerned about getting enough protein and vitamins? Get tips on transitioning to a plant-based diet. Find out when it's important to pay attention and how to guide your kids in eating vegan or vegetarian. Dr. Yami, a pediatrician and lifestyle medicine specialist, shares her tips and guidance on plant-based diets.

Lear more about Dr. Yami, author of A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating. Find her ...

Is your kid super picky about what they eat? Wonder if they should take a multivitamin? Join Dr. Wendy and nutrition expert Natalie Muth, MD as they dish out advice on how to get your little ones to choose healthful foods. We'll tackle the big questions like when your child might need a vitamin boost and how to figure that out. Plus, we'll share some awesome tips to help you turn mealtime battles into victories.

Find Natalie Muth, MD, MPH, RDN online and at Children’s Primary Care Medical Group...

Breastfeeding and considering Botox? Curious about which skincare routines are safe post-delivery? Dr. Wendy unravels the mysteries of postpartum physiology and guides new moms on product safety. Plus, if your child is resisting milk, discover the truth about dairy's role in nutrition and explore tasty alternatives with expert advice from Dr. Wendy.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com
Find products from the show on the shop page.

More fro...

Are sports drinks best for hydration? How much protein does an athlete need? Dr. Wendy explains optimal nutrition for student athletes and the best hydration options.

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Part 2 of Dr. Wendy’s interview with picky eating specialist Jennifer Anderson, RD continues as they discuss strategies for easier mealtimes. Learn the importance of the words we use about food, and simple steps for kids to like veggies. This episode reframes the picky eating problem: it’s not a parent’s job to make kids eat - it is to reduce the stress kids feel about eating. Learn how a book about carrots can help.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 (episode 12) of the interview. Dr. Hunter and Jenn...

Want to raise kids who are happy at the dinner table? Dr. Wendy interviews picky eating expert Jennifer Anderson, RD. She shares tips parents can use from pregnancy through the teen years to shape kids’ eating habits. Help your family eat better with ideas like “flavor training” and learn the tricks for limiting junk food.

Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2 where Dr. Hunter and Jennifer Anderson continue their discussion on picky eaters and explore creative and fun ways to get your kiddo e...

Your kid barely eats, or only eats white foods. Maybe your diet isn’t so great either. If you’ve ever wondered whether multivitamins are necessary, we’ll tell you. In this episode Dr. Wendy Hunter walks you through the history of the vitamin industry and interviews pediatrician and registered dietician Dr. Natalie Muth.

Visit USP Quality Supplements Verified Products Listing. Any baby who gets more than half of their milk from breast milk needs a daily vitamin D supplement. The USP has very few...