EP 26: Added Sugar: The Conversation Every Parent Needs to Have

EP 26: Added Sugar: The Conversation Every Parent Needs to Have

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is added sugar really the problem, or is it the way it quietly shows up in everyday kid foods? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares clear, caring guidance for parents who want to understand added sugar without fear or shame. She explains why babies under two do not need added sugar, how sugar can affect teeth, gut health, appetite, and long-term health, and why the weekly donut date may not be the biggest concern. You’ll hear where added sugar often hides, including flavored yogurt, drinks, cereal bars, pouches, applesauce, and snacks. Dr. Liz also shares simple ways to talk with kids about sweets, special treats, and food choices that help their bodies grow and feel good. Dr. Liz Daniels is a nutrition-focused pediatrician and host of Nutrition for the Early Years. She helps parents feel more confident feeding their babies and kids without shame, guilt, or fear. What You’ll Learn: * Why is added sugar not recommended under age two * How added sugar can affect teeth and cavities * Why sugary drinks can be especially hard on little mouths * How added sugar may shift gut health and appetite * Where added sugar hides in common kid foods * How to think about treats without labeling foods as “good” or “bad” * Simple swaps that can lower added sugar without stress * How to talk with kids about food in a calm, helpful way Episode highlights: (1:04) Why added sugar can feel like a tricky parenting topic (1:36) The weekly donut date question from a parent (2:42) Added sugar guidelines for babies and toddlers (4:34) Sugar, cavities, and oral health (5:58) How added sugar can affect gut health (7:11) Early sugar habits and possible long-term protection (8:17) Long-term health risks linked to early sugar patterns (9:40) Why the full diet matters more than one treat (14:04) Sugary drinks and hidden added sugar (15:18) Flavored yogurt as a common source of added sugar (16:24) Bars, snacks, pouches, and “veggie” labels (19:21) Honey, maple syrup, and other natural added sugars (20:31) How to talk to kids about sugar without shame (21:49) Simple swaps for yogurt, drinks, and snacks (23:31) How much added sugar older toddlers may be getting (26:03) Portion size ideas for special treats (30:22) Talking with school-age kids about sweets and peer foods (35:00) Why food language matters as much as sugar amount (36:05) One simple first step for reducing added sugar NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

EP 25: The “Are They Getting Enough?” Spiral: Newborn Feeding, Weight Checks, and When to Get Support

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is your newborn getting enough milk, or are you stuck watching every feed, diaper, and sleepy stretch with worry? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares clear, caring guidance for parents in the first days and weeks of newborn feeding. She explains why advice can change from day to day, what normal newborn weight loss looks like, when milk usually comes in, and why very sleepy babies may need extra support. You’ll hear how jaundice, latch, wet diapers, poop, weight checks, and supplementation all fit together. Dr. Liz also talks about triple feeding, why it should have an exit plan, and how breastfeeding, formula, or combo feeding can all support a growing baby. Dr. Liz Daniels is a nutrition-focused pediatrician and host of Nutrition for the Early Years. She helps parents feel more confident feeding their babies and kids without shame, guilt, or fear. What You’ll Learn: * Why one feeding does not tell the whole story * What newborn weight loss can look like in the first week * How to know if milk is coming in * Why jaundice and sleepiness can affect feeding * When supplementation or lactation support may help * How to think about triple feeding without burning out * Why your feeding goal can still change with love and care Episode highlights: (2:47) Why newborn feeding advice changes day by day (4:55) Normal newborn weight loss and early growth patterns (6:18) Jaundice, sleepiness, and feeding concerns (7:00) How to know if milk is coming in (9:51) When supplementation may help protect feeding and growth (11:33) Weight trends, follow-up visits, and lactation support (13:02) Wet diapers, poop, and what output really means (15:52) Triple feeding and why it should not be a forever plan (18:30) Setting your personal feeding goal (20:00) Stories of breastfeeding, combo feeding, and letting go of guilt (26:34) How to feel more grounded when feeding feels uncertain NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

EP 24: Why Feeding Skills Matter with Solid Starts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] What if the perfect baby food plate is not what your baby needs most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels talks with Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts about introducing solids to baby with less fear and more confidence. They answer common parent questions like “when to start solid foods for baby,” “when should babies start eating solids?” and “when can babies eat baby food?” You’ll hear what is baby led weaning, why chewing skills matter, how gagging can be part of learning, and how to think about baby allergic reaction concerns. They also discuss feeding schedules, how a baby feeding chart can help without adding pressure, and why early exposure to flavor and texture can support more confident eating as babies grow. Kim Grenawitzke is a pediatric occupational therapist with specialty certification in feeding, eating, and swallowing; an international board-certified lactation consultant; and certified neonatal therapist. For more than 15 years, she has worked in both home settings and pediatric acute care, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford with speciality practice in neonatal cardiac feeding rehabilitation and breastfeeding high risk infants. Kim earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and is the mom to two young girls. What You’ll Learn: * Why chewing skills are built through practice, not perfection * How gagging can help protect babies as they learn to eat * Why the 6 to 9 month window matters for flavors and textures * How to support picky toddlers with calm limits * When feeding struggles may need extra support Episode highlights: (1:03) Meet Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts (10:07) How real food helped babies in clinical care (18:29) Oral motor milestones and chewing reflexes (27:22) Flavor exposure during the 6 to 9 month window (34:32) Gagging, choking fears, and safe practice (43:21) How often babies need meals and practice (50:52) Toddler picky eating, hunger, and boundaries (59:20) Red flags that may need feeding support (1:05:49) Confidence, anxiety, and Solid Starts resources For an amazing gift from Solid Starts, head over to http://link.solidstarts.com/BaYvFF for 25% off an annual app subscription.  Coupon is NEWSTORY25 - use the promo code on the website for the app! Learn more about Solid Starts: solidstarts.com @solidstarts hello@solidstarts.com https://solidstarts.com/authors/kim-grenawitzke/ https://solidstarts.com/authors/kary-rappaport/  NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

Episode 23: Stronger After Baby: Postpartum Recovery, Pelvic Floor, and Fueling Well with Val Warner

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is postpartum healing less about “bouncing back” and more about building strength for the long run? In this episode, Dr. Liz talks with postpartum fitness and nutrition expert Val Warner about what moms really need after birth and beyond. Val explains why moms are technically forever postpartum, and why healing takes more than a six-week checkup. You’ll learn how breathwork, pelvic floor care, core rebuilding, strength training, and enough food all work together to support recovery. Val also clears up common myths, including the idea that every mom needs more Kegels or should eat less to lose weight. This episode is a warm reminder that your body deserves care, fuel, and patience in every stage of motherhood. What You’ll Learn: * Why postpartum care matters long after birth * What “forever postpartum” really means * Why the fourth trimester is so important * How breathwork supports the core and pelvic floor * Why more Kegels are not always the answer * How to rebuild strength safely after having a baby * Why eating less can hurt energy, hormones, and metabolism * How under-eating can lead to cravings later in the day * Why gut health and daily bowel movements matter * How plant foods support the microbiome * Simple ways to add more variety to family meals * Why food should feel flexible, not stressful Episode highlights: (0:00) Why moms are technically forever postpartum (1:45) Val Warner’s story and passion for postpartum care (4:20) The fourth trimester and pelvic floor support (7:17) The biggest myth about Kegels (10:25) Building a strong foundation with breath and core work (13:09) Why eating less is not the answer (16:14) Cravings, caffeine, and not eating enough during the day (18:23) Dr. Liz shares her own postpartum food struggles (20:51) Gut health, probiotics, and constipation (23:05) Dysbiosis and the microbiome explained simply (25:59) How many plant foods to aim for each day or week (27:42) How to add more plant foods to a basic family dinner (33:11) Simple exercise and nutrition shifts moms can start today (35:02) Where to find Val Warner and her resources   Grab my free 5 Protein-Packed Snacks Every Tired Mom Needs guide — simple, satisfying snack ideas to boost your energy, support your body, and keep you full (without overthinking it). https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-quick-healthy-meals-postpartum/id1778776628 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-quick-healthy-meals-postpartum/id1778776628] NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

Episode 22: Your Toddler Needs More Carbs Than Protein: What Parents Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is your toddler refusing meat and reaching for carbs and fruit instead? In this episode, Dr. Liz helps parents breathe easier about toddler protein needs. She explains why young kids usually need far less protein than many parents think, and why carbohydrates play such an important role in growth, brain development, and energy. You’ll learn how toddlers can meet their protein needs through simple foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans, nut butters, grains, and seeds. Dr. Liz also shares what to do when kids refuse meat, why protein shakes are rarely needed, and how to keep offering new foods without pressure. This episode is a caring reminder that variety, practice, and a calm table matter more than chasing big protein numbers. What You’ll Learn: * Why toddlers need less protein than many parents think * How much protein kids aged 1 to 3 usually need * Why carbs are important for growth, energy, and brain development * How milk and dairy can help meet protein, calcium, and vitamin D needs * What to do when your toddler refuses meat * Why repeated exposure still matters, even when food gets spit out * How plant-based protein pairings can support growth * Why protein shakes are rarely needed for toddlers * How snacks, hunger, and meal structure affect picky eating * Simple ways to add protein with beans, seeds, nut butters, and grains Episode highlights: (0:00) The common toddler protein worry (1:33) What this episode will cover (2:01) Why toddlers often start refusing meat (3:16) Why adult protein goals do not apply to young kids (5:32) How much protein toddlers really need (7:32) Milk, dairy, and complete protein (9:03) Why offering meat still counts, even if they do not eat it (10:32) What to consider if your child does not drink milk (12:00) Plant-based protein pairings like beans and rice (14:25) Snacks, hunger, and toddler behavior (16:07) Why kids need more carbs than protein (17:06) Why protein supplements are rarely needed (18:28) How to reduce pressure at the dinner table (20:30) Easy protein ideas with beans and seeds (23:06) The bigger goal: variety, practice, and less stress NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!