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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you going to give me strict rules about how to eat?
No! Everyone’s history and relationship with food is unique, and we believe flexibility and balance are crucial in finding an approach to eating that will be healthful and sustainable. We will provide you with nutrition information and work with you to determine what is right for you – no strict rules or restrictions unless necessitated by a medical diagnosis (such as an allergy).
There is so much conflicting information on the internet, and I feel like I’ve tried everything. Are you just going to give me more confusing messages?
We are here to help you wade through all the confusing information and provide you with clear, accurate nutrition advice. We will also continue to support you through the process. We understand that different approaches work for different people, and we will work with you to find the right way of eating for you or your child.
I feel like my child is extremely picky, when should I seek help?
You might notice your child refusing to eat entire food groups, foods of a certain color or texture, or any foods other than a few favorites. Maybe your child panics or has tantrums around new foods or eating in different places. Maybe your child can’t go to friends’ houses because he won’t eat. Picky eating can take many forms. If your child’s eating is affecting his social, emotional, or physical development, he may benefit from some extra support.
My child isn’t picky, but I have other questions about her eating. Can you help?
Yes! We are happy to address a variety of concerns regarding your child’s nutrition. Other areas we work in include food allergies, weight concerns, food preoccupation, feeding with ADHD, feeding with sensory processing disorders, general nutrition questions, and others.
Picky eating, food aversion, food preoccupation… what does all this mean?
“Picky eating” or “Selective eating” refers to eating a limited variety of accepted foods or eating limited amounts of foods. This form of eating is typically accompanied by tough emotions or behaviors related to food.
“Food aversion” refers to changes in eating behaviors such as adverse physical responses to food (vomiting, gagging) or food avoidance. These behaviors may arise after an unpleasant experience such as choking, illness, or other trauma, or might be associated with generalized fear and anxiety around food.
“Food preoccupation” refers to incessant thoughts around food and eating. This may manifest through hoarding food (with or without consuming it); obsessing over planning, preparing, serving, or being around food; constantly talking, daydreaming, reading, or watching shows about food.
Other terms you may have heard related to children’s eating include "neophobia" (fear of new things), "ARFID" (Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder), "failure to thrive" (inadequate physical growth), or feeding disorder (problems with appropriate intake for a variety of reasons).
Whatever the label, term, or issue your child is having, we can help.