Is picky eating genetic?
"I was picky as a kid – and now, my kid is too" Sound familiar? Could picky eating be a result of genetics - and something you can't change? I was interviewed on CBC Radio this week and asked to share my insights on the study as an expert in the picky eating space....
Ultimate East Coast Family Trip Itinerary (Part 2)
I've dreamt of doing a family RV trip across Canada for years. I mean, what mother doesn't want to spend 14 days in a small moving space with their 3 children and husband? (wink, wink). Ok, so maybe this doesn't sound like the most glamorous and relaxing family...
The Ultimate Family East Coast Trip: Our RV Adventure
I’ve travelled a fair amount in my forty years of life, and I’m grateful for all the places I’ve been. Yet somehow, I have never made it to the Atlantic Coast of Canada - Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick nor Newfoundland. An East Coast family trip has been on my bucket...
Reducing Aggressive Behaviours in Children
Did you know that the food our kids eat can play a crucial role in shaping their behaviour? What your child eats can even address aggressive behaviours like bullying. A recent study, the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY), shed light on a...
New Year. New Pacemaker: A Child’s Pacemaker Surgery Story
The new year comes with new beginnings and new chapters unfolding. It did for our family, just in a different kind of way. On January 2nd my eldest daughter was at Sick Kids (The Hospital for Sick Children) for our child's pacemaker surgery - a scheduled replacement....
Healthy Eating in Schools: 4 Strategies for Academic Success
Is your child a healthy eater at school? I remember putting so much energy into creating a healthy eating atmosphere at home. But only to open my daughter’s lunch box after school and see she’s eaten everything - except the fruits or veggies. Research tells us time...
Conquer Dinner Dilemmas: 10 Creative and Nutritious Picky Eater Dinner Ideas
Tired of dinnertime battles with your picky eater? We've got you covered with 10 creative and nutritious picky eater dinner ideas that will transform your family meals. From build-your-own tacos to veggie-loaded pasta, these recipes are designed to satisfy even the...
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies
Whether it's Halloween or you are just craving pumpkins, here's a super moist pumpkin cookie recipe to try! Pick up an extra gourd around Halloween and join in the fun. I usually try to find smaller to medium sized pumpkins to decorate my front porch and that I can...
Overcoming Food Neophobia: A Guide to Nurturing Adventurous Eating Habits
Food Neophobia: Unlocking the Journey to Adventurous Eating Habits When I had my first daughter and witnessed (for the first time) a child who was resistant to eating a reasonable quality of food, I was stumped. How could I, someone who loves food beyond words, have a...
7 Fun & Healthy Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
Does your child get the same rotation of foods for lunch? Cheese, crackers, and a granola bar - again. Wishing you had some fun and healthy lunch ideas for picky eaters that you could send to school? If so, don't fret! As a Nutritionist, I understand the importance of...
Meal Delivery Review #3: Green Zebra Kitchen
You know what's funny? I've gifted friends and family with Green Zebra Kitchen a few times in the past, but I had yet to try it myself. Back in those days sans kids, I had more time to cook elaborate meals. I just couldn't justify the cost of paying someone else to...
Hungry? 8 Pre-Dinner Snacks that Won’t Ruin Your Appetite
Craving a snack before dinner? As the meal of the day cooks, you or your little one might feel that familiar hunger pang that has you reaching for a snack. Need help figuring out what to munch on to pass the time? Here are the snacks I recommend that won't ruin...
5 Holiday Party Tips for a Healthier Holiday
As a parent trying to raise healthy kids, you might be a bit worried about all the snacks and sweets that will be available for your kids to consume at your family holiday party. It is completely okay to indulge every once in a while, but if you want to make sure...
The Best Amazon Prime Day 2022 Nutritionist-Approved Deals
Amazon Prime Day 2022 is less than 24 hours away (Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13). Being a lover of deals and steals myself, I wanted to share my nutritionist-approved Amazon Prime Day sales. Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a lover of...
How stress affects your body (and what sugar has to do with it)
Stress may not be the first thing you associate with nutrition, however, they share a stronger link than you might initially believe. To be honest with you: I get easily stressed out. Feeling behind on my to-do lists, and trying to manage the household stuff (bills,...
4 Things To Say To Picky Eaters At Meals
Do you ever wonder what you should say to a picky eater? Do you wonder if the things you are saying to your child at meals are the "right things"? The words we say have a HUGE impact on our kids at meals. I am a big believer in positive parenting and how this...
Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies (only 3 ingredients, vegan, low-sugar)
I don’t think anyone else could love shortbread cookies as much as I do. I’m pretty picky about my shortbread too. They can be too dry or too sweet. So attempting a Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookie with less sugar (and no butter) seemed like a really bad idea. You...
10 Healthier Halloween “Treats”
The treat in "trick or treat" doesn't always have to be loaded with sugar, there are healthier Halloween treats you can toss into those pumpkins on Halloween night that won't make you cringe. It's rare that my girls get their hands on nutrient-lacking "treats" at...
5 Tricks: How to Manage Halloween Candy in 2022
Do you have a heck of a time managing your child's obsession with all sugary things - especially Halloween treats? Could you use some strategies to help you with how to manage Halloween candy? You're in the right place! That's exactly why I wrote this post. As a...
Proteins ideas for school lunch boxes
Do you ever worry that your child isn't getting enough protein at school? Maybe you're struggling trying to figure out protein ideas for school lunch boxes. It's a lot to think about every day. I completely understand being a mom who's currently packing lunches for...