3 Nutrient Deficiencies That Can Fuel Picky Eating
As a pediatric nutritionist – and a mom of three – I’ve seen picky eating from both sides of the table. At one point, my daughter would barely eat anything beyond crackers, cucumbers, and blueberries. Dinner often ended in frustration, bribery, or tears (mine and...
Nut & Seed Butters: Which Is Best for Kids & Picky Eaters?
Let's talk about one of my favourite proteins - nut and seed butters! I recently visited a family to assess their child's food journal, and peanut butter (or Wow Butter) appeared at least once a day: PB & jam PB & apples PB in a smoothie PB on a banana PB on...
Best Fish for Kids (and How to Get Kids to Eat Them!)
Finding the best fish for kids can feel impossible — after all, most picky eaters refuse seafood before even trying it. But what if your child asked for fish instead of their usual favourites? That’s exactly what happened when my 7-year-old ran came home from school...
Food Colouring Update – Red No. 3 Banned in the US
Last week, my daughter and I made a quick trip to Bulk Barn to pick up some baking supplies for her latest cupcake experiment. She loves baking, and I love encouraging her creativity. But as we scanned the aisles filled with brightly colored sprinkles, candy melts,...
How to Manage Halloween Candy: 5 Tricks
Do you find yourself dreading Halloween because of all the candy your kids collect? You’re not alone! Many parents struggle with how to handle Halloween candy without turning it into a sugar fest. The good news? There are strategies that can make it easier—and...
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 a picky eating expert. You can listen...
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,...
