Welcome back to Behind the Bite! I'm Dr. Cristina Castagnini, your host. In this episode, we're diving deep into fostering a healthy relationship with food and our children, while avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to eating disorders. This topic resonates with many of our listeners, and today's conversation is inspired by your feedback.

Our guest today is Kyla Fox, a visionary in reframing the way eating disorders are treated in Canada. With degrees from the University of Toronto and extensive experience as a clinician, Kyla brings invaluable insights into creating a positive food environment for children.1

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Kyla's Personal Journey: Kyla shares her own battle with an eating disorder and how it led her to become a leading figure in eating disorder treatment.
  2. The Kyla Fox Center: Learn about the comprehensive care provided at the Kyla Fox Center, which focuses on individualized treatment plans and supporting families.
  3. Understanding ARFID: Kyla explains Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), its symptoms, and the importance of specialized care for those affected.
  4. Parental Influence: The role parents play in shaping their children's relationship with food, and how self-awareness can lead to healthier family dynamics.
  5. Creating Positive Food Experiences: Practical strategies for parents to foster a balanced and healthy relationship with food for their children, focusing on observation rather than control.
  6. Overcoming Blame: Addressing the common feelings of guilt parents may have and emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Welcome to Behind the Bite
  • 00:56 The Joy of Podcasting and Listener Engagement
  • 01:54 Today's Topic: Healthy Relationships with Food and Children
  • 02:24 Introducing Kyla Fox: A Visionary in Eating Disorder Treatment
  • 04:07 Kyla's Personal Journey with Eating Disorders
  • 19:52 Understanding ARFID and Its Impact on Families
  • 31:16 The Importance of Specialist Care in Eating Disorder Treatment
  • 36:00 Final Thoughts and Resources

HIGHLIGHTS: 

  • Kyla's personal and professional experiences provide a unique perspective on treating eating disorders.
  • The importance of observing children's natural hunger and fullness cues.
  • Strategies to avoid projecting parental anxieties onto children.
  • Encouragement for parents to seek specialized help and not blame themselves.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH KYLA AND LEARN MORE:

HOW TO CONNECT WITH US AND LEARN MORE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

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