Heidi Schauster, MS, RD, CEDS-S, SEP, is a nutrition and eating disorders specialist who helps people affected by trauma heal food and body concerns. She encourages young adults to approach wellness differently so that they are more concerned with the whole self than the selfie. Heidi shares ideas from her 30 years of clinical work and personal stories about recovery, parenting, and embodiment in her newsletter, Nourishing Words. She is the author of the award-winning books Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body and Self and Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves. Heidi is a lifelong dancer, plant lady, and proud mama of two outrageous young women.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Heidi's Personal Journey- Experienced an eating disorder in her late teens
- Studied nutrition as part of her recovery process
- Gained insights from pioneers like Ellen Satter about emotional relationships with food
- Children naturally regulate their food intake
- Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad"
- Create a neutral, calm environment around food
- Focus on connection and pleasure, not strict nutritional rules
- Put all foods on the table simultaneously
- Allow children to self-regulate their eating
- Avoid using food as a reward or punishment
- Expose children to diverse foods without pressure
- Support comes from family acceptance, not body modification
- Challenge societal narratives about body types
- Teach children that their worth is not determined by their body
IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:
- 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
- 00:56 Addressing Parental Concerns About Feeding Children
- 01:47 Introducing Heidi Shuster: Expert Insights
- 03:20 Heidi's Personal Journey and Professional Path
- 06:58 The Importance of Parental Guidance and Empathy
- 13:55 Navigating Diet Culture and Food Labels
- 21:25 Addressing Parental Worries About Children's Eating Habits
- 27:13 Supporting Families with Disordered Eating
- 27:55 Working with Parents of Young Children
- 29:36 Addressing Bullying and Body Image
- 32:24 Creating a Positive Food Environment at Home
- 43:06 Encouraging Neutrality Around Food
- 49:08 Resources and Final Thoughts
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 5 ELEMENTS OF A BALANCED MEAL
- Carbohydrate or grain
- Protein
- Fat
- Produce
- Pleasure
HOW TO CONNECT WITH HEIDI TO LEARN MORE:
- Substack: https://substack.com/@nourishingwords
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishingwords
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NourishingWordsWithHeidi
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/NourishingWordsHeidiSchauster/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishingWords
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nourishingwords/
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.
Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.
**Disclaimer:**
This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.
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