Messy Bites

Food allergies can feel overwhelming for parents... especially when it comes to introducing peanuts and other common allergens for the very first time. In this season finale of Messy Bites, Marina Chaparro sits down with pediatric registered dietitian and bestselling author Malina Malkani to break down the latest evidence-based guidance on introducing allergens safely and confidently. Together, th...

One year ago, Messy Bites was born to cut through fear-based parenting advice and bring more joy back to the dinner table, and this episode is a celebration of that journey. 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Marina shares the 5 biggest lessons that have completely transformed the way she approaches feeding her own kids. And here’s the twist: none of them came from a textbook. From rethinking...

Is keto bread actually a healthy choice for kids, or just clever marketing wrapped in a trendy label? 🍞🤔 In this episode of Messy Mom Hotline, we’re breaking down everything parents need to know about keto bread. What is it really? How do “net carbs” and sugar alcohols work? And most importantly, does it make sense for growing kids? As a pediatric registered dietitian, I’m sharing my honest take...

¿Deberías dejar de comprar fresas y espinacas? 🍓🥬 Cada año, la famosa lista de la “Dirty Dozen” genera preocupación en muchas familias por el tema de los pesticidas… pero, ¿qué dice realmente la ciencia? En este episodio de Messy Mom Hotline , desmontamos los titulares alarmistas y te doy la tranquilidad que necesitas como mamá o papá. Hablamos de por qué “la dosis hace el veneno”, qué muestran...

Are pesticides in your child’s food really something to fear? In this “Reality Check” episode of Messy Bites , pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro breaks down the truth behind the headlines surrounding the “Dirty Dozen” list. From strawberries to spinach, we take a closer look at what the science actually says about pesticide exposure, and why context matters more than fear. You’ll learn how the p...

Do you feel like you’re constantly stressing over what your kids eat? What if the secret to raising a healthy, adventurous eater has less to do with what’s on their plate, and more to do with where and how they eat? In this episode of Messy Bites , we dive into the surprising research behind family meals. Spoiler: they don’t have to be perfect, Instagram-worthy, or even happen at dinner time. You’...

Does your toddler constantly ask for snacks, even right after meals? You’re not alone. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro breaks down why toddlers become obsessed with snacks and what it actually means for their development. From picky eating to unpredictable appetites, you’ll learn how your child’s need for independence and routine shapes their eating habits. We also share pract...

Struggling with your child’s eating habits? Research shows that it’s not just what you serve at the table—it’s how you serve it that shapes your child’s relationship with food. In this episode of the Messy Bites Podcast , we explore the four parenting feeding styles : Authoritarian, Indulgent, Uninvolved, and Authoritative. Learn how your tone, flexibility, and approach at mealtimes can influence...

Toddler picky eating can start suddenly around age one, and it often shows up as food refusal, limited foods, or throwing meals on the floor. In this episode of Messy Mom Hotline , pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro explains why picky eating commonly begins at 12 months, what’s happening developmentally, and how parents can respond calmly and effectively. You’ll learn practical strategies to mana...

In this episode of the Messy Bites Podcast , Marina explains why one of the biggest feeding mistakes parents make is trying to keep their babies clean during mealtime. You’ll learn the sensory science behind messy eating, how food exploration builds confidence, and why allowing your baby to touch, smear, and play with food can actually help prevent picky eating. If mealtime mess makes you uneasy,...

This episode is sponsored by: National Pork Board Should you listen to Abuela or the pediatrician? 🥑 When it comes to starting solids, many parents feel caught between traditional advice and modern medical handouts. Today, we’re rewriting the script on baby’s first bites. Registered Dietitian Marina Chaparro joins the booth to explain why beans, pork, and avocado aren’t just "safe"—they...

Did your child’s last pediatrician visit leave you anxious about percentiles or BMI? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. In this episode, I sit down with pediatric dietitian and author Jill Castle to unpack the pressure parents feel around their child’s weight. We move beyond the growth chart and focus on what truly matters: a child’s physical, physiological, and psychological health. Jill s...

This episode is sponsored by the National Pork Board . Is your child eating enough protein? 🤔 Protein is one of the most talked-about topics in kids nutrition, and many parents worry their child isn’t eating enough. In this episode of the Messy Bites Podcast , pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro breaks down what children actually need, clears up common protein myths, and explains why most kids in...

Join Marina Chaparro, Pediatric RD and host of Messy Bites, as she chats with experts Dr. Iliana Guerra Martinez (PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES) and Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez (PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND). Discover how cultural foods go beyond nutrition, they're about heritage, celebration, and family bonds, especially for Hispanic/Latina moms raising kids far from home. Learn to share traditions while priorit...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Pediatric Registered Dietitian and fellow Type 1 Warrior Dr. Marina Chaparro reflects on 25 years since her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis at age 16. Marina opens up about six powerful lessons T1D has taught her about food, nutrition, and living a balanced, guilt-free life. This episode isn’t just for T1D families—it’s for anyone ready to embrace progress...

¿Cuánta azúcar y cuántos postres debemos tener en casa para que nuestros hijos no se obsesionen? 🍭 Si te preocupa que se devoren todos los dulces en las fiestas o no sabes si tener galletas en la alacena es buena idea, este episodio es para ti. Hablamos sobre cómo fomentar una relación sana y positiva con la comida , basada en la ciencia y en estrategias prácticas que puedes aplicar desde hoy. De...

Kids are worrying about their bodies younger than ever — and in a world of social media filters and Ozempic headlines, it’s no wonder. So how can parents help children grow up confident in their own skin? In this episode, pediatrician and Modern Mommy Doc founder Dr. Whitney Caseres joins host Marina Chaparro, RD , to share a compassionate, practical roadmap for raising body-confident kids. Learn...

Disclosure: This Episode is Supported by Bio-K+ Are probiotics really necessary for kids? Parents hear a lot about gut health, but what’s fact and what’s hype? In this episode of The Messy Bite , I’m joined by gut health expert and registered dietitian Desiree Nielsen, RD to unpack the truth about probiotics for children. We explore what probiotics actually are, how they support immunity, and whet...

When siblings have different body sizes, mealtime can get tricky. Do you restrict food for one child and encourage more for the other? This common situation leaves many parents feeling frustrated, guilty, and unsure what’s “right.” In this empowering episode, we move away from focusing on body size—and the shame or secrecy that can come with it—and instead center on healthy habits that nurture eve...

Is your child obsessed with bread, pasta, and rice? 😩 Don't worry—it's totally normal! Discover the biological reasons behind kids' carb cravings in this episode of Messy Bites. We explore why carbs are essential for growing brains and development, and share stress-free strategies for parents to achieve balance. Carbs aren't the villain— they're vital fuel! What You'll Lea...

Has your toddler suddenly stopped eating the foods they used to love? You’re not alone. On this episode of The Messy Mom Hotline , Marina unpacks a common parent struggle: a two-and-a-half-year-old surviving on yogurt, bananas, and noodles. Discover why picky eating is a totally normal phase, what’s really going on behind the mealtime battles, and the simple strategies that can help bring variety...

Hello, my friends! I’m Marina, and I’m so excited to bring you this special episode of Messy Bites. Today, I’m with my dear friend and fellow dietitian, Dalina Soto, author of the incredible book “The Latina Anti-Diet.” In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are breaking down diet culture myths that have hurt our community for years. Have you been told that white rice is bad? Or that you need to...

Hello, friends! I’m so excited to be back with Season 2 of Messy Bites, and I’m kicking things off with my friend and fellow dietitian, Alex Turnbull, a.k.a. The Family Nutritionist. We’re tackling one of parents’ biggest worries: the back-to-school lunchbox. If you’re tired of uneaten lunches coming home or stuck packing the same foods on repeat, you’re not alone. This episode is your ultimate su...

Welcome to a brand new installment of the Nutrichicos Mom Hotline! 📞 In this super special episode, we're diving into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) stages of parenthood: starting solids! If you've felt confused, swamped by myths, or just don't know where to begin, this episode is definitely for you. Get science-backed tips, personal stories, and practical strategies—when t...

Ever received unsolicited feeding advice from your abuela, tía, or a well-meaning neighbor? “¡Ese niño está flaco! (That kid looks too skinny!)” “Add cereal to the bottle so he sleeps!” Sound familiar? You’re not alone! In this myth-busting episode of Messy Bites, host Marina Chaparro—a Latina mom, pediatric dietitian, and founder of Nutrichicos—tackles the most common (and well-meaning!) feeding...