Managing Mealtime Madness

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5:30 p.m. wondering how feeding kids somehow became your full-time mental load, this episode will make you feel very seen. Sarah is joined by Amy Palanjian from Yummy Toddler Food for a refreshingly honest conversation about what feeding toddlers and kids actually looks like in real life - not on Pinterest, not in a 17-second Instagram reel, but in actual bu...

Today we’re diving into a topic so many of you are thinking about: picky eating.  And honestly, if you’ve ever found yourself saying “my kid is SO picky,” this episode is going to give you a totally new perspective. I’m joined by pediatric PA and dietitian Colleen Sloan, who works with kids from birth through the teen years, and hears about picky eating in almost every visit . We’re unpacking what...

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kim Kornegay of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce for a behind-the-scenes look at life on a modern family farm. Kim shares her unique perspective as both a mom of three and a fourth-generation farmer, offering insight into how agriculture connects directly to the meals we serve our families every day. From growing sweet potatoes to getting dinner on the tabl...

In this episode, Sarah interviews Whitney Stewart, a Registered Dietitian and celiac disease advocate. Whitney shares her personal and professional insights on managing gluten-free diets for families and kids. From diagnosis stories to navigating restaurant options, this conversation offers practical advice for parents and individuals alike. In this episode, you’ll hear about:  Whitney’s journey w...

Navigating spring sports season can be overwhelming for parents, especially juggling multiple kids, hectic schedules, and dinner logistics. In this episode, dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter shares practical tips to streamline meal planning, embrace flexibility, and keep nutrition on track amidst the chaos. In this episode she discusses: How to shift your mindset from perfection to practicality w...

In today's episode, Tony Castillo shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles with body image and dieting to becoming a sports performance dietitian. He discusses how cultural foods have shaped his family traditions and offers practical tips for parents to introduce and normalize these foods for children. Plus, insights on fostering intuitive eating, reducing meal-time stress, and e...

In this solo episode, Sarah discusses:  The benefits of early introduction via baby-led weaning Why smaller servings promote better eating habits Embracing family-style meals to build independence The importance of eating early and flexible bedtime snacks How to encourage try-new-food without pressure The division of responsibility in feeding Managing feeding challenges when kids are not eating Ba...

In today's episode, Sarah talks with Allegra Gast, a registered dietitian and IBCLC. Allegra shares evidence-based tips to fuel new moms and optimize milk supply, as well as strategies for postpartum recovery, nutrition, and breastfeeding success. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of nutritional recovery during postpartum, not just bouncing back How pregnancy and breastfeedin...

In this episode, Sarah delves into the complexities surrounding sugar consumption in children, particularly in light of the new dietary guidelines. She addresses the common stress parents feel regarding sugar intake and how to aim for "balance." While sugar is not inherently bad, it serves as a source of energy and can be included in a child's diet without creating an unhealthy obse...

In this episode, Sarah shares a very relatable wish list in terms of things moms actually want, and ideal feeding scenarios with kids.  She also discusses tips to nourish yourself as a mom during holiday stress, encompassing physical, emotional, and nutritional well-being.  Recipes mentioned: Overnight Oats Sheet Pan Eggs Puori Protein Powder (use code BUCKETLISTTUMMY) Have a listener question or...

In this episode, Sarah and Katie discuss the challenges and strategies of feeding an active family. They discuss meal planning, dealing with selective eaters, and the importance of balancing nutrition with the realities of busy family life (including the challenges of feeding a child with cystic fibrosis).  Katie shares her insights on increasing caloric intake for children, the emotional aspects...

In this solo episode, Sarah shares some of the best mom hacks she's come across for handling the holidays and ALL that comes with them! From tips for entertaining and bulk preparing, to shortcuts in the kitchen, wrapping stations and more, this is one episode that will send you into the holidays with a plan to protect your time and work smarter, not harder.  Check out these Thanksgiving snack...

Sarah's back for another quick solo episode sharing the family meals her family enjoyed last week with reminders to embrace imperfection. From some planned meals, to some off the cusp, here's how she and her family made it work. Don't forget about frozen foods for those busy weeks ahead! Try these recipes: Pumpkin Chicken Chili Easy Skillet Lasagna Turkey Sweetpotato Chili (NEW!) Ap...

Edwina is a Registered Dietitian, dually credentialed in the U.S. and Australia, and a mother of toddler twin girls. She specializes in translating complex science into consumer-friendly messages and is a sought-after nutrition expert, brand advisor, and media spokesperson. A long-time advocate for pediatric nutrition, Edwina founded Baby Led Basics and wrote ' The Busy Parents Guide to Baby-...

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Drawing from the current scientific literature and the wisdom of traditional cultures, her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible.  We dive into what a nourishing prenatal diet looks like, how to support blood sugar balance...

Welcome Samina Qureshi, a Registered Dietitian specializing in gut health and digestive disorders, to the podcast! Sarah and Samina discuss the importance of identifying common digestive issues in kids, and practical tips for managing GI distress and constipation. They discuss: How to identify food sensitivities or digestive difficulties in kids High fiber sources and ways to introduce them in kid...

In this quick solo episode, Sarah shares some of her meals that her family shared last week, including opportunities to improve upon for next week's meals to make things easier, and also highlights what worked well for busy weeks. She also shares some easy recipes for you to try! Your meals don’t have to be Pinterest-worthy — simple, repeated, even imperfect meals still get the job done. Don&...

Gisela Bouvier is a media Registered Dietitian based on Florida. In this episode, Gisela shares how to be okay with using convenient and processed foods in her busy lifestyle, while still nourishing her family. She talks about how and why she came to embrace mindful eating after suffering from an eating disorder for many years prior to having her three kids. From that experience, cultivating a goo...

In this episode, Breana Killeen, Sarah speaks with Breana Killeen, a senior food editor at Food & Wine and a dedicated farmer and chef. Breana shares her insights on the unique experiences of raising children on a farm, lessons learned through farming, the importance of family meals, and how these experiences shape their relationship with food. Breana also offers practical tips for busy parent...

In this episode, Sarah talks with Beth Stark, to discuss the challenges and strategies of meal prepping, especially during the back-to-school season. They explore: - How parents can navigate the busy schedules to create balanced meals - How to involve children in meal planning - Redefining meal prep for busy families  - Creative Lunchbox Ideas for Kids - Encouraging Variety in Kids' Diets - H...

In this quick episode, Sarah shares a realistic approach to bedtime snacks — a common source of confusion (and negotiation) for many families.  Should you offer them or not? Whether your child is genuinely hungry at night or using snacks as a stalling tactic, this episode explores how to approach bedtime snacks without guilt, pressure, or power struggles. Sarah covers: Why bedtime snacks can be to...

In this episode, my seven year old, Camryn, joins me to talk about snacking habits, and how kids may see snacks. We talk about strategies to offer more fruits and veggies, let kids play a role in the snack process, and fun ideas that you can try at home. Camryn even shares some tips for enticing picky eaters to try new foods, and some fun summer-friendly options! Snacks mentioned in this episode:...

If you've ever been worried about your child's weight, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Jill Castle, long-time childhood nutrition expert and founder of The Nourished Child and author of Kids Thrive at Every Size , joins Sarah on Managing Mealtime Madness.  Together, Sarah and Jill explore: Why traditional approaches to weight and BMI in children often miss the mark How pa...

Chelsea LeBlanc is an award-winning registered dietitian, media personality, recipe developer, and nutrition expert in Nashville, TN. She runs a nutrition communications company and virtual private practice where she helps career-driven women plan and prep quick and easy meals on a budget. She frequently contributes to multiple media outlets––including Eat This, Not That!, Well + Good, MSN, and Ea...

Amid rising controversy and misinformation on social media, this episode explains what seed oils are, how they’re processed, and whether they deserve the “toxic” label they’ve been given. As a Registered Dietitian, Sarah dives into the science behind seed oils, their role in heart health, inflammation, and whether they’re safe for kids.  In this episode, we discuss: What seed oils are and how they...