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The Pediatric Dietitian

The Pediatric Dietitian

By: Danielle Mein RD and Jen Ross RD
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Welcome to The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast — where clinical pediatric nutrition meets real-life parenting. Hosted by UCLA pediatric dietitians Jen Ross, MS, RD and Danielle Mein, RD, this show gives modern parents the clear, evidence-based guidance they desperately need in a world where kids’ eating habits are more confusing than ever.

If your kids are struggling with picky eating, constant snacking, mealtime battles, ultra-processed foods, childhood obesity, slow weight gain, sugar overload, inconsistent habits, or a parent who isn’t on the same page, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.

Every episode is a judgment-free, but honest and blunt conversation about what’s really happening in homes today: • Kids eating in front of the TV • Grandparents undoing progress with treats • Teens living on Chick-fil-A and DoorDash • Toddlers refusing anything but beige foods • Busy families drowning in sports, school, and fast food • Parents feeling guilty, exhausted, or stuck • Confusing nutrition advice everywhere you look

We break down the science, the psychology, and the everyday habits that shape how kids eat — and we teach you how to create healthy routines that last. You’ll get: ✔️ Smart strategies to reduce ultra-processed foods ✔️ How to raise balanced, confident eaters ✔️ Tools to prevent overeating and under-eating ✔️ Ways to get your partner and family aligned ✔️ Tips to simplify meals (no gourmet skills required) ✔️ Real talk about what pediatric dietitians actually recommend ✔️ Guidance for every age: toddlers, kids, and teens ✔️ A deeper understanding of how YOUR habits shape theirs

We’re not here to shame parents — we’re here to tell it how it is and empower the whole family with simple, realistic changes that work in real households… not just on Pinterest.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or health professional, this podcast will help you raise kids who feel good in their bodies, understand food, and develop lifelong healthy habits — without food fear, shame, or perfectionism.

Healthy kids start with supported parents. Let’s build healthier families together.

 Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Ep 5. Childhood Obesity: Practical Tips for Parents (Portions, Snacks, Screens & Routines)

    Ep 5. Childhood Obesity: Practical Tips for Parents (Portions, Snacks, Screens & Routines)
    Mar 5 2026

    If your child is struggling with obesity and you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated — this episode is for you.

    In this episode, Jen and Danielle (clinical pediatric dietitians) share real-life, practical strategies to help parents manage childhood obesity without extreme diets, shame, or quick fixes.

    We talk about what actually works in real families — including:

    • Why pediatricians often don’t have enough nutrition tools

    • Why injectables and medications are not the first solution for most kids

    • How to know the right portion sizes for your kid without food scales

    • Why kids can overeat healthy foods (yes, even rice and pasta)

    • How to set boundaries before expecting self-control

    • Structuring after-school routines to prevent pantry binges

    • Pre-portioned snack strategies that reduce impulsive eating

    • How to handle grocery store meltdowns and treat requests

    • Why routine and consistency are key

    • How to reduce screen time and increase physical activity (even for non-athletic kids)

    • Creative exercise ideas for kids who hate team sports

    • Why “exercise as punishment” backfires

    • Heavy work and movement strategies for ADHD and neurodivergent kids

    This is not about putting your child on a diet. This is about changing the environment, building structure, and creating long-term healthy habits as a family.

    If you’re thinking: “My child keeps overeating.” “They snack constantly.” “They only want packaged foods.” “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

    You are not alone — and you are not failing.

    Follow us for evidence-based, practical pediatric nutrition advice:

    Instagram: @thepediatricdietician

    #childhoodobesity #howtohelpanoverweightchild #kidsnutrition #pediatricobesity #familyhealth #portioncontrol #screen time #ADHDandnutrition #feedingkids #pediatricdietitian
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    31 mins
  • Ep 4: Childhood Obesity- What’s Actually Causing It (and What Parents Can Do Today)

    Ep 4: Childhood Obesity- What’s Actually Causing It (and What Parents Can Do Today)
    Jan 25 2026

    Childhood obesity isn’t just about “eating less and moving more.”

    In this episode, Jen + Danielle (clinical pediatric dietitians) explain what’s actually driving childhood obesity today—ultra-processed foods, screen time, stress/sleep, emotional eating, portion habits, and family routines—and what parents can realistically change starting now.

    You’ll hear practical strategies for after-school hunger, fast food cycles, cravings, reducing ultra-processed snacks, and building a sustainable “whole family” lifestyle (without extreme rules or shame). One change at a time, done consistently.
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    28 mins
  • Ep. 3: First-Time Parent Feeding Mistakes (and What Actually Helps)

    Ep. 3: First-Time Parent Feeding Mistakes (and What Actually Helps)
    Jan 24 2026

    Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel like a daily panic attack — but social media advice can make first-time parents anxious about everything: formula ounces, starting solids, choking, and whether your baby is “doing it right.”

    In this episode, Jen + Danielle (clinical pediatric dietitians) talk through the most common first-time parent feeding mistakes they see, including bland/no-salt cooking, staying on purees too long, bottle habits that are hard to break, mixing formula into purees, and letting choking fear delay food progress. You’ll leave with practical, realistic steps (apps, food examples, and mindset shifts) to help your baby eat and grow with confidence.
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    17 mins
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