Lift the Shame: Mothering Free From Diet Culture, Food Guilt, and Body Shame

Are your post-holiday struggles with food and body image leaving you feeling lost and guilty? I’m Crystal, your host and intuitive eating dietitian, and today I'll be sharing my personal journey, along with practical tips to help you lift the shame. I'll be your guide as we navigate these struggles, highlight the power of self-compassion, and understand the importance of prioritizing self-care. We'll also chat about the benefits of seeking support and connection to effectively manage food guilt and body shame. Ready to break free from the cycle of binging and restricting, especially during the holiday season? We'll unveil strategies and benefits of adopting a more automatic approach to feeding ourselves to ensure you're getting enough to eat. We're also going to address the overlooked issue of under eating and its relation to feeling out of control around food. Together, we'll reflect on our eating experiences, pinpointing physical or emotional triggers that might lead to overeating. By the end of our time together, you'll be equipped with invaluable insights to ditch diet culture, heal your relationship with food and body, and raise intuitive eaters confidently. So, let's embark on this healing journey together! Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

As the holiday season rolls around, we're embraced by the warmth of family gatherings, yet often find ourselves confronting the frosty undercurrent of diet culture. In today's heartfelt episode of Lift the Shame, I, Crystal your intuitive eating dietitian, share my personal experiences and insights into arming our precious children against the ingrained food traditions and body image remarks that can sour our festive spirit. With a focus on creating a secure relationship built on trust and open communication, I offer a nurturing guide for parents to help their little ones affirm their food choices and body autonomy—because when we empower our kids to stand tall against generational pressures, we're also mending our own childhood stories and breaking free from the cycle of shame. In our gathering today, we not only discuss strategies for fostering resilience in our children but also how we can prepare them to be their own champions in the face of societal norms. I delve into the nuances of family dynamics and how we can proactively support our kids to voice their insecurities and maintain a steadfast belief in themselves, even in our absence. The journey through proactive parenting is filled with practical tips and heartfelt scripts that you as a parent can adapt, all while ensuring our actions resonate with sincerity and genuine engagement. So come join me as we build a resilient foundation for our children, helping them to navigate not just this holiday season, but their entire futures, with a healthy, autonomous relationship with food and their bodies. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Ever wondered how to navigate the difficult terrain of parenting during the festive season while breaking free from the chains of family trauma and shame? This heartening episode of Lift the Shame is your guiding compass. Equipped with insights from a recent parenting conference and personal experiences, we tackle the high-pressure responsibilities that come with holidays and the compulsion to overcompensate. We stress on the necessity of self-care and the courage to keep your mental health at the forefront. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a secure bonding with your children and build a nurturing environment. The second part of our discussion meanders towards the seldom-addressed issue of grieving and its link to parenting. We unfold the significance of the grieving process, its individuality, and the indispensable need for supportive companions. We illuminate different facets of grieving and introduce the concept of re-parenting oneself. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth, not a destination. Be kind, forgive, and allow yourself to grieve for what you didn't have. This empowers you to move forward and provide your children with a healing touch. This episode is a gentle nudge towards self-acceptance and creating a safe space for your emotional health. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Navigating the murky waters of food dyes and their potential impact on children's behavior can be overwhelming. It's a topic that has puzzled scientists and parents alike, stirring up a sea of mixed research and inconclusive results. As a mother of neurodivergent children, I've walked this path, wrestling with research studies, and trying to make sense of it all. I've been sharing my personal journey and learnings about food dyes, guiding you on how to critically analyze these studies, and helping you draw your own conclusions. In the midst of these perplexing questions, I emphasize the importance of safeguarding our children's relationship with food and maintaining a holistic perspective on their health. Join me in this conversation, where we lift the veil of shame associated with food, and aim to foster a healthy, responsible approach to eating. Show Links: Does Sugar Make Kids Hyper? 5 Reasons Why Your Child Has a Sugar HighQuestions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

As mothers, we're not just feeding our children; we're helping them build a lifelong relationship with food, their bodies, and their self-image. This journey becomes particularly challenging during candy-centered holidays like Halloween. In this episode, we delve into the tools, strategies, and proactive understanding needed to navigate these sugar-coated occasions. We'll start by focusing on understanding our children's individual needs, temperaments, and personalities to foster a positive rapport with food and their bodies. As a parent, do you find certain situations triggering? We've been there too, and we believe that the key to mindful parenting lies in recognizing our triggers. As we discuss our children's strong emotions and our own body size and appetite, we challenge the belief that restricting our children's food access or body size will keep them safe. Discover how such triggers can surface during candy-centered holidays and how we can use them to show up as better parents. Lastly, we'll share our experiences and tips for handling triggers and parenting challenges during these holidays. Embracing the need to be gentle with ourselves, recognizing our triggers, and addressing them proactively is crucial. Learn how to ask for support when needed and communicate your love and acceptance for your children. Join us as we emphasize the importance of repairing situations with our children, apologize when we mess up, and show them that it's okay to be human. Embark on this journey with us to raising courageous, confident, and resilient children. Show Links: [Podcast Episode]:Your Step-by-Step Halloween Candy Game Plan to Rewrite the Script on SweetsQuestions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your household perceives and interacts with candy? If so, our comprehensive discussion on understanding and navigating the world of sweets with your children is a must-listen. By breaking away from the societal stigmas surrounding sweets, we elucidate the significance of nurturing a healthy relationship with food, particularly candy. Rather than demonizing these treats, we highlight the importance of teaching our children to self-regulate their intake. As we venture through our own experiences with food, we shed light on how these can shape our approach to introducing sweets to our children. We delve into the concept of creating a safe space for our children to explore various foods, especially sweets. This inclusion of sweets on special occasions like Halloween or birthdays is instrumental in aiding our children's understanding of self-regulation and trust in their bodies. As we transition into the holiday season, we share key insights on how to navigate these candy-centric occasions. We encourage trust and learning through experience, fostering positive relationships with food. Join us as we debunk societal food myths and foster a new generation of intuitive eaters. Show Links: [FREE Halloween Workshop]Rewrite the Script on Halloween Sweets to Help Your Kids Self-Regulate Sugar!Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Ever wonder why we're so quick to snatch that Halloween candy from our kids? What if, instead of demonizing sweets, we use them as a tool for teaching self-regulation and a healthy relationship with food? This is the intriguing conversation we unpack in today's episode, challenging the tradition of the SwitchWitch and the potential negative implications it may pose. We expose the potential pitfalls of the Switch Witch tradition, such as fostering distrust and negative associations with food in our children. The language and strategies we use around candy consumption can significantly affect our children's perception of food. We're not just talking candy here; we're examining the broader issue of how our actions and words can influence our children's relationship with all kinds of food. Wrapping up, we pivot towards a more positive approach to managing the Halloween candy mania. We ditch the Switch Witch in favor of legalizing candy, allowing our children to keep their treats as an expression of trust. We walk you through a free workshop on rewriting the script on Halloween sweets and even suggest how to handle the candy surplus that your kids aren't interested in eating, such as donating to our troops overseas. So join us to discover a fresh perspective on navigating the sweet-filled world of Halloween traditions. Show Links: [FREE Halloween Workshop]Rewrite the Script on Halloween Sweets to Help Your Kids Self-Regulate Sugar!Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Are you feeling spooked by the avalanche of Halloween treats your child is about to encounter? As a dietitian and a mom, I understand your apprehensions. However, it's time to unmask the myths and fears around sweets. This week, we're starting a mini-series that's going to help parents like you build a healthy, guilt-free relationship between your child and sweets. We'll start by examining the fears around sugar and why it's crucial not to create a hierarchy of food. We'll also delve into the science behind sugar metabolism and the harmful pressures you may be under about your kids' consumption of sweets. What if you - and your children - could enjoy Halloween without the guilt or worry about sugar? It's possible, and I'm going to show you how. We'll be pulling apart the simplistic and false messaging around sugar that only serves to fuel fear. We'll question why we often allow our children to have multiple serves of vegetables, but not sweets, and why such invisible hierarchies can disrupt your child's intuitive eating abilities. We'll also discuss the biochemistry of sugar and how our bodies metabolize it from various sources, including fruits, grains, dairy, and sweets. Lastly, we're going to confront the larger health picture and the fear-mongering tactics often used to sell products. We'll debunk the myth that eating sweets directly causes diseases like diabetes and look at the real dangers of restricting sugar for our children. I want you to feel empowered to guide your children in cultivating a healthy, positive, and guilt-free relationship with sweets. Let's embark on this journey together and create a Halloween season that's both fun and free from food stress. Don't miss out on this enlightening exploration. Show Links: FREE WORKSHOP"Rewrite the Script on Halloween Sweets to Help Your Kids Self-Regulate Sugar!"FREE GUIDE"5 Reasons Your Child's Obsessed With Sugar and How to Resolve It"Blog Post"5 Myths About Sugar and Kids: Sugar and Diabetes Myth Vs Fact"Blog Post"Sugar Addiction Myth: Is My Child Addicted to Sugar?"Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

What if diet culture in schools is more impactful than we think? That's what we'll be exploring today, holding up a magnifying glass to the subtle influences our children encounter and discussing how we, as parents, can support them in navigating these murky waters. We'll be examining the systemic issue of curriculum standards at a state and nationwide level, and asking the tough questions about the necessity of health or nutrition lessons. We're not just challenging the status quo but also talking solutions. We'll be weighing in on the power of food education, a subject distinct from health or nutrition curriculum and an essential tool to discuss food in a neutral, non-judgemental way. Plus, we're going to be diving into the importance of making our children media literate and empowering them to critically evaluate the information they are exposed to. The goal? To equip you, dear listener, with the tools you need to foster positive relationships with food and body image for your children. Let's get into it! Show Links: So You Want Your Kids to Be Healthy?Lift the Shame Virtual Support GroupQuestions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Are your children being influenced by diet culture without you even knowing? We're peeling back the layers on how diet culture sneaks into classrooms, curriculum, standardized tests, and sports teams. As parents, it's impossible to shield our children entirely from these harmful messages. Instead, we need to arm them with the ability to challenge these narratives with sound critical thinking. We'll talk about the importance of maintaining a calm presence and best practices to handle unsettling situations related to diet culture at school. Understand that your child's behaviors often communicate their emotional state. We'll explore how to tune into these signals and comprehend how their environment may be impacting them. The creation of a hierarchy around food can have unintended consequences, leading to confusion, shame, and anxiety in children. We delve into the necessity of advocating for our children in such scenarios. Learn how to effectively approach conversations with teachers and send clear messages to your child's school. Together, we can lift the shame around food and body image, creating a healthier relationship with food for our children. Let's start this important conversation. Show Links: Lunch Box CardLetter Regarding Harmful School Assignment With Diet CultureLetter Regarding Food Policing at SchoolLift the Shame - Free Virtual Support Group for ParentsQuestions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Hey mama, ever felt disheartened seeing your child encounter diet culture outside of your safe home environment? Well, it's time to arm them with critical thinking skills to navigate this tricky landscape. We're about to set out on an exploration of diet culture in schools, understanding its layers, and sharing our thoughts on how to lift this shame together. When was the last time you thought about the Presidential Fitness Test? Many of us might remember it as a harmless school ritual, but could it be a subtle harbinger of diet culture? This episode exposes the damaging impact of diet culture in our education system, specifically through the lens of such health campaigns. We share personal experiences of how such initiatives could potentially fuel eating disorders, body shaming, and undue comparisons, manifesting not just in schools but also doctors' offices, social media, and other forms of media. We also turn our spotlight on the unseen effects of diet culture on anti-bullying campaigns, curriculum, and statewide testing. The episode also discusses the pressures children might face when they're food policed at school, and how food shaming can lead to anxiety in children. Parents, we'll be sharing some tips and resources to support your children in navigating these issues. Buckle up for an enlightening journey that tackles the diet culture in our children's schools. Tune in and let's start lifting the shame together. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Overwhelmed with the daunting task of packing your child's school lunch? Fear not, we're here to take on this challenge together. Equipped with tried-and-true techniques from my own experience and work with clients, this episode is a goldmine of practical advice to help you navigate the school year with a picky eater. First, we share a simple and fool-proof approach to assembling school lunches that are nutritious and enjoyable. We emphasize the three Ps - packaged items, protein and produce. Let's ditch any pressure or guilt associated with feeding our children and instead, focus on creating a relaxed and positive meal experience. Additionally, we reveal the perks of involving your child in the lunch-packing process. It not only makes the task fun and educational but also offers an opportunity to introduce varied produce options in an appealing way. Lastly, we address the importance of being responsive to our children's food interests and incorporating them into their school lunches. No food should be off-limits or put on a pedestal. We also highlight potential red flags in their eating habits at school. Tune in to learn how to build a positive food environment, set effective boundaries, and make sure there are healthy snacks to fill the gaps between meals. Together, let's ensure a great school year for our children! Shownotes Links: [Free Guide]:"Simplify Snacking: The Snack Guide For Busy Moms Raising Intuitive Eaters"Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Ever felt like you're standing on the battleground every mealtime, with your picky eater child on the opposing side? You might be surprised to uncover that the roots of picky eating can be traced back to our own childhood experiences and narratives. This episode uncovers the deeper issues that influence our reactions to picky eating, urging us to look at our own food traumas and how they affect our attitudes towards our child's eating habits. It's a riveting journey into understanding why picky eating can be so triggering for us as parents, how it impacts our family dynamics, and the significance of acknowledging our own food narratives. Trigger alert! Dealing with our unresolved food trauma can lead to heightened reactions to our child's picky eating. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing our triggers and how understanding our own food story can help us in maneuvering through the maze of selective eating. In addition, we also examine how childhood experiences, neurodivergence, and unmet needs shape our relationship with food and our approach to our children's eating habits. We've also touched upon how our own neurodivergence, or that of our children, can affect our relationship with food, and how our needs as parents can often be overlooked. This isn’t your regular advice episode. We're looking beyond short-term fixes and focusing more on raising intuitive eaters who can confidently trust their bodies. We're offering some valuable tips on how to create an environment of acceptance and understanding around food. But remember, it's not just about resolving picky eating, but also about understanding our triggers, practicing acceptance, decreasing our alarm responses, attending to our own needs, and giving ourselves grace. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Celebrating a year of the Lift the Shame podcast, I, Crystal, am thrilled to take another lap around the sun with you as we tackle one of parenting's most intriguing dilemmas - picky eating. Have you ever felt like you're running in circles when it comes to feeding your little one? Trust me, you're not alone. Drawing from my personal journey in feeding my two selective eaters, we'll discuss various aspects of picky eating, from its emotional tug of war to its potential triggers. Who would've thought that making meals fun could amplify feeding difficulties? A recent study suggests so! Treading lightly on this path, we navigate the stress surrounding a picky eater's weight, nutrition, and health, offering solace and strategies to wriggle out of the anxiety. Remember, it's okay to be worried, but let's channel that concern into understanding and helping our little ones develop healthy eating habits. But be wary, moms, as we delve into the potential pitfalls of wielding nutrition info as a feeding stick. Respect your child's autonomy, let them explore at their own pace, and avoid making meal times a battleground. The feeding relationship is a delicate one, and your trust can make all the difference. So join me, as we shed the shame, embrace our mistakes, and journey towards fostering a healthier relationship with food for our children. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Hey Mama, ever been steeped in shame and guilt over your child's picky eating habits? Take heart; you're not alone on this journey. I'm Crystal, your intuitive eating dietitian and mom of five, here to help unshackle you from the burden of those misconceptions. My experience with my own picky eaters has given me insights I'm eager to share. Let's start debunking those myths together, shall we? You're not spoiling your child by allowing them to enjoy their safe foods. Instead, you're creating a stress-free mealtime environment that helps your child bridge the gap between accepted foods and new ones. Now, let's talk health. It's a common belief that selective eaters are unhealthy - a myth that needs challenging. Health is nuanced and contextual, especially when it comes to our children. It's time to debunk the overestimated expectations we have about our kids' eating habits. A picky eater's nutrition may not be as dire as you might think. Our foods are fortified, and your child is probably getting the nutrients they need, even if their plate isn't a rainbow of different foods. To round off our myth-busting mission, we'll be addressing the impact of diet culture on our perceptions. Who said a child's reluctance to try different foods equates to parental failure? Not so, Mama. Our goal isn't to eradicate their picky eating tendencies, but rather to teach our children to become the best experts of their own bodies. Let's encourage them to trust and accept their unique eating experiences. It's time to lift the shame, embrace acceptance, and start raising intuitive eaters. Tune in, let's free ourselves and our kids from the guilt and expectations. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Welcome back, mamas, to another episode where we challenge the myths of diet culture and the standards imposed on our children. As a mama of five and an intuitive eating dietitian, I've seen first-hand the impact of these standards, especially with two of my own kiddos who are selective eaters. We're going to debunk some common misconceptions about picky eating that often lead to stress and guilt. It's time we redefine the narrative around our children's eating habits. We start off by breaking down the myths that can make meal times more of a struggle than they need to be. Understanding the factors that influence a child's eating preferences, such as biology, genetics and sensory profiles, can help us feel less responsible and more understanding. Remember, there's no need to 'fix' a selective eater. Exposing our little ones to new foods is crucial but so is acknowledging and accepting their individual preferences. In our final chat, we tackle guilt – a common emotion that many of us parents feel when dealing with a picky eater. This guilt often leads to power struggles, creating a vicious cycle that benefits no one. We're going to talk about how to change the dialogue around selective eating and stop using labels like 'picky eater'. It's crucial to remember that the language our kids hear from us can become their inner dialogue. So let's end the shaming, embrace acceptance, and remind ourselves that we're doing the best we can. Join me on this journey to a more relaxed and enjoyable mealtime! Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Ever been swallowed by the raging waves of shame when it comes to your child's body and eating habits? You're not alone, mama. Join me, Crystal, as we tackle this pervasive issue head-on, creating a safe haven of acceptance and unconditional love for our little ones. This empowering episode focuses on the immense weight of shame many mothers carry, especially those healing their own relationship with food and their bodies. We delve into the tumultuous journey of our children's body transformations, particularly during the fragile stages of pre-adolescence and puberty. No subject is off-limits, as we scrutinize society's fat phobia, its influence on our children's eating habits, and the emotional turmoil it causes within us. Remember, it's okay to reach out, it's okay to feel, and it's okay to ask for help. Moreover, we shed light on how our childhood traumas can manifest in our parenting style, leading to the perpetuation of unhealthy generational cycles. But don't worry, we also explore the healing power of self-reflection, reparenting and the importance of understanding our own stories. After all, it's only by making peace with our past that we can fully accept and champion our children's narratives. Trust me, you – yes, you – are parenting superbly, and your kiddos are truly blessed to have you in their corner. Let's journey together towards a shame-free parenting experience. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Ever grappled with your child's constant hunger pangs right after meals? Fear not, for this episode is designed to help you navigate those mealtime challenges and put your worries to rest. Together, we'll demystify why your child might be feeling hungry soon after a meal, helping you understand their needs better. We'll also delve into recognizing your triggers and finding ways to ensure your child knows that food is never off-limits. You're not alone in this - I'm right here with you, and we're going to tackle this together! This episode doesn't stop at troubleshooting; it digs deeper into the pivotal role of environment during mealtimes. We'll uncover how to create a nurturing and stress-free atmosphere that encourages your child to enjoy their food without pressure. It's not just about the food, rather the connection and relaxation that comes along with the meal. We'll discuss the importance of having regular eating schedules and self-care practices for parents. Let's redefine meal times together, transforming them into an enjoyable experience for both you and your child, and put an end to the legacy of diet culture in our homes for good. Show Links: [Podcast Episode]: School's Out For Summer: How to Deal With All the Food Requests?[Free Guide]:"Simplify Snacking: The Snack Guide For Busy Moms Raising Intuitive Eaters"Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? As your trusted family dietitian, I'm here to debunk the myth that sweets and a healthy relationship with food can't coexist for your children. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the critical reasons behind children's obsession with sweets and its impact on their behavior and concentration. We shed light on the difference between simple enjoyment and the unhealthy fixation with sweets, while guiding you on how to spot the signs early on. If you feel as though you've been taking steps to normalize sweets in your home but your child still seems obsessed with sugar - this episode is for you! Shownotes: 5 Positive Signs Your Child Has a Healthy Relationship With SweetsResolve Your Child's Preoccupation With Sweets With a Personalized, Done-for-you Plan! Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.

What would it mean to you to finally break free from the generational legacy of body shaming and diet culture in your family? This is the thought-provoking question we're tackling today as we discuss the complex issue of supporting our children in building a better body image. During our conversation, we'll be answering a question from one of our listeners about their 11-year-old daughter who is currently struggling with negative body image. Our role as parents is not to prevent our children from feeling discomfort or disliking their bodies—these feelings are natural and part of the human experience. Instead, we aim to offer them a reassuring presence, to let them know they are not alone. We are not here to rescue our children from pain, but to guide them in learning how to tolerate these feelings and co-regulate with trusted individuals who can empathize with what they're going through. So, how can we best support our children in their journey towards a healthier body image? It's not about rushing to the quickest fix. It's about acknowledging their feelings and responding with empathy, not empty compliments. This episode emphasizes the importance of building a deeper, more meaningful connection with our children, one that fosters positive body images and nurtures their overall well-being. Join us, and let's explore together the best ways to navigate these challenging emotions and support our children's journey to self-acceptance. Questions about today's episode or do you have topic requests for future episodes? Please send your feedback via email to hello@crystalkarges.com or connect with Crystal on Instagram.