The Easy Feed

Is food causing your child's tummy pain?
Tummy pain is such a common concern in children, but it can be really hard to work out what's actually going on. Is it constipation? Is it a food intolerance? Is anxiety playing a role? Or is there something else that needs to be investigated?
In this episode, I'm breaking down some of the most common causes of ongoing tummy pain in kids, including constipation, lactose and fructose intolerance, and other carbohydrate intolerances.
I'll also talk about something I see far too often: parents removing whole food groups from their child's diet because they think they're helping, when actually they may be unnecessarily reducing their child's fibre, vitamins and overall nutrition.
If you have a picky eater or fussy eater with ongoing tummy pain, it's really important to understand what's causing the symptoms before restricting their diet. The goal isn't to take away as many foods as possible. It's to work out what's causing the problem, manage the symptoms and still make sure your child is getting plenty of nutritious foods.
In This Episode
Is It Really Food Causing the Tummy Pain?
Why tummy pain can have many causes, including constipation, illness, anxiety and food-related triggers.
The Constipation That Parents Often Miss
Why a child can still poo every day and actually be constipated, and how this can contribute to ongoing tummy pain.
Lactose, Fructose and Carbohydrate Intolerances
I explain how different carbohydrates can cause bloating, gas, diarrhoea and cramping in young children.
Why Going Gluten-Free Isn't Always the Answer
Why gluten and fructans aren't the same thing, and why unnecessarily removing wheat can have consequences for fibre and nutrient intake.
Finding the Right Plan for Your Child
Why a food and symptoms diary can be so useful, and when it's important to get support from a paediatric dietitian or paediatric gastroenterologist.
Show Notes & Resources
Healthy Recipes for Kids:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Nutrition Consultation:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Membership:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership

There is so much information out there about what our children should and shouldn't be eating, and honestly, it can feel like a lot. I don't want you trying to do everything, because when we try to do everything, we end up doing nothing.
So in this episode, I'm keeping it simple and sharing the three key areas that I personally focus on for my kids' health: gut health, quality protein and sugar.
First up, we'll talk about why gut health really is at the centre of overall health, and some really simple ways you can increase fibre and plant foods without your child needing to sit down to a huge bowl of vegetables. Then we'll look at protein, particularly the importance of looking beyond dairy and making sure we're getting enough iron and fibre into our children's day.
And finally, we'll talk about sugar. I'm not about banning sugar or making it the forbidden fruit. It's about understanding where sugar is creeping into our children's diets and making some simple changes, particularly with drinks and snacks.
IN THIS EPISODE
Supporting Your Child's Gut Health
Why fibre, plant foods and a diverse gut microbiome are so important for children's health, plus simple ways to increase fibre every day.
Choosing Quality Protein
Why it's not just about getting enough protein, but looking at where that protein comes from and whether your child is also getting enough iron and fibre.
Making Snacks Count
How everyday snacks can be an opportunity to add more iron, fibre and other important nutrients, particularly for picky eaters and fussy eaters.
Reducing Sugar Without Banning It
Why I don't believe in completely avoiding sugar, and how to manage sugary drinks, cereals, yoghurts and snacks without creating unnecessary food rules.
Just Pick One Thing
The biggest takeaway from this episode: don't try to perfect everything. Choose one small change, start there, and build from it.
As a paediatric dietitian and children's nutritionist, I want you to feel confident making simple changes that actually fit into your family's life. It isn't about having the perfect diet. It's about those little improvements we make to our child's day and week that, over time, can make a really big difference.
SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES
Healthy Recipes for Kids:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Nutrition Consultation:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Karina's Recipe Book:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/recipebook
Membership:
https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership

Have you been hearing all the recent conversations about dairy and iron deficiency in children and wondering, "Should I be worried about how much dairy my child is having?"
In this episode, I'm unpacking the recent media discussion around dairy, extreme iron deficiency anaemia and three Queensland toddlers who sadly died after developing severe iron deficiency anaemia.
Now, I don't want to scare you. But I do want you to be informed.
There's been a lot of discussion and different opinions around this topic, so I'm taking a balanced look at what we know about iron deficiency, where dairy fits into the picture, and why too much dairy can become a problem for young children.
As a paediatric dietitian, I see iron deficiency regularly, particularly in children who are picky eaters, fussy eaters or eating a very limited range of foods. And one of the biggest issues I see is dairy displacing the iron-rich foods that our children need.
In This Episode
Understanding Iron Deficiency vs Iron Deficiency Anaemia
I break down the difference between low iron, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, and why severe deficiency can have a significant impact on a child's health.
How Too Much Dairy Can Contribute to Low Iron
We look at why large amounts of milk, cheese and yoghurt can displace nutritious foods containing iron, particularly in children with restricted diets.
Why Young Children Need So Much Iron
Find out why babies and toddlers have surprisingly high iron requirements and why we need to be intentional about the foods we're offering.
Signs Your Child May Have Low Iron
I talk through some of the signs parents can look out for, including poor appetite, fussiness, tiredness, pale skin, concentration difficulties and pica.
Supporting a Picky or Fussy Eater
Practical ways to increase iron-rich foods without relying on red meat, particularly when your child struggles with textures or has a very limited diet.
 
Show Notes & Resources
Healthy Recipes for Kids: https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Nutrition Consultation: https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Join the Membership : https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership
Email Karina: hello@nourishwithkarina.com

Are you wondering whether your child is getting the nutrients they need to grow, learn and thrive?
In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I'm breaking down five of the most important nutrients I believe parents should be paying attention to. While every child is different, we know that some nutrient deficiencies are becoming more common, particularly in children with a limited diet, picky eaters, fussy eaters, or those who struggle to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
I'll explain why these nutrients matter, the signs that your child may not be getting enough, and simple ways to support their intake through food first, while also talking honestly about when supplements can play an important role. My goal isn't to overwhelm you with nutrition science, but to help you feel more confident about supporting your child's health one step at a time.
In This Episode
The Five Nutrients Every Parent Should Know
Discover why iron, vitamin D, zinc, fibre and omega-3s play such an important role in childrens nutrition and development.
Recognising the Signs of Nutrient Deficiencies
Learn the common symptoms that may suggest your child needs extra nutritional support.
Food First, Supplements When Needed
Find out when whole foods are enough and why supplements can sometimes be a helpful short-term solution for picky eaters and neurodivergent children.
Supporting Gut Health and Immunity
Understand how fibre supports a healthy gut microbiome, immune function and long-term wellbeing.
Building a Strong Nutritional Foundation
Simple ways to support a healthy diet for fussy eaters without striving for perfection or adding unnecessary stress.



Show Notes & Resources
Healthy Recipes for Kids: https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Free Kids Nutrition Library: https://nourishwithkarina.com/freeinfo
Nutrition Consultation: https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Join the Membership Waitlist: https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership
Email Karina: hello@nourishwithkarina.com

Have you ever thought, "I know what my child should be eating... so why won't they actually eat it?"
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm talking about one of the biggest frustrations parents face. Knowing what healthy eating looks like is one thing, but helping your child become someone who actually wants to eat nutritious foods is something completely different.
We'll explore why feeding children isn't simply about nutrition knowledge. It's about understanding the science and psychology behind how children learn to eat. From appetite and sensory preferences to family routines, mealtime pressure and confidence, there are so many factors that influence whether a child becomes a happy, confident eater.
Whether you're supporting a picky eater, a fussy eater, or simply feeling overwhelmed by mealtimes, this episode will help you shift your focus from what your child should eat to how you can help them get there.
In This Episode
Why Nutrition Knowledge Isn't Enough
Understanding why knowing about healthy food doesn't always translate into healthier eating habits.
The Missing Piece Behind Fussy Eating
Discover why feeding skills and everyday habits have a bigger impact than simply offering nutritious foods.
The Factors That Shape Children's Eating
Learn how appetite, sensory sensitivities, emotions, routine and family dynamics all influence childrens nutrition.
Reducing Pressure at Mealtimes
Find out why less pressure often leads to more curiosity, confidence and willingness to try new foods.
Raising Healthy Eaters for Life
Simple mindset shifts that help children build a positive relationship with food and develop lifelong eating habits.
 
Show Notes & Resources
Healthy Recipes for Kids: https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Nutrition Consultation: https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Join the Membership Waitlist: https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership
Email Karina: hello@nourishwithkarina.com