Labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves - Anne Poirier

Anne Poirier, intuitive eating counselor and author of The Body Joyful, shares:

- How parental food beliefs shape children’s eating habits and relationships with food.

- Strategies for parents to navigate sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating.

- Why self-care for parents is critical to fostering a positive family food culture.

Claudie adds practical sensory enrichment techniques, like playful games, to help children feel less anxious and more curious about food.

Episode Highlights

[05:11] Anne shares her personal journey: “Helping others not struggle with food the way I did is my mission.”

[09:10] Anne challenges food morality: “Labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves.”

[10:47] Anne discusses emotional connections to food: “For many, food equals relaxation and pulls us out of negative emotions.”

[16:36] Anne on trusting children with food choices: “If they eat candy all day, they’ll learn how it makes them feel.”

[20:10] Anne on sneaking nutrients: “Smoothies respect texture preferences while adding variety.”

[25:30] Claudie highlights cultural food experiences: “Warm, rich dishes engage senses better than bland ones.”

[27:43] Anne on parental influence: “Parents often transfer their own food beliefs onto their children, creating unnecessary stress.”

[35:09] Anne on long-term learning: “Food choices, even candy, are an opportunity to teach children how different foods make them feel.”

[37:56] Claudie describes sensory enrichment: “Turn food into play with creative landscapes using rice, celery, and beans.”

[48:49] Anne explains the ripple effect: “When parents relax about food, it creates a calmer atmosphere for the whole family.”

[51:45] Anne on self-awareness for parents: “Pay attention to how often you say ‘should’ when making food choices—it’s a clue about your relationship with food.”

Links:

https://shapingperspectives.com/meet-annie-poirier/