The Easy Feed

40 Episodes
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By: Karina Savage

I'm Karina Savage, and welcome to The Easy Feed Podcast! I'm here to help you nourish your kids more easily.. and to get them actually enjoying healthy foods. With over two decades of experience in feeding kids, including my own, I've uncovered all the tricks to help get your children eat better and boost their nutrition while saving you precious time in the kitchen. I get it – the struggle to provide a balanced diet for your family can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why this podcast is your go-to guide, packed with tips, advice, and practical "doable" solutions to make your li...

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Episode 101: A Time to Pause
Yesterday at 5:00 PM

After 100 episodes of The Easy Feed, I've decided it's time to pause the podcast for a little while.

This episode is a little different. No lunchbox tips, snack ideas or advice for fussy eaters today. Instead, I wanted to share an update and, most importantly, say a very big thank you.

I've got an exciting project in the works that needs my time and attention, and I'm looking forward to sharing more with you in the future. For now, it feels like the right time to hit pause on The Easy Feed.

Whether...


Episode 100: 10 Things I've Learnt About Children's Nutrition in 25 Years as a Paediatric Dietitian
10/13/2026

Woo-hoo! It's episode 100 of The Easy Feed Podcast, and I'm so excited to celebrate this milestone with you!

Over the past 25 years as a paediatric dietitian, and 13 years as a mum, I've learnt a lot about feeding kids. So today, I'm sharing 10 of the biggest lessons I've learnt to help make children's nutrition simpler, take the stress out of mealtimes, and help you raise healthy eaters without the pressure to get everything right.

If you've got a fussy eater or picky eater at home, I want you to know that it's rarely just about the...


Episode 99 :  After School Meltdowns: Why They Happen and What to Do About It
09/28/2026

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...


Episode 98: Food Intolerances and Tummy Pain
09/14/2026

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...


Episode 97: My top three things to focus on for kids' health
08/31/2026

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...


Episode 96 :   Does dairy cause iron deficiency in kids?
08/17/2026

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...


Episode 95: Five important nutrients to focus on in kids.
08/03/2026

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...


Episode 94:  You know what your children should eat, so why won't they eat it?
07/20/2026

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...


Episode 93 :  Why your child is still hungry after their lunchbox
07/06/2026

Have you ever opened your child's lunchbox after school, only to find half of it untouched, and then watched them come home absolutely starving?

In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I'm unpacking one of the most common concerns I hear from parents: why children are still hungry after their lunchbox. And the answer isn't always as simple as "they didn't eat enough".

We'll explore how protein, fibre and the types of snacks we're packing can dramatically impact our children's energy levels, concentration, blood sugar balance, and hunger throughout the school day. I'll also...


Episode 92 :  Why Your Child Will Not Try That New Food.
06/22/2026

In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I'm unpacking one of the biggest challenges parents face with a picky eater or fussy eater: understanding why children resist new foods in the first place. Because the truth is, there isn't one simple reason. Every child is different, and the strategies that work for one family may not work for another.

I'll introduce you to my Feeding Ecosystem Framework, the approach I developed through 25 years as a paediatric dietitian and my own experience as a mum navigating fussy eating. Once you understand the child, the parent, and the...


Episode 91: Bread School: How to Choose Better Breads for Our Family.
06/08/2026

In this episode . I'm taking you through Bread School and breaking down the different types of bread available, what to look for on the label, and how to make confident choices without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you have a picky eater, a fussy eater, or a child who will only eat white bread, this episode will help you understand where bread fits into childrens nutrition and how to choose the most nutritious option your child will actually eat.

Remember, feeding your child isn't about perfection. It's about making small, realistic improvements that support a healthy diet for fussy...


Episode 90: Constipation in Kids: The Warning Signs Parents Shouldn't Miss
05/25/2026

Constipation is one of the most common gut health challenges I see in children, yet many of the early warning signs are often missed. In this episode, I unpack what constipation really looks like in kids, why it's about much more than simply not doing a poo, and how it can affect appetite, feeding behaviours, mood, gut health, and overall wellbeing.

As a paediatric dietitian with 25 years of experience in children's gut health, I explain why constipation is often more complex than just fibre and water. We explore the hidden causes, the role of the gut microbiome...


Episode 89 : Why Mindset Is Crucial When Feeding Fussy Eaters
05/11/2026

In this episode of the Easy Feed Podcast, I'm talking about something that is so often overlooked when it comes to feeding fussy eaters: your mindset. As a Paediatric Dietitian and mum, I've seen time and time again how the way we think and feel about feeding shapes the entire mealtime experience for our children.

If you're constantly worrying about your child's eating, feeling anxious before meals, second-guessing yourself or feeling like you've failed because your child is a picky eater, this episode is for you. I share why confidence, boundaries and the energy we bring to...


Episode 88 : Supporting overweight children with their health
04/27/2026

In this episode, I'm talking about supporting an overweight child without making food a battleground or creating a difficult relationship with their body in the process.

As a Paediatric Dietitian with 25 years of clinical experience in children's nutrition, I know how much parents worry about getting this wrong. The guilt, the confusion, the fear of saying something that tips their child into disordered eating , it's real, and it matters.

So I'm walking you through exactly how I approach this in consultations. My approach, what i do and what I definitely don't do!!

In...


Episode 87 : What I say very differently after 25 years as a paediatric dietitian
04/13/2026

In this episode, I'm sharing how my nutrition advice has changed over 25 years as a paediatric dietitian—and why it matters for you and your family. When it comes to navigating a healthy diet for the family, the advice out there can feel overwhelming, contradictory, and at times, just plain wrong.

Over the years, I've had to unlearn a lot. From outdated beliefs about fats and calories to what truly supports children's nutrition, this episode is about cutting through the noise and getting back to what actually works—simple, evidence-based, and grounded in real food.

In t...


Episode 86: How to Get Kids to Try New Foods
03/30/2026

Episode 86: How to Get Kids to Try New Foods

If you've got a picky eater or a fussy eater at home who lives on pasta, bread, crackers or beige foods, then this episode is for you. I'm diving into the reality of the "white diet", why so many children get stuck there, and why the usual advice around repeated exposure or "just try one bite" often doesn't work.

In this episode, I walk you through where to start and how to shift things in a way that actually works for your family.

What...


Episode 85: Geeking Out Over Kids' Gut Health
03/16/2026

Gut health is one of my favourite topics, and today I'm fully leaning into it. In this episode, I'm geeking out over kids' gut health and why it plays such a powerful role in your child's mood, immunity, digestion and long-term wellbeing.

If you've ever wondered why gut health is discussed so much online, or what it actually means for your child, this episode breaks it down in simple, practical terms. I explain how the gut microbiome works, why those trillions of microbes matter, and how small daily changes can make a meaningful difference to your child's...


Episode 84 : Why ham is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen ?
03/02/2026

In this episode, I unpack the recent World Health Organization classification of processed meats and what it actually means for you and your family. After discussing this on Channel Seven's Sunrise, the response was immediate. Parents were confused and wanted clarity.

So today, I break it down properly.

We talk through the evidence, the real cancer risk data. Most importantly, I give you simple, realistic swaps using nutritious foods that are budget-friendly and practical for busy families.

Five highlights from this episode:

What "Group 1 Carcinogen" Actually Means The 50 Gram Rule What Makes...


Episode 83: Three Easy Ways to Boost Nutrients This Week
02/16/2026

Hello and welcome back to The Easy Feed Podcast. In this episode, I'm sharing three simple, practical ways to boost your child's nutrient intake this week — without overhauling the pantry or creating more stress at mealtimes.

As a paediatric dietitian and childrens nutritionist, I know how overwhelming feeding can feel, especially if you have a picky eater or fussy eater at home. So today is about small, doable habit changes that compound over time. No perfection. No extremes. Just realistic shifts that support childrens nutrition, gut health and long-term wellbeing.

We talk about why tiny wi...


Episode 82: A case study of a fussy eater with ADHD on medication
02/02/2026

In today's episode, I walk you through a real-life case I've recently worked on with a family navigating fussy eating alongside ADHD medication. This little boy's food intake had been narrowing for years, his appetite was poor, and his parents were feeling stuck in an exhausting cycle of pressure, worry and frustration around mealtimes.

I unpack how ADHD medication can significantly impact appetite, why expecting children to "eat better" during the school day is often unrealistic, and how shifting the focus to when children are naturally hungrier can completely change outcomes. We talk through iron deficiency, constipation...


Episode 81: 5 Ways You Can Make Lunchboxes Easier in 2026
01/19/2026

Lunchboxes are coming. Whether you feel ready or not, the school year has a way of creeping up fast. In this episode, I'm walking you through five practical, realistic ways to make lunchboxes easier in 2026 — without aiming for perfection or adding more pressure to your already full plate.

As a paediatric dietitian, I see how overwhelming lunchboxes can feel, especially if you're navigating a picky eater or fussy eater. Social media noise, conflicting nutrition advice, and the relentless day-in, day-out nature of packing food can quickly drain your energy. This episode is about bringing it back to si...


Episode 80: Navigating the Food Additive Maze
01/05/2026

In this episode, I'm unpacking one of the most confusing and overwhelming parts of feeding kids today: food additives.

This conversation comes straight off the back of my recent TV segments on Sunrise, where we talked about ice creams and ingredients lists. It sparked a lot of questions from parents, and honestly, it highlighted just how far our food supply has shifted over the years. Even foods we once thought were simple are now packed with additives, preservatives, sweeteners and colours that our grandparents wouldn't recognise.

In this episode, I walk you through what food...


Episode 79:  My wishes for 2026
12/22/2025

In today's episode, I'm doing things a bit differently. Rather than diving into a specific nutrition topic, I'm getting personal and sharing my five wishes for 2026—not all food-related, but all close to my heart as a parent and paediatric dietitian.


I'm talking about the things that I'd love to see improve/change with our world. It's not all heavy, just honest and real, and hopefully makes you feel less alone in the chaos of feeding kids and managing life.


Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you're dealing with a pic...


Episode 78: An Interview with Amy Whiteford from Healthy Little Foodies
12/08/2025

In today's episode, I'm joined by Amy from Healthy Little Foodies—a recipe creator, food scientist and mum whose practical, flavour-packed ideas have helped millions of families feed their kids with more confidence. I first discovered Amy years ago and was instantly struck by how doable, nutritious and genuinely child-friendly her recipes were. So I wanted to sit her down, pick her brains, and uncover the thinking behind her incredible approach to children's nutrition.

We talk about how her global upbringing shaped her love of food, why feeding children feels harder than ever, and the simple routines th...


Episode 77 : 3 Ways To Improve the Way Your Child Eats - Today
11/24/2025

Today we cover 3 simple, practical changes you can make today that will quickly improve the way your child eats. 

These are the strategies I use myself, and I teach them becuase they work because they're realistic, gentle, and grounded in what children actually need to build trust with food. If you're raising a picky eater or navigating the daily battles of a fussy eater, this episode will give you a clear, manageable starting point.

Here's what we cover:

Challenging Without Overwhelming
A calm way to expose children to new, nutritious foods without c...


Episode 76: Managing Underweight Children
11/10/2025

In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I'm diving into a topic that so many parents quietly worry about — children who are underweight or struggling to gain weight. Whether it's a baby not feeding well, a toddler who's suddenly lost interest in food, or a teenager skipping meals, understanding the "why" behind poor weight gain is key.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a paediatric dietitian, I'll take you through the medical, nutritional, and behavioural factors that can affect growth, and what you can do about them. From gut health to sensory issues and ne...


Episode 75: Feeding Kids in the Fast Lane – Three Simple Tips for Time-Poor Parents
10/27/2025

 

Episode 75: Feeding Kids in the Fast Lane – Three Simple Tips for Time-Poor Parents

Hi all! Karina here. This week on The Easy Feed Podcast, we're talking about something I know so many of us struggle with — how to feed our kids well when life feels like a constant race. Between work, school runs, sport, and everything in between, family nutrition can quickly fall down the list. But it doesn't have to.

In this episode, I share three simple, practical tips to help you nourish your family with ease — no overhauls, no guilt, and no comp...


Episode 74: Realistic Ways to Reduce Kids' Junk Snacks
10/13/2025

As a Paediatric Dietician and mum, I know snacks can make or break the day. In this episode, I share three realistic, low-stress strategies to cut back on ultra-processed "sometimes foods" without going cold turkey.

We look at why kids crave salty-sweet, crunchy packets, how "fast sugars" spike and crash energy and mood, and the simple swaps that stabilise blood sugars, support gut health, and keep children satisfied. If you're juggling school runs, lunchboxes and picky or fussy eaters, this is your quick, easy food roadmap to more nutritious foods—minus the overwhelm.

Five discussion hi...


Episode 73: What You Need to Know About Pesticides in Our Food
09/29/2025

Welcome back to The Easy Feed. In this episode, I'm unpacking an issue that has sparked plenty of concern—pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables, and what that means for our children's nutrition.

This conversation follows my recent appearance on Sunrise Channel 7, where we explored the latest findings on blueberries and pesticide testing. The research revealed banned chemicals showing up in local samples and raised questions about outdated safety guidelines.

As a paediatric dietitian, my focus is always on keeping food both safe and nourishing. Fruit and vegetables are essential for children's health, so we ne...


Episode 72: From reflux and fussy eating to peace at the dinner table, this is Jemma's story.
09/15/2025

Easy Feed Podcast Episode 72

Today I'm joined by Nourishing Kids member Jemma, a mum of two who shares her  journey from the early days of reflux and sleepless nights to navigating fussy eating and finding peace at the dinner table.

I've had the privilege of working with Jemma for several years, and her story is one that so many parents will relate to. From the guilt of wondering what's "wrong," to the relief of discovering the right support, Jemma's experience is a reminder that feeding challenges are not a reflection of failure, but a part o...


Episode 71: Why Standard Fussy Eating Advice Does Not Apply When Feeding Neurodivergent Children
09/01/2025

Over my 24 years as a paediatric dietitian and 13 years as a mum to a once–fussy eater, I've seen firsthand that standard fussy eating advice simply does not work for many families in this space.

Neurodivergent children have their own feeding rules, sensory sensitivities, and unique routines. What works for one child may not work for another. 

In this episode, I share the seven truths I've learnt from supporting thosands of families: why it's a long game, how to plug nutrient gaps safely, and why guilt is not helpful for parents. Most importantly, I want you...


Episode 70: Protein and Protein Powders in Kids
08/18/2025

Hello, hello and welcome back to The Easy Feed.

Today I'm diving into a topic that so many parents ask me about—protein. How much do our children really need? Where should it come from? And are protein powders ever necessary?

As a paediatric dietitian and mum, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to keep lunchboxes nutritious, especially when dealing with a fussy eater or a child following a vegetarian diet. While most kids easily meet their protein requirements, the real issue is often the quality of that protein.

In this ep...


Episode 69: Ultra Processed Foods - What should our kids be avoiding?
08/04/2025

Today we are diving into ultra-processed foods. What are they exactly? What foods do we need to be avoiding for our kids….and how can we make better choices without the guilt?

As a Paediatric Dietitian and a mum, I know that it's hard enough dealing with a fussy eater without worrying over every label. So this episode is to give you the info without the guilt!  No judgement, just practical steps to help you spot these foods, reduce them, and choose better—especially for our kids' gut health and long-term wellbeing.

We'll chat about how u...


Episode 68: 5 Most-Asked Questions About Feeding Kids – Answered!
07/21/2025

Hi lovely people, Karina here. In this episode of The Easy Feed Podcast, I'm diving into five of the most common questions I get from parents navigating the world of kids' nutrition. Whether you've got a picky eater, a milk-obsessed toddler, or you're simply wondering about multivitamins and organic food, this episode is for you.

We're cutting through the noise of online advice, and getting back to what's evidence-based and actually works in real family life. Because feeding our kids shouldn't be a constant battle – it should be simple, realistic, and supportive.

Here's what I co...


Episode 67: Feeding Neurodivergent Children
07/08/2025

Thanks for the request for this important topic - feeding neurodivergent children. After 24 years as a paediatric dietitian, I've seen how challenging this can be for families, and honestly, the standard advice for a picky eater just doesn't work here because these brilliant little brains work differently.

This isn't about defiance or stubbornness. We're talking about genuine sensory processing differences, anxiety around food, and feeding challenges that go well beyond typical fussy eating. Whether your child has Autism, ADHD, or other Neurodivergent Conditions, their relationship with food will often need a completely different approach.

I'm...


Episode 66: Foods to Fight Sickness
06/23/2025

Welcome back to The Easy Feed Podcast! This episode is inspired by a recent segment I did on Sunrise (Channel 7), and I knew I had to take a deeper dive with you into the best foods to help your child fight sickness—because let's face it, bugs are everywhere right now.

As a paediatric dietitian, I'm constantly talking about immunity and gut health, and with up to 70% of our immune function linked to the gut, it's essential we understand the connection between food and illness prevention.

In this episode, I talk about key immune-supporting ingredients yo...


Episode 65 : 5 powerful ways to Set Your Child up for Lifelong Health.
06/09/2025

Feeding kids well doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I'm sharing the top 5 things I'm doing right now to support my children's health—not just today, but well into their future.

These five strategies are the backbone of my Five Days to Healthier Kids Challenge, and I've crafted this episode to give you a strong starting point. Whether you're navigating the chaos of fussy eating, unsure about food additives, or simply wanting to raise children who enjoy nutritious foods without pressure, this episode is packed with real talk and evidence-based advice.

I'll walk yo...


Episode 64: Understanding Food Allergy & Intolerance in Babies and Children
05/26/2025

Today we're tackling one of the most confusing – and often misunderstood – topics in children's nutrition: the difference between food allergy and food intolerance. As a paediatric dietitian, I've seen too many families left in the dark, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, just trying to figure out what's upsetting their baby's tummy.

In this episode, I help you untangle the facts from the fear. Whether you're dealing with a fussy eater, concerned about your little one's bloating or tummy pain, or unsure how to approach a potential food allergy, I'm here to walk you through it.

You'll also...


Episode 63 : Comparisonitis and our mental load as mums
05/12/2025

I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the incredible mums out there. Whether it's Mother's Day or just another busy day, the role you play in your family's life is nothing short of amazing. Today, I'm diving deep into something we all struggle with—comparisonitis—and the mental load we carry as mums. It's all too easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others, whether it's how we look, what our kids are eating, or the seemingly perfect lives we see online. This episode will help you realise that you're doing an incredible job, even if i...


Episode 62: Why Choosing Kids Snacks is Harder than ever
04/28/2025

Today, I'm diving into a topic that I know so many of you are grappling with – how to navigate the confusing world of kids' snacks. Between the supermarket minefield and the misleading marketing, it's no wonder choosing healthy snacks for fussy eaters feels almost impossible.

In this episode, I break down why it's so tricky, how food manufacturers are exploiting loopholes, and what you can do to better support your child's nutrition without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.

If you're ready for some honest truths, a bit of perspective, and practical, achievable tips from your trusted pa...