Our graduates are doing amazing things. From developing food and wellness products to opening private practices, we love sharing stories from successful students and grads that are working to change the world for the better. 2009 graduate Susan Roberts, of New York City, is a special case. She’s making strides in an area where the importance of good nutrition is not explored or emphasized enough.

Susan applied what she learned in the Health Coach Training Program to her work as an occupational therapist. She already addressed other areas of wellness with her clients, such as the importance of primary food, but for this advanced scholar, author and lecturer, her nutrition education provided the final piece of the puzzle in her practice: eating well. This interview with Susan highlights her thoughts on where the “mealtime” process went wrong, and her essential work to restore a healthy, positive diet for even the pickiest kids out there.

What type of work have you done since completing in Integrative Nutrition's program, and what are you up to now?

I began touring the United States teaching other professionals (primarily occupational therapists, speech therapists and registered dietitians) the role of primary foods and real foods to helping children eat a wider variety of healthy foods and the importance of having "happy" mealtimes. My presentation is called "Mealtime Success for Kids on the Spectrum: Holistic Nutrition for Picky Eaters." I educate 200 to 300 professionals every month. I also wrote a book on the same subject for families, My Kid Eats Everything: a Journey from Picky to Adventurous Eating.

The New York Times recently ran a story “6 Food Mistakes Parents Make” that discusses why some kids are picky eaters. 

Many parents get frustrated when their kids will only eat Cocoa Puffs, Pop-Tarts or fast food and refuse to eat vegetables, whole grains and fruit. Fussiness is a normal part of childhood development and it’s important to not give up. Here are some ways to help your picky eaters:

• Get your kids involved in the cooking process. Let them wash or chop vegetables. Studies show that when kids are involved in the meal preparation they are more likely to try the food.
• Rather than demanding that your child eat at least one bite of everything, offer it to them once and keep it on the table. They may eat the food when you force them to, but they will be less likely to want it later on.
• Instead of restricting foods like cookies or ice cream, try not to keep them in the house and opt for healthier snacks. Studies show that when you make something forbidden, they’ll just want it more.  
• Watch your eating habits when your kids are around. If you’re on a diet, you can influence your child’s perceptions about food and eating.
• Don’t be afraid to dress up the vegetables. Many parents serve plain, steamed vegetables which is too bland for a kid’s palate. Instead you can add Agave nectar, olive oil or sprinkle a little cheese on top.

These changes won’t happen overnight. It’s important to stick with it and you will notice a change. Let us know if you’ve already incorporated some of these tips and if they’ve helped.