131. Raising Healthy Kids—Without the Weight Talk with Jill Castle, Kids Thrive at Every Size

2025-04-02

What does it truly mean for kids to be healthy? Does size determine health? How can we, as parents, foster positive habits that support both physical and emotional well-being? In this episode we're joined by Jill Castle, a leading childhood nutrition expert and author of Kids Thrive at Every Size. With decades of experience in pediatric nutrition, Jill shares a fresh, whole-child approach to raising healthy, thriving kids—without the harmful focus on weight or size. In this episode: The divide between the “fix size” and “embr...

What does it truly mean for kids to be healthy? Does size determine health? How can we, as parents, foster positive habits that support both physical and emotional well-being?

In this episode we're joined by Jill Castle, a leading childhood nutrition expert and author of Kids Thrive at Every Size. With decades of experience in pediatric nutrition, Jill shares a fresh, whole-child approach to raising healthy, thriving kids—without the harmful focus on weight or size.

In this episode:

The divide between the “fix size” and “embrace size” movements—and where Jill’s approach fits in
Why focusing on habits, not weight, leads to better long-term health for kids
The 8 Pillars of Wellness that support children’s health and well-being
How family culture plays a crucial role in shaping a child's relationship with food
The impact of sleep, movement, and screen time on kids' emotional and physical health
Why parents don’t need to panic when a child’s eating habits change—especially during the teen years
How to encourage balanced eating without pressure, shame, or restriction

This episode is packed with practical, research-backed strategies to help parents create a positive, nourishing environment for their kids—regardless of their size.

Connect with Jill:

Book: Kids Thrive at Every Size: https://jillcastle.com/kids-thrive-at-every-size/
Podcast: The Nourished Child: https://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.pedird/

Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

The Ultimate Self Care Planner: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.ck.page/9e817ab37e

Elizabeth Harris, MS, RDN, LDN

FB: Health and Healing with Intuitive Eating community

https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthandhealingwithintuitiveeating

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ElizabethHarrisNutrition

Free download to break up with diet culture: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/invisible-diet

Tara De Leon, Master Personal Trainer

Email: FitnessTrainer19@hotmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_de_leon_fitness

Maria Winters, LCPC, NCC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_therapist/