Crunch Bites

Our guts contain a wide variety of bacteria known as ‘gut bugs’ or commonly called the microbiome. This rich ecosystem can be as diverse and fruitful as a forest floor. Join Mikala as she explores this topic with Dr Amy Loughman from the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University. In this episode, they chat about how the microbiome develops throughout childhood and some of the life events that can shape this developmental journey. Tune in and find out more about how the microbiome can influence both our physical and mental health.Topics covered:Microbiome across the life stages The role our microbiome plays in digestion Environmental factors and food that can influence the microbiome The gut microbiome and its effect on mood, behaviour and health. Episode links: The good gut Food and mood centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With so much focus on what to feed our kids, have you ever stopped to think about the importance of how we feed them? In this episode Mikala dives into food parenting practices with Dr Kathryn Walton from Guelph University. They chat about how to set up positive mealtimes and the importance of parents being on the same page when it comes to the family table and beyond.  This one’s a meaty episode so grab your carrot sticks and get comfy.  Topics covered:      The division of responsibility (when to serve and what is on offer)       Appetite regulation and listening to hunger cues       Parents roles in establishing feeding patterns        How to set up positive mealtimes       Where to get more information. Episode links       Guelph family study cookbooks       Guelph family study website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The range of baby and toddler foods on the market has exploded over the last decade, with more pouches and puffs available every day. But are these really foods we want to be feeding our kids? Join Mikala as she chats with Andrea Schmidtke, public health lawyer and researcher at the Food for Health Alliance, about the impact these foods are having on our children as they begin developing their eating habits. Mikala and Andrea also discuss the need for stronger regulations around what goes into baby and toddler foods as well as how they are marketed to families. Topics covered:What is in baby and toddler foods and why we should be mindful of what we choose Marketing and the many tactics companies use and how to see through themThe need for tighter regulations to protect familiesHow families can navigate the toddler food aisle and what to avoidEpisode links:Kids are sweet enough campaign.Parent resource for navigating the baby and toddler aisle resourceChoosing food for babies and young children - Food For Health Alliance – various languages (Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Punjabi, Vietnamese).Beyond the Label report Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The traditional family model is changing, as many families now juggle both parents working outside the home. Grandparents are increasingly stepping in to offer support and perform a regular childcare role. Join Mikala as she speaks with Professor Michelle Jongenelis about her research examining this changing landscape and the important role grandparents play in shaping children’s habits, such as what they eat and how much they move their body.  Topics covered:-         The changing family model-         Grandparents role and impact on children’s nutrition and physical activity-         The importance of consistent and clear communication between parents and grandparents-         Valuable resources and tools for grandparents and families to support children’s health and wellbeing Episode links:Dr Michelle Jongenelis website and factsheets  Grandparents as healthy eating champions factsheet  Fussy grandchild  Healthy eating activity cards  Crunch&Sip websiteLiveLighter website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Mikala’s detailed conversation with Dr Joanna McMillan about her book The Fibre Factor, join us for this bonus bite-sized episode where we summarise the info in a quick 20 questions, easy to digest format.  Episode links    The Fibre Factor    Dr Joanna McMillan’s website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.