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Meet Misa Pignataro, a certified culinary nutritionist, health coach, and former first grade teacher who turned her own child’s failure to thrive and extreme pickiness into a story of steady, joyful progress. Misa grew up with whole foods and later blended that foundation with practical classroom skills, which makes her teaching style warm, simple, and incredibly doable for busy families. In this conversation we talk about how she moved her daughter from hesitant eating to curiosity and confidence, why playful exposure matters more than pressure, and how bringing kids into the kitchen builds skills and trust. You will hear concrete ideas for family style meals that end short order cooking, easy kitchen jobs for every age, and quick breakfast upgrades that support the gut brain connection and calmer behavior through better blood sugar balance. Misa shares real life wins from her kids cooking classes, including the taste o meter game and colorful recipes that make vegetables feel fun. If you want one meal for the whole family, less stress at the table, and a child who is willing to explore new foods, this episode will give you clear steps you can try tonight.

What you’ll learn

• Why “picky eating” is often a skills and environment issue, not a character trait
• How curiosity, play, and low-pressure exposure open the door to trying new foods
• Easy ways to involve kids in cooking based on age and sensory profile
• Family-style meals and build-your-own bowls to end short-order cooking
• Blood sugar basics for calmer moods, steadier energy, and better sleep
• Smart sugar swaps and label detective tips that actually stick
• How to align nutrition with a biology-informed approach to feeding and the BLOOM framework’s Open Exploration pillar
• Mindset shifts for parents so progress feels possible at any age

Highlights and ideas to try

• Taste-o-meter game for rating new foods without pressure
• Mystery-ingredient smoothies to spark buy-in with older kids
• Rainbow veggie sushi and other playful, colorful exposures
• Salt-pinch helper and simple jobs for tiny hands using a learning tower
• Family-style taco or rice bowls that respect preferences while increasing exposure
• Breakfast reboot with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to support the gut–brain connection

Resources mentioned

• Misa’s Clean Kitchen: misascleankitchen.com
• Taste-o-meter download on Misa’s site
• The Calm Mealtime Toolkit by Lena
• Work with Lena one-to-one or book a free strategy call

Connect

• Find Misa on Instagram: @misascleankitchen
• Follow Lena on Instagram: @lena.livinsky

Season 3 is rolling and it’s the best yet. Subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who needs calmer mealtimes.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.