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Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters From High Chair to High School
Newly Revised and Updated! From deciding when to introduce solids to helping vegetarian teens make healthy choices, parents confront many issues when trying to get their children to eat healthy meals. This comprehensive book by Jill Castle and Maryann Jacobsen ― both pediatric and family nutrition experts ― explains how eating relates to a child’s overall development, how to make balanced food choices (and help children make them too), and how to end feeding struggles forever. Castle and Jacobsen outline an inclusive approach to healthy feeding centered around the three Fearless Feeding WHAT, HOW, and WHY. This newly updated and revised edition of Fearless Feeding explores feeding children at every stage of development in order to maximize health and growth and prevent unhealthy attitudes about food later in life. What People Are Saying about Feerless Feeding ... "Fear not! This rational, practical, and joyful book gives parents the knowledge and tools to feed their families confidently and fearlessly."
—Michelle May, MD, author, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat "So many experts, books, magazines, and busybodies seem determined to convince parents that they can't do anything right. Here's a book that silences the din of 'You're doing it wrong!' and makes raising healthy eaters easy."
—Lenore Skenazy, author, Free-Range Kids "In this book on infant and child nutrition, two well-trained, experienced nutritionists bring an evidence-based approach to the WHAT, HOW, and WHY of feeding to make infant and child nutrition an enjoyable pastime for parents who are concerned about their child's diet and their overall health. Fearless Feeding is an excellent guide for parents concerned about an appropriate approach to feeding their children."
—Allan Walker, MD, director, Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School "At last! A book that offers parents a clear road map to what should be a natural and instinctive feeding one's child. It will be a pleasure to recommend this book as a solid resource for helping children build a healthy, long-standing, and perhaps lifesaving relationship with food."
—Nancy Beveridge, MD, pediatrician, Nashville, Tennessee "You no longer can use the excuse 'My child didn't come with an owner's manual' when it comes to finicky eaters. Castle and Jacobsen have created the quintessential one just for you and your child."
—David Grotto, RD, LDN, author, The Best Things You Can For Everything from Aches to Zzzz, the Definitive Guide to the Nutrition-Packed Foods that Energize, Heal, and Help You Look Great "This sanity-saving resource will help parents gain confidence in the kitchen and at the dinner table and even help them face the biggest challenges like coping with picky eaters, weight problems, and food allergies. Every parent should have a copy of this book in their kitchen!"
—Aviva Goldfarb, cookbook author and founder of the family-dinner planning service, The Six O’Clock Scramble "In today's frenzied food world, families want wise counsel—not just on WHAT to feed their children, but HOW to feed them as well. Fearless Feeding accomplishes both with reassuring, practical, easy-to-digest advice for children of all ages."
—Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, president, Nutrition for the Future "Fearless Feeding takes a relaxed and reassuring approach to the often difficult task of nourishing children. As the mother of three, I appreciate how the authors blend their professional know-how and parental wisdom to provide parents with a valuable resource for guilt-free feeding."
—Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD, author, Expect the Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy
—Michelle May, MD, author, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat "So many experts, books, magazines, and busybodies seem determined to convince parents that they can't do anything right. Here's a book that silences the din of 'You're doing it wrong!' and makes raising healthy eaters easy."
—Lenore Skenazy, author, Free-Range Kids "In this book on infant and child nutrition, two well-trained, experienced nutritionists bring an evidence-based approach to the WHAT, HOW, and WHY of feeding to make infant and child nutrition an enjoyable pastime for parents who are concerned about their child's diet and their overall health. Fearless Feeding is an excellent guide for parents concerned about an appropriate approach to feeding their children."
—Allan Walker, MD, director, Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School "At last! A book that offers parents a clear road map to what should be a natural and instinctive feeding one's child. It will be a pleasure to recommend this book as a solid resource for helping children build a healthy, long-standing, and perhaps lifesaving relationship with food."
—Nancy Beveridge, MD, pediatrician, Nashville, Tennessee "You no longer can use the excuse 'My child didn't come with an owner's manual' when it comes to finicky eaters. Castle and Jacobsen have created the quintessential one just for you and your child."
—David Grotto, RD, LDN, author, The Best Things You Can For Everything from Aches to Zzzz, the Definitive Guide to the Nutrition-Packed Foods that Energize, Heal, and Help You Look Great "This sanity-saving resource will help parents gain confidence in the kitchen and at the dinner table and even help them face the biggest challenges like coping with picky eaters, weight problems, and food allergies. Every parent should have a copy of this book in their kitchen!"
—Aviva Goldfarb, cookbook author and founder of the family-dinner planning service, The Six O’Clock Scramble "In today's frenzied food world, families want wise counsel—not just on WHAT to feed their children, but HOW to feed them as well. Fearless Feeding accomplishes both with reassuring, practical, easy-to-digest advice for children of all ages."
—Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, president, Nutrition for the Future "Fearless Feeding takes a relaxed and reassuring approach to the often difficult task of nourishing children. As the mother of three, I appreciate how the authors blend their professional know-how and parental wisdom to provide parents with a valuable resource for guilt-free feeding."
—Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD, author, Expect the Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2013
72 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Jill Castle
11 books13 followersJill Castle is one of the nation’s premier childhood nutrition experts. Known as a paradigm shifter who blends current research, practical application and common sense, Jill inspires audiences to think differently about feeding kids. From babies to teens, Jill takes a unique, “whole-child” approach to showcase food, feeding and childhood development as the secret ingredients to raising a healthy child.
A sought-after speaker, advisor, and media contributor, Jill has inspired TEDx and a range of nutrition, medical, government and parent audiences. Jill is on the Board of Advisors of Parents Magazine, and is scientific advisor to a handful of privately held child nutrition companies.
She is the author of Eat Like a Champion and co-author of Fearless Feeding. She pens The Nourished Child blog, interviews experts on her podcast of the same name, and regularly contributes to US News & World Report’s For Parents blog. She has appeared in The New York Times, WebMD, Fast Company, USA Today, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Fox and Friends, NBC-CT, and Parents Magazine.
A sought-after speaker, advisor, and media contributor, Jill has inspired TEDx and a range of nutrition, medical, government and parent audiences. Jill is on the Board of Advisors of Parents Magazine, and is scientific advisor to a handful of privately held child nutrition companies.
She is the author of Eat Like a Champion and co-author of Fearless Feeding. She pens The Nourished Child blog, interviews experts on her podcast of the same name, and regularly contributes to US News & World Report’s For Parents blog. She has appeared in The New York Times, WebMD, Fast Company, USA Today, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Fox and Friends, NBC-CT, and Parents Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 25, 2023
3.5 rounded up. Helpful tips and insights I've already started to apply in feeding my children.
July 1, 2013
I don't read much nonfiction, but I do worry about giving the kids a healthy relationship with food, since my relationship with sugar is....not...good. I have to say, Fearless Feeding is excellent. It answers so many questions, and I would recommend it for ANY parent. My favorite thing is that they take the time to reassure us not to overthink it - for example, the authors look at the whole make-your-own-baby-food craze and suggest that if we're really not into it, we shouldn't feel bad, because it's not that big of a deal to buy purees for the 2-3 months your baby eats them.
One caveat: the thesis here is to just present good, nutritious foods, and your child will eat them instead of junk. That seems a bit pat to me, and I would have liked some more detail about how that exchange will actually work. Because in my mind, it sort of looks like me presenting nutritious food, and her begging for junk for the next 48 hours or until I lose my mind.
One caveat: the thesis here is to just present good, nutritious foods, and your child will eat them instead of junk. That seems a bit pat to me, and I would have liked some more detail about how that exchange will actually work. Because in my mind, it sort of looks like me presenting nutritious food, and her begging for junk for the next 48 hours or until I lose my mind.
August 24, 2020
This is officially on my shortlist of parenting books. Fearless Feeding is a guide to give your child the gifts of a lifelong healthy outlook towards food, nutrition for their growing body at various stages, and pleasant memories of family meals and structure.
I also found it very valuable just for myself in reflecting on how I was raised when it comes to eating and changes I have and may want to make. It’s a bit similar to another semi-parenting book I loved, I’m OK - You’re OK. This tip says it well “Keep the good aspects of your upbringing; let go of what was unproductive; and create what you didn’t get, whether it’s cooking skills, regular meals, or a supportive environment.”
I also found it very valuable just for myself in reflecting on how I was raised when it comes to eating and changes I have and may want to make. It’s a bit similar to another semi-parenting book I loved, I’m OK - You’re OK. This tip says it well “Keep the good aspects of your upbringing; let go of what was unproductive; and create what you didn’t get, whether it’s cooking skills, regular meals, or a supportive environment.”
March 18, 2014
One of the primary roles of every parent is ensuring that his or her children are well fed. It is a big task: in fact, it is estimated that a parent will feed their child 28,000 times before he leaves for college! In most households, the purchasing, preparation, and serving of food tends to fall on one parent, the “nutritional gatekeeper,” who, consequently, influences about 72 percent of all the food a family eats. This is huge responsibility, and one that elicits fear in many parents. I am not yet a parent, but as I mentioned in my review of Ellyn Satter’s book on childhood nutrition, I am already intimidated by – and preparing for – my future role as a nutritional gatekeeper.
My desire to front-load my education about childhood feeding led me to Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School, a book written by two registered dietitians who want to help parents navigate the challenging road of raising healthy, well-fed children. As mothers themselves, authors Jill Castle and Maryann Jacobsen understand that that the responsibilities of feeding can be overwhelming. Their book provides a comprehensive guide to childhood feeding and nutrition, helping parents determine what, when, and how to feed their children at every age.
The first chapter of Fearless Feeding guides parents in understanding how to lay a foundation for implementing healthy feeding practices with their children. In this chapter, the authors explain that a child’s diet should follow the 90:10 rule, with 90 percent of their diet consisting of “nourishing” and “half-and-half foods” (terms that are fully outlined in the book), and the remaining 10 percent made up “fun foods.” They also explain HOW to feed your child (borrowing heavily from Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility), and they help parents identify their current feeding style. The chapter concludes with an exploration of predictable childhood behaviors regarding food.
The next four chapters correspond to the developmental stage of a child: infants and young toddlers, toddlers and preschoolers, school-age children, and teenagers. These chapters outline the nutritional needs and appropriate feeding strategies for each stage of development. The authors provide sample meal plans and age-appropriate recipes for every age, and they use real-life examples to illustrate how parents have successfully implemented fearless feeding techniques.
The second half of Fearless Feeding addresses feeding at a broader level, beginning with a chapter that helps parents understand their own attitudes and actions regarding food. I found this chapter particularly insightful and was reminded that in order to become a fearless feeder, I will need to be a fearless eater! Another chapter of the book is dedicated to common feeding challenges, such as food allergies, weight problems, picky eating, and eating disorders. I can imagine that this chapter would be particularly useful for a parent who was encountering one of these issues and felt unsure of how to proceed. The book’s final chapter rounds out the fearless feeding approach by instructing parents on how to use meal planning and shopping strategies to make family meals a reality.
In coming together to write Fearless Feeding, Castle and Jacobsen set out to write a book that would ”change the current fear-based model of feeding to one filled with joy and confidence.” They hoped that their book would become THE essential guide for nutrition-conscious parents of children of all ages. Did they succeed? Absolutely! Fearless Feeding is a treasure trove of information, addressing nearly every imaginable issue related to nutrition and feeding. Despite the broad scope of their subject matter, the authors’ relatable writing style makes the information accessible and informative, without feeling too much like a textbook. And while it is very comprehensive, Fearless Feeding is incredibly easy to navigate: I read the book cover-to-cover, but the book’s structure – which makes effective use of tables, sidebars, and anecdotes – easily lends itself to use as a topical reference guide. Finally, parents can trust the strategies and suggestions put forth in Fearless Feeding because the authors clearly did their research, as evidenced by the hundreds of notes and references listed at the back of the book. It is clear that Fearless Feeding is baked by experience, common sense, AND the most up-to-date studies!
I found Fearless Feeding to be a highly enjoyable read . . . but, I am admittedly a “nutrition nerd” and “psychology junkie,” and I recognize that a book about macro nutrients and cognitive development *might* not be the sort of book that most people would pick up for “a bit of light reading.” (<– Yes, that was a Hermione Granger reference.) Nevertheless, it IS the type of book that every parent should have on their bookshelf. I will definitely be holding on to my copy of Fearless Feeding, knowing that it will become an invaluable resource if/when I have children of my own to feed. Until then, I will be recommending this book to all of my friends who are striving to become fearless feeders.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
This review first appeared on my blog: http://kendranicole.net/fearless-feed...
My desire to front-load my education about childhood feeding led me to Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School, a book written by two registered dietitians who want to help parents navigate the challenging road of raising healthy, well-fed children. As mothers themselves, authors Jill Castle and Maryann Jacobsen understand that that the responsibilities of feeding can be overwhelming. Their book provides a comprehensive guide to childhood feeding and nutrition, helping parents determine what, when, and how to feed their children at every age.
The first chapter of Fearless Feeding guides parents in understanding how to lay a foundation for implementing healthy feeding practices with their children. In this chapter, the authors explain that a child’s diet should follow the 90:10 rule, with 90 percent of their diet consisting of “nourishing” and “half-and-half foods” (terms that are fully outlined in the book), and the remaining 10 percent made up “fun foods.” They also explain HOW to feed your child (borrowing heavily from Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility), and they help parents identify their current feeding style. The chapter concludes with an exploration of predictable childhood behaviors regarding food.
The next four chapters correspond to the developmental stage of a child: infants and young toddlers, toddlers and preschoolers, school-age children, and teenagers. These chapters outline the nutritional needs and appropriate feeding strategies for each stage of development. The authors provide sample meal plans and age-appropriate recipes for every age, and they use real-life examples to illustrate how parents have successfully implemented fearless feeding techniques.
The second half of Fearless Feeding addresses feeding at a broader level, beginning with a chapter that helps parents understand their own attitudes and actions regarding food. I found this chapter particularly insightful and was reminded that in order to become a fearless feeder, I will need to be a fearless eater! Another chapter of the book is dedicated to common feeding challenges, such as food allergies, weight problems, picky eating, and eating disorders. I can imagine that this chapter would be particularly useful for a parent who was encountering one of these issues and felt unsure of how to proceed. The book’s final chapter rounds out the fearless feeding approach by instructing parents on how to use meal planning and shopping strategies to make family meals a reality.
In coming together to write Fearless Feeding, Castle and Jacobsen set out to write a book that would ”change the current fear-based model of feeding to one filled with joy and confidence.” They hoped that their book would become THE essential guide for nutrition-conscious parents of children of all ages. Did they succeed? Absolutely! Fearless Feeding is a treasure trove of information, addressing nearly every imaginable issue related to nutrition and feeding. Despite the broad scope of their subject matter, the authors’ relatable writing style makes the information accessible and informative, without feeling too much like a textbook. And while it is very comprehensive, Fearless Feeding is incredibly easy to navigate: I read the book cover-to-cover, but the book’s structure – which makes effective use of tables, sidebars, and anecdotes – easily lends itself to use as a topical reference guide. Finally, parents can trust the strategies and suggestions put forth in Fearless Feeding because the authors clearly did their research, as evidenced by the hundreds of notes and references listed at the back of the book. It is clear that Fearless Feeding is baked by experience, common sense, AND the most up-to-date studies!
I found Fearless Feeding to be a highly enjoyable read . . . but, I am admittedly a “nutrition nerd” and “psychology junkie,” and I recognize that a book about macro nutrients and cognitive development *might* not be the sort of book that most people would pick up for “a bit of light reading.” (<– Yes, that was a Hermione Granger reference.) Nevertheless, it IS the type of book that every parent should have on their bookshelf. I will definitely be holding on to my copy of Fearless Feeding, knowing that it will become an invaluable resource if/when I have children of my own to feed. Until then, I will be recommending this book to all of my friends who are striving to become fearless feeders.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
This review first appeared on my blog: http://kendranicole.net/fearless-feed...
March 24, 2023
Finally finished this book! I already knew a lot of the nutrition stuff. The info on different feeding styles and how best to approach feeding was very useful and has led us to change our tactics. Jill Castle has a podcast which seems even more helpful than the book (as you can choose the episodes that delve more deeply into the topics you want to learn more about).
February 25, 2019
Lots of great stuff in this book, for kids, parents, and caregivers of all ages. Highly recommend for anyone who feeds kids on a regular basis.
October 3, 2019
A great resource for figuring out how to raise good and healthy eaters.
October 12, 2022
Loads of helpful information.
November 2, 2024
Enjoyed this book! Very informative and I liked that there were great recipes
April 20, 2019
I thought this book was really informative. I have done a ton of research on this topic and this book was good at speaking to me (the over-informed) as well as someone who may be just starting to read about feeding kids. The book is divided into age groups starting at 6-24 months, going all the way to teens. The book normalizes the phases of picky eating and explains why they occur and also details the explanations and potential solutions for other problems that arise. I will definitely keep this book on my shelves as one to go back to and reference, especially if problems arise.
My only complaint is that, especially with the older kids, it assumes that the parents have a lot of control over changing the child's behavior. That is true to some extent, but kids also have a lot of autonomy and outside influences by that point.
There are a lot of appendixes and references and overall this is a great book. I wish it went more into veganism, although it does say all diets can be done healthily with proper attention to nutrition and micronutrients. Highly recommend.
My only complaint is that, especially with the older kids, it assumes that the parents have a lot of control over changing the child's behavior. That is true to some extent, but kids also have a lot of autonomy and outside influences by that point.
There are a lot of appendixes and references and overall this is a great book. I wish it went more into veganism, although it does say all diets can be done healthily with proper attention to nutrition and micronutrients. Highly recommend.
May 18, 2014
I read all of the relevant chapters in this book (so, not the chapters on school-aged children or teenagers), and I found it both encouraging and helpful. The authors are clearly interested in helping others develop healthy eaters, and their tone carries a "you can do it!" attitude (when they could have erred on the side of condescension). The chapter on toddlers was especially helpful for where I am right now as a mom, and I know I'll be using this book as a reference for years to come as my children grow up.
February 28, 2021
A lot of nutritional facts, guidelines for different age groups, what to expect at evert age as well as how to handle the challenges.
I liked how the authors make you think about your own habits and your own chalenges with food and diets and they offer recommendations on how to overcome that. One book that they recommend related to this is "Eat what you love, love what you eat".
It made me create a nutritional plan for my little one and us, so I have a plan to follow for the next months.
I liked how the authors make you think about your own habits and your own chalenges with food and diets and they offer recommendations on how to overcome that. One book that they recommend related to this is "Eat what you love, love what you eat".
It made me create a nutritional plan for my little one and us, so I have a plan to follow for the next months.
March 22, 2014
Gave me some good insights and I have changed how I approach mealtime in some ways. I wished there was a little more info on nutrition. I particularly wish they would have better addressed sugar intake and guidelines around that. It seemed longer than necessary.
July 25, 2014
This was a very helpful feeding guideline, great for parents with children of any ages. The suggestions are practical (not extreme) and make common sense. Now I am working on implementing what I learned...I will probably end up buying a copy of this book to have as a resource with regular access.
August 22, 2014
This is a book to use as a reference as my children grow. I like the premise of providing food and the child choosing to eat or not. It gives me reassurance when I falter and gives me a reference point for my husband who is afraid the children will starve if we don't cater to them.
October 1, 2021
Solid. The most value comes from the charts and the resources at the end of the book. Though it was slightly disappointing that many of the charts don't come in the book and have to be downloaded from the website. There were a lot of good tips here overall.
October 29, 2013
Very easy read & great resource for parents & nutritionists working with parents. I really enjoyed this book and can tell I will use it in my professional practice.
September 24, 2013
This really hit me exactly where I was. The author's approach matches a lot of how I approach things with my students in the classroom. Great read. :)
March 7, 2015
Not much info I didn't know..and next to nothing I'm not already doing. I need something that will help.
The only good tip I got was to let them lick a food instead of taking a bite.
The only good tip I got was to let them lick a food instead of taking a bite.
October 4, 2015
Good advice, sound principles. Offer what, how, when, and let the child choose if and how much. Don't push.
December 6, 2015
Good reading and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews