S1 E9: Growing Through Diet Culture: Food, Culture, Healing

A glass of Apothic wine, a lot of laughter, and a conversation that goes exactly where it needs to: how body ideals form, how assimilation pressures can tip kids into disordered eating, and how compassion (not restriction), brings us back to balance.

On this episode, I am sat with Chisom (a Registered Dietitian who works with children and teens) to unpack the myths we still carry about “healthy,” the reality of diet culture, and the difference between expert guidance and internet noise.

Chisom shares her personal journey from over‑exercising and rigid food rules to healing through science‑based training and practice. We get clear on what Registered Dietitians actually do, why the RD title is protected, and the many places they show up: paediatrics, hospitals, schools, public health, policy, sports nutrition, and private practice.

Culture isn’t a barrier; it’s a resource. We explore Nigerian meals—rice and stew, yam and egg stew, plantain, and how Western nutrition advice is from a Western cultural lens; so, it misses the point of dense, sustaining foods. Instead of cutting everything out, Chisom champions an “add‑in” approach: more plants, adequate protein, smart starches, enough water, and better sleep to steady hunger, mood, and energy. We talk practical, bite‑size changes you can keep, how to help kids buy in without battles, and why comfort foods and celebration have a place at the table without guilt.

If you’re raising kids, healing your own relationship with food, or trying to make sense of conflicting nutrition advice, this one will land. Subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a gentler path to health, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.