Food&Body Conversations; Carien Meyer RD/nutritionist South Africa

02/03/2026

Dads!! You play a vital role in helping your daughters relate to their bodies and food in a healthy way.

It is important for both mother and father to refrain from modeling food & body behaviours that are unhealthy, but the father's role in how he relates to his own body and the bodies of others in particular, can further help to counteract the typical cultural messages daughters receive.

Adolescence, in particularly is a very important stage where fathers often withdraw from discussions around development, menstruation, and body image. But their roles are crucial to bring normality to this season in their daughter's development. Affirm them. Do adventurous things with them, give them hope that their bodies are instruments, not ornaments. Give them reasons not to fall for the diet-fix that could potentially lead to a a lifetime of body dissatifaction and yo-yo dieting. Dads matter!

26/02/2026

So true. Important for all who work with athletes and those in performing arts.

25/02/2026

Do you struggle with attunement to your body's signals of hunger and fullness? Does it feel like an unbreakable code? Many factors contribute to that interruption of attunement, but one obvious factor is when there is a history of restriction (eating too little) or chaotic eating(not feeding oneself very consistently, often leading to cycles of restriction and overeating).

It is hard to give the body "room to talk" if there is not enough food to operate on consistently and reliably.

I count it a huge privilege to be part of someone's journey as they rediscover hunger, fullness, and satisfaction and learn to feed themselves adequately and reliably. If you are someone who fears fullness, feeling full, or eating enough, perhaps it is time to have a look at it again in a different, more supportive way?

25/02/2026

Do you struggle with attunement to your body's signals of hunger and fullness? Does it feel like an unbreakable code? Many factors contribute to that interruption of attunement, but one obvious factor is when there is a history of restriction (eating too little) or, chaotic eating (not feeding oneself very consistently, often leading to cycles of restriction and overeating).

It is hard to give the body "room to talk" if there is not enough food to operate on consistently and reliably.

It really is a beautiful thing to see how clients rediscover calm hunger and fullness and responding to it as they feed themselves adequately and reliably. If you are someone who fears fullness, feeling full, or eating enough, perhaps it is time to have a look at it again in a different, more supportive way?

25/02/2026

Agree!

Sometimes the “healthiest” dinner isn’t the most balanced and nutritionally-perfect one.

It’s the meal where everyone is a little more relaxed.

Because health isn’t just about nutrition. And your kid can’t benefit from the nutrition on their plate if they don’t feel calm and safe. It’s also about what your child’s nervous system is picking up at the table.

When we feed our kids in an attuned way, we pay attention to the whole moment, not just the food. The tone of your voice, the pace, the overall vibe, the connection. Whether your child feels rushed, watched, judged, pressured, or like they’re going to disappoint you…

When you’re calm (or calm-ish), your child borrows that calm. That’s co-regulation. And when their body feels more settled, they’re more likely to feel hungry, to eat what they usually eat, and to be a bit more open to trying something new.

But when a child feels stressed or on edge, appetite often drops and willingness to try new foods usually goes with it. Their brain is focused on getting through the moment, not exploring dinner.

So if tonight is scrambled eggs and toast, pasta again, or a snack-plate situation, it can still be a really good meal.

Not because it’s perfect, but because you showed up steady, kept the pressure low, and helped your child feel safe enough to listen to their body.

What’s your go-to “good enough” dinner on a busy night?

24/02/2026

A handful of peanuts and raisins... just food or does it need to be 'judged', sparking rules, fear (not referring to a peanut allergy here), calorie caution!?

Let me give you some alternative associations to consider too: Nourishing; satisfying, accessible & simple; hitting-the-spot; handy!?

Sometimes, our reaction to food tells a deeper story than the food itself. What comes up for you - and where does it come from?

(And, just to be clear-this post is about learned food beliefs, not food allergies; a peanut allergy is a serious life-threatening medical condition and I am not referring to that in this post, although fear and safety in that sort of scenario can also be a very real component to deal with).

24/02/2026

23/02/2026

20/02/2026

I just made my own shopping list, and as I wrote down "chocolate" in between vegetables and dairy, I smiled. I had to make a post!

Not all foods are nutritionally equal. But attaching moral value (good vs. bad) to it isn't helpful either. In my work, I see firsthand how these labels add clutter and confusion instead of adding nutrition.

Removing moral judgment doesn't remove wisdom-it creates space for flexible and calmer eating without the knee-jerk reactions to micromanage a "moral failure" by restriction, overthinking, guilt and shame.

If this confuses you, send me a message!




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17/02/2026

Rain has been very special lately....living in a drought-stricken area of South Africa and seeing and feeling its effects is quite dramatic. Recent rain (much prayed for!), revived and reawakened life into the garden....tiny green sprouts of life showing up everywhere. I can't help but see it as such a fitting metaphor for what happens when clients start the brave (and difficult) work towards sufficiently nourishing themselves. If that is you, may you too see those hopeful first sprouts!

17/02/2026

In the realm of food and body conversations, I can't encourage building the skill of curiosity enough. It enables you to ask different questions, to explore, to really and freely reflect. And that, in my opinion and experience, builds capacity and a foundation for realistic, sustainable habits and a healthy relationship with food and body.

Most people's default is, however, one of distrust in their own observations around their body. It is furthermore heavily influenced by rigid rules and beliefs from outside leading to inaccurate judgments and, therefore, unsustainable actions. A mouthful!! Can you relate? Let me know ♡♡♡.

12/02/2026

A great perspective and helpful way to approach 'body discomfort' conversations with your child.♡