For generations, parents have been told that picky eating is normal, inevitable, and just part of raising kids. But what if that's not true? What if picky eating is actually a modern phenomenon—and one we've unintentionally created?
In this episode, Nicole sits down with historian, professor, and author Helen Zoe Veit to explore the surprising history behind children's eating habits. Drawing from her book Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History, Helen reveals how kids once ate everything from bitter greens to spicy foods and why modern parenting, nutrition advice, convenience foods, and fear-based messaging may have changed that. Together, they unpack what parents can learn from history, how to build curiosity around food, and why confidence—not control—may be the missing ingredient at the dinner table.
In This Episode We Discuss:
Why picky eating is a relatively recent phenomenon in American history
How children in the 19th century developed adventurous palates
The role of nutrition science in changing children's diets
Why modern parents feel so much pressure around food and feeding
The difference between food neophobia and true picky eating
How repeated exposure helps children learn to enjoy new foods
Why separate "kids' meals" may be contributing to the problem
The impact of snacks, convenience foods, and ultra-processed foods
How confidence and consistency can transform family mealtimes
The connection between food, curiosity, joy, and lifelong health
This conversation is a powerful reminder that children may be capable of far more than we give them credit for—and that curiosity, resilience, and openness can all be nurtured one bite at a time.
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Connect with Helen:
Book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250402509/picky/
Website: http://www.helenveit.com/
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