Confused about “how much to gain,” what to eat, or why your toddler suddenly hates veggies? Nutrition scientist Dr. Beth Widen shares clear, evidence-backed advice for pregnancy, postpartum, and picky eating.
** Key Takeaways **
Dr. Widen's research focuses on maternal diet and its impact on child development.
Personal experiences can drive professional interests in nutrition science.
Pregnancy nutrition is complex and requires understanding individual needs.
Weight gain during pregnancy varies and is influenced bymany factors.
Guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy may not be applicable to all populations.
Long-term effects of pregnancy weight gain can impact postpartum health.
Research is needed to develop better guidelines for diverse populations.
Intuitive eating can empower caregivers and promote healthy eating habits.
Listening to hunger cues is crucial for both mothers and infants.
Support for caregivers is essential in fostering healthy
feeding practices.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Maternal Nutrition Research
02:53 Personal Journey into Nutrition Science
04:39 Understanding Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
06:59 The Complexity of Weight Management in Pregnancy
08:45 Long-term Impacts of Pregnancy Weight
10:06 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Weight Changes
15:58 Postpartum Nutrition and Physical Activity
17:22 Intuitive Eating and Individual Choices
19:49 Self-Regulation in Feeding Babies
24:07 The Role of Caregivers in Feeding
26:24 Understanding Hunger and Fullness Cues
26:53 Personal Reflections on Nutrition and Parenting
** Free Resources **
🥦 Guide to Picky Eating: https://drkiyahduffey.com/picky-eating/
✅ Meal Planning Cheat sheet: https://drkiyahduffey.com/meal-planning-tips-2/
😋 50 Snack Ideas (for You AND Your Kids): https://drkiyahduffey.com/50-snack-ideas/
** Let's Connect! **
🌐 Beth's Research Page, University of Austin: https://nutrition.utexas.edu/directory/elizabeth-widen
📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com
📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/
** About **
Dr. Beth Widen is a nutrition scientist and registered dietitian whose work focuses on the critical window of pregnancy and early childhood. She is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin with joint appointments in nutritional sciences, pediatrics, and women's health. Beth's research looks at how maternal diet, weight gain, and other factors during pregnancy influence not just birth outcomes, but also a mother's long-term health and a child's growth and development well into adolescence. She has published widely on topics like gestational weight gain, maternal diet quality, and childhood nutrition, and her work is helping to shape the guidance that we as parents and providers rely on every day.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.