Podcast
Messy Bites
Hosted by Marina Chaparro, RDN, CDCES · EN
Welcome to Messy Bites — where nutrition science meets real mom life, with a side of culture, chaos, and amor. I’m here to help you navigate the beautifully messy world of feeding kids—with science, love, and maybe a tortilla or two. I’m Marina Chaparro, a pediatric registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and mamá of two. From “Is my kid From “Is my kid eating enough protein?” to “Are baby carrots even safe?”, we dive into the messy side of feeding with real stories, expert guests, and tips rooted in science (not fear). Let’s make feeding our kids less about guilt—and more about connection!
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Baby’s First Foods (Latino Edition): Science, Culture, and Rewriting How We Feed Babies | EP 23
Feb 1700:28:14Tap to summarizeThis episode is sponsored by: National Pork BoardShould you listen to Abuela or the pediatrician? 🥑When it comes to starting solids, many parents feel caught between traditional advice and modern medical handouts. Today, we’re rewriting the script on baby’s first bites. Registered Dietitian Marina Chaparro joins the booth to explain why beans, pork, and avocado aren’t just "safe"—they are essential powerhouses for your baby’s brain development during those critical first 1,000 days.We’re busting the "bland baby food" myth and showing you how to reclaim your cultural flavors from day one. Learn how to bridge the gap between tradition and science to raise a confident, joyful (and well-fed!) eater.In this episode, we cover:The Iron & Zinc Gap: Why these two nutrients are non-negotiable right now.Pork as a Superfood: How it supports brain development and how to serve it safely.Allergen Introduction: Why waiting might be doing more harm than good.Spicing It Up: Moving past bland purees to introduce the "Latin Style" flavors your family loves.Connect with Marina:📲 Instagram: @nutrichicos🌐 Website: www.nutrichicos.comLove the show? Please leave us a rating and review on Spotify or Apple! It helps other parents find the evidence-based nutrition advice they need.#BabyLedWeaning #PediatricNutrition #LatinParenting #StartingSolids #HealthyBaby #NutriChicos
Transcribe →Worried About Your Child's Weight, BMI, Growth Charts, and the Pressure Parents Feel | EP 22 📉
Feb 1100:40:46Tap to summarizeDid your child’s last pediatrician visit leave you anxious about percentiles or BMI?You’re not alone, and you’re not failing.In this episode, I sit down with pediatric dietitian and author Jill Castle to unpack the pressure parents feel around their child’s weight. We move beyond the growth chart and focus on what truly matters: a child’s physical, physiological, and psychological health.Jill shares her “Kids Thrive at Every Size” philosophy and practical tools to help you navigate weight stigma, respond to tough pediatrician conversations, create structure around meals, and raise kids who have a healthy relationship with food, no matter their size.If you’ve ever questioned yourself after a growth chart appointment, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and empowered.Learn more about Jill Castle:https://jillcastle.com/about-jill/childhood-nutrition-writer/I’m Marina Chaparro, Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. Let’s raise confident, joyful eaters together.Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nutrichicosVisit my website:https://www.nutrichicos.com/#KidsNutrition #Parenting #HealthyEating
Transcribe →Is Your Child Getting Enough Protein? The Facts Every Parent Should Know | EP 21
Dec 1600:20:20Tap to summarizeThis episode is sponsored by the National Pork Board. Is your child eating enough protein? 🤔Protein is one of the most talked-about topics in kids nutrition, and many parents worry their child isn’t eating enough. In this episode of the Messy Bites Podcast, pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro breaks down what children actually need, clears up common protein myths, and explains why most kids in the U.S. are already meeting their protein needs through everyday foods.We also explore why lean pork is a nutrient-dense, family-friendly protein option that supports growth, brain development, and chewing and speech development in young children.You’ll learn:How much protein children need at different agesWhy protein has become such a hot topic in the U.S.Why toddlers and picky eaters often refuse meatThe role of protein in growth, brain health, and developmentKey nutrients from animal foods, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12Practical tips for feeding protein to picky eatersEasy, kid-approved meal ideas, including Air Fryer Pork MeatballsA simple challenge to help parents feel confident about their child’s protein intakeHi, I’m Marina Chaparro, Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. My goal is to help parents raise confident, joyful eaters without stress or guilt.For more kids nutrition tips and family-friendly recipes, follow Marina on Instagram at @nutrichicos or visit nutrichicos.com.
Transcribe →🎧 How to Raise Kids Who Are Connected to Their Roots: Family, Culture, and Food Stories 🌎❤️ | EP 20
Nov 1800:46:53Tap to summarizeJoin Marina Chaparro, Pediatric RD and host of Messy Bites, as she chats with experts Dr. Iliana Guerra Martinez (PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES) and Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez (PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND). Discover how cultural foods go beyond nutrition, they're about heritage, celebration, and family bonds, especially for Hispanic/Latina moms raising kids far from home. Learn to share traditions while prioritizing health, debunk myths, and embrace connection as the ultimate ingredient.Special thanks to sponsor Dairy Max and LAHIDAN for the free multicultural cookbook "Nuestros Sabores," featuring 28 authentic recipes from 9 cultures like Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia (and more!). Download it here: https://www.dairymax.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Nuestros_Sabores.pdfIn this episode we discuss:- Intro: Food as Culture & Love- Sponsor Shoutout & Cookbook- Guest Welcome- Connection's Power- Debunking Food Myths- Honoring Culture with Nutrition- Family Recipe ChallengeFollow Marina: IG @nutrichicos | nutrichicos.com#KidsNutrition #FoodIsCulture #LatinaMoms #MessyBites #DairyMax #LAHIDAN
Transcribe →25 Years a Type 1 Warrior: 6 Lessons for Every Family About Food, Balance, & Resilience 💥❤️ | EP 19
Nov 1100:21:38Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Pediatric Registered Dietitian and fellow Type 1 Warrior Dr. Marina Chaparro reflects on 25 years since her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis at age 16. Marina opens up about six powerful lessons T1D has taught her about food, nutrition, and living a balanced, guilt-free life.This episode isn’t just for T1D families—it’s for anyone ready to embrace progress over perfection, self-forgiveness, and the joy of connection and growth. Discover how to navigate life (and diabetes) with compassion, curiosity, and resilience.✨ In this episode:Marina’s journey: 25 years as a T1D warriorLessons learned about food, nutrition, and mindsetLetting go of guilt and focusing on progressEmbracing growth, empathy, and self-forgivenessThe Messy Bites mission to raise a new generation of balanced eaters💛 Let’s raise confident, joyful eaters together.➡️ Follow Marina: @nutrichicos🌐 Learn more: www.nutrichicos.com#KidsNutrition #Parenting #HealthyEating #Type1Diabetes #MessyBitesPodcast
Transcribe →