The Root Causes of Picky Eating with Integrative Paediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Holistic Feeding Specialist Lena Livinsky | Episode 111

The Root Causes of Picky Eating with Integrative Paediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Holistic Feeding Specialist Lena Livinsky | Episode 111

July 19, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

This episode explores the root causes of picky eating in children, discussing various health factors that may contribute to this behavior.

Picky eating is often treated as a behaviour problem, but what if it is actually a sign that something deeper is going on?  In this episode, we explore the hidden factors that can influence how children eat, from gut health and nutrient deficiencies to nervous system regulation and sensory processing. I am talking to Lena Livinsky, an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist. Lena shares how her own experience parenting a child with severe picky eating changed the way she approaches feeding therapy and why she now views picky eating as a symptom, not a diagnosis.   Lena and I talk about: • Why picky eating is often connected to underlying health issues • How gut health and the gut-brain connection can affect cravings, appetite, and food preferences • The role blood sugar regulation plays in mood, energy, and sugar cravings • How nervous system dysregulation can impact mealtimes and feeding behaviours • Why stress at the table can make picky eating worse for both children and parents • How sensory sensitivities influence food texture preferences and eating habits • The connection between nutrient deficiencies and picky eating •…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Lena Livinsky

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: integrative paediatric speech language pathologist, holistic feeding specialist

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