🎧 Introducing the Naranja Amarga podcast (Juan Llorca and Nutrikids), supported by Feroz 👣

🍊 In this episode of Naranja Amarga, Juan Llorca and Melisa Gómez talk about the most common myths about children’s nutrition.

From the fear of solids and the demonisation of foods such as oats, gluten or frozen food, to the false idea that children must be forced to eat or that certain products are “essential”. They question beliefs handed down by family, by some out-of-date professionals and by social media, and explain what the current evidence says. They also share personal experiences as parents and professionals to get across one key message: it is possible to feed little ones well without fear, by understanding the context and the child’s appetite, and by prioritising calm and flexibility.

Where the myths come from:

They come from family habits, old social beliefs, out-of-date professionals and misinformation on social media.

A notable example:

At an event, a speaker claimed that frozen vegetables were “badly processed”, but Melisa and Juan explain that they are nutritious, practical and an excellent option both in school canteens and at home.

Oats and antinutrients:

Oats have a bad reputation because of “antinutrients”, but they explain that it is a safe, nutritious and very useful cereal. There’s no need to overcomplicate things; most preparations hydrate oats and make them perfectly digestible.

Washing rice and quinoa:

Melisa says it is advisable for flavour and possible contaminants, although not essential; the benefit of eating grains still outweighs the risks.

Myths about children’s nutrition:

• Purées are not safer than solids; the risk of choking is similar when they are offered properly.
• A child should not be forced to eat; it is important to respect their appetite.
• It is not necessary to eat meat at every meal.
• According to current evidence, dairy does not cause mucus.
• Gluten should only be avoided by people with clinical reasons; cutting it out does not “improve life” in general.
• Plant-based drinks are not a nutritional substitute for milk or infant formula.
• Nuts can be introduced from 6 months as a nut butter.
• Carbohydrates are necessary; they should not be cut out for children.

Managing expectations:

Many problems come from what adults expect a child “should eat”, rather than from a real lack of food.

Personal life and parenting:

Melisa shares the anxiety she feels when she disconnects from her phone, after recent medical emergencies with her daughters, showing how fear also influences feeding.

👉 Don’t miss the other episodes 🎙️

Recorded at Ferozland