Bitter Orange Podcast
What do children think about eating healthy? 🍊🥬🍐

🎧 Introducing the Naranja Amarga podcast (Juan Llorca and Nutrikids), with support from Zapato Feroz 👣

🍊 In this episode of Naranja Marga , Juan Llorca and Melisa Gómez sit down with a group of children for a frank discussion about food: what "eating well " means to them, what they understand by healthy eating , how they eat at home, and what myths they hear about bread, carbohydrates, sugar, milk, processed foods, and chocolate. Based on their answers, they clarify key concepts (such as the importance of carbohydrates in childhood, the role of sugar, fiber, and dairy) and debunk common beliefs held by families and grandparents , all in a friendly and fun way, with "true or false" games and a quick round of questions about food preferences.

In this episode we give a voice to children to learn how they understand healthy eating and how they experience food in their daily lives.
We recommend you watch the whole thing, because it's not to be missed.

Here are the most important points of the conversation:

What does “eating well” mean to them?

• Flavorful meals and combinations that fit together.

• Mixed opinions on sauces and salads with fruit.

What do they understand by healthy eating?

• Include everything: proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, fruits and vegetables.

• Many prioritize protein; Melisa clarifies that carbohydrates are essential in childhood and are unfairly “demonized”.

Household habits:

• In some homes, bread, pasta, or processed foods are avoided; proteins and vegetables are prioritized.

• Bread is perceived as "less healthy", although it depends on the context and the quantity.

• It is discussed when bread is usually consumed.

Carbohydrates, fiber and cereals:

• The role of fiber in whole grains is highlighted.

• Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet.

Food myths:

• Milk: it's not mandatory; calcium is found in many other foods.

• Citrus fruits and teeth: they can affect the enamel, but should not be avoided.

• Brown sugar vs white sugar: practically the same.

• Honey and dates: small differences; it's best to use a small amount.

• Chocolate and pimples: acne is multifactorial.

Processed vs. ultra-processed:

• A distinction is made between simple and ultra-processed foods.

• What matters is frequency and quantity, not "good/bad".

Sugar and hyperactivity:

• Although many families perceive it, the evidence does not support it; there may be energy peaks and dips.

Diabetes and genetics:

• It is not usually "born" with it; genetics and some trigger are involved.

Sugar and fiber curves:

• Sweets produce energy highs; fiber helps stabilize energy.

Other classic myths:

• Indigestion: a common myth; only extreme cases would be dangerous.

• Fruit at night: cultural beliefs without evidence.

Personal tastes and final games:

• Quick question round (ice cream/cake, pizza/hamburger, etc.) with varied answers.

• They talk about unusual tastes and recipes they see on social media.

Episode closing:

• Juan and Melisa highlight how enriching the exchange was and thank Zapato Feroz and the technical team, encouraging everyone to follow the podcast.

👉 Don't miss the rest of the episodes 🎙️

Recorded in Ferozland