The book is more of a manifesto than a how-to guide and although it makes some valid points, there is little discussion on how to raise healthy children. The first hundred pages could have been condensed as they excessively focus on the problems with "diet culture," and its negative impact on mental health. Although the book provides useful tips for feeding children, such as offering a variety of foods at regular intervals and not limiting food consumption, it tends to argue that any restrictions around food are inherently bad. While I appreciate the importance and thorough research behind this book, it's simply too lengthy. As someone familiar with Intuitive Eating (IE), I found it challenging to get through and wish that parents unfamiliar with IE could have access to a more user-friendly and time-efficient resource. Nonetheless, I did find valuable affirmation, wisdom, and encouragement regarding the stress of mealtime as a parent raising small children.

This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press - St. Martin's Essentials through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Eating healthy, and mindfully is one thing, but as Sumner Brooks and Amee Severson conveys exquisitely in How to Raise an Intuitive Eater, we never think about the relationship with food. I am one that is a victim of having an unhealthy relationship with food, treating it less like fuel, and more like an addiction. I have paid the price by telling myself that's not good for you, you can't eat that, etc. The only question I was thinking when I was reading this book, where was this book when I was a kid? If this book existed, would I have all these health problems? Reading this book is a win no matter the circumstance. I now know the real reason to eat healthier (to feel great, and have a healthy relationship with food as fuel), and pass this information along to my children, and other children for generations to come. This book can change the world, and it's already starting to change the way we think and feel about food and healthy eating.

A life-changing, healthy lifestyle, that will change the world for generations to come. This book deserves 5 stars.

I think that this book is so important and every parent needs to read it. Teaching kids that food holds no morality is so imperative to a healthy relationship with food long term.

How to Raise an Intuitive Eater: Raising the Next Generation with Food and Body Confidence by Sumner Brooks; Amee Severson is an attempt to provide guidelines for raising children without food issues. I agree with the authors' beginning premise that children are not born with food issues; however, I do not think that they provide much in the way of ways to help this situation. This feels like a manifesto for why we need to help kids and a call to action. I like that the authors address the mental health and food insecurity components of this issue. I just hoped for a lot more in this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Intuitive eating is something I struggle with as an adult so I knew I wanted to gather some tips/tricks for raising my children with a healthier relationship with food. I'm not sure I agree with everything touted in the book, but I do think de-stigmatizing ALL foods is extremely important. I think some of the beginning of the book could have been condensed and I'm not sold on all of their ideas. I'm not sure if my resistance is down to diet culture in general or just that some of this wasn't practical for a family.

I had really high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it wasn't really what I expected. While the authors do give some good advice, they are also extremely biased and dole out some advice that is simply terrible for some. Having dealt with a long history of eating disorders, I have had to work hard to learn how to intuitively eat. Some of the "advice" in this book is what made my disorders worse and is very triggering for those of us who have actually struggled with it. I'm not sure if the authors haven't experienced or are just seeing it in black and white and only believe what works for them is valid. I could go into great detail, but honestly, get so frustrated spending more brain power on it and had a hard enough time even finishing this book. Sufficeth to say, the advice offered may work for some, but it is simply opinion, and could do the opposite for others. Not setting unnecessary restrictions is great advice, though it is more about how to eat whatever your body wants, not necessarily what is good for your body most of the time. For example, they recommend having all sorts of sweets and treats constantly available so kids can have them when they desire. So if you generally try to offer varied, but overall nutritious whole food, this book may not work for you.

I had high hopes for this book but was actually disappointed in the overall quality of the work. The authors raise some valid and important points; however, the book, overall, was not what I hoped.

I also found the visual format and layout detracted from the overall reading experience.

Yes, yes, yes! In a culture fixated on perfection and control, this book is a breath of fresh air focused on supporting children’s relationship with food and their bodies. Filled with practical things to consider as well as research supporting reasons to challenge diet culture and weight based health messages.

What a wonderful resource for parents! This is a thoughtful, thorough book that deeply explores our relationship with food, diet culture, and how to pass along values and behaviors that support comprehensive health to kids.

Instead of merely providing child-focused instructions, nearly half the book is dedicated to parents untangling their own issues, assumptions, and baggage around food, body image, and dieting. This makes for happier, healthier, more responsive parents who can model and teach intuitive eating to their children and help them trust and appreciate their bodies.

The overall approach is very flexible and non-judgmental. No one expects perfection, and a good amount of attention is given to how to handle missteps and moments of human-ness. There are helpful reflection questions, summaries, and scripts to use to handle all sorts of situations.

No one is immune to diet culture and our society's mixed-up messages about food and bodies, so absolutely anyone can benefit from reading this book. Parents of kids of all ages will find clear, useful information to help support their children's development.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

This has some really great tips about raising intuitive eaters. I like how it talks about not making a big deal about body image and just concentrating on getting kids to eat healthy. It can be a struggle, as a mom I know. I think this is a good book for any parent.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!