Preventing Eating Disorders with Good Foundations: Food Neutrality with Dr. Anna Colton

In this episode of Parenting for Thought, host Emry Kettle, a Child Behavior Specialist, sits down with Dr. Anna Colton, a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working with eating disorders. They explore how parents can help their children develop a balanced and confident relationship with food, reducing the risk of eating disorders. Dr. Colton shares insights from her new book, How to Talk to Children About Food, unpacks the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, explains the importance of food neutrality, and offers practical guidance for navigating conversations about food and setting supportive boundaries.

00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Anna Colton

02:30 Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating

06:55 Parenting & Food Conversations

20:17 Food Neutrality & Diet Culture’s Impact

30:05 Repairing Parenting Mistakes & Reducing Shame

41:26 Final Thoughts & Resources

More about Dr Anna:

https://www.dranna.co.uk/about

https://www.instagram.com/drannacolton/

Get the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Talk-Children-About-Food/dp/1785120557

More about Emry

https://www.emrykettle.com

https://www.instagram.com/emrykettle.coach