90: Should You Force Kids to Eat?

It’s dinnertime. You’ve cooked up a tasty meal and the whole family gathers around the table, only for your child to declare, “I’m not hungry!” Sound familiar? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we’re taking on one of the trickiest aspects of parenting: navigating those moments when your kids refuse to eat, either out of genuine lack of hunger or just a desire for something else (like dessert). We’ll talk about why rigid mealtimes might clash with our kids’ natural hunger signals, why forcing them to “clean their plate” can backfire, and how hormones like ghrelin and leptin play a key role in deciding when to eat (or not eat). We’ll also dive into the difference between real hunger and a fleeting craving — because if you’re not truly hungry, how do you know when you’re actually full? This episode will give you practical ways to handle dinnertime standoffs without turning the table into a battlefield. We’ll discuss why it’s okay for your child to skip a meal if they’re genuinely not hungry and how to encourage them to choose nutrient-dense foods rather than sugary or processed alternatives. Whether you’re a parent dealing with pickiness or simply an adult trying to honor your own body’s hunger signals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on mealtime “rules” and will help you and your family eat more intuitively.  Let’s foster an environment where our kids can discern their true hunger cues — and hopefully save you from some dinner table drama along the way. Learn more: 11 Tips For Getting Kids To Eat Healthy Foods:https://michaelkummer.com/get-kids-to-eat-healthy/  Is An Animal Based Diet Healthy? My Family’s Journey From Keto to Carnivore and Beyond: https://michaelkummer.com/animal-based-diet/  Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more.  Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/    Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop  In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - The dinner table dilemma: “I'm not hungry!” 02:00 - Understanding hunger hormones: Ghrelin & Leptin 02:35 - Why rigid mealtimes don’t always work for kids 03:43 - What to do before late-night activities 06:00 - Letting kids swap proteins, not swap for junk 07:50 - Teaching the difference between hunger and cravings 09:33 - Why grazing all day backfires 11:41 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #IntuitiveEatingForKids #RaiseHealthyEaters #ListenToYourBody #HungerNotHabits