A Functional Approach to Nutrition: Practical Tips for Families

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a balance between healthy eating and the realities of busy family life can feel overwhelming. The pressure to provide the "perfect" diet for your kids while navigating social situations, family gatherings, and the occasional indulgence can be a challenge.

In a recent conversation on The Mama Making Podcast, we explored the principles of functional nutrition with expert Taryn, who shared valuable insights on how to create a sustainable, nourishing approach to food for both kids and adults. Whether you're new to holistic health or looking to refine your family's diet, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on food as fuel—without guilt, stress, or unrealistic expectations.

The Mindset Shift: Food Is Just Food

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the importance of shifting our mindset around food. As moms, it’s easy to fall into the trap of labeling certain foods as “good” or “bad,” but Taryn encourages us to take a more neutral approach.

“Reprioritizing to ‘food is food’ has been a really good rule of thumb for me and my family," Jessica shared. "It’s just a matter of what feels best for you."

Rather than focusing on strict rules, the goal is to create a balanced environment where kids have access to a variety of foods—both nutrient-dense options and occasional treats. By making nutritious foods the default at home, kids learn to develop a natural preference for them.

Empowering Kids with Healthy Choices

So how do we encourage our kids to make healthier choices without forcing it? Taryn suggests a simple approach:

“You can only control what you do at home. I try my best to control that as much as possible.”

This means keeping nutrient-dense foods readily available and modeling healthy eating habits. For example, if your child is craving a sweet treat, you can pair it with a protein source to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

“We serve a donut with protein—whether it’s chicken sausage, an egg, or a Chomps stick. This way, we prevent that blood sugar spike and crash, and they’re still satisfied with their treat.”

It’s not about eliminating treats but about being mindful of how we consume them. This small shift can make a huge difference in stabilizing energy levels and reducing cravings throughout the day.

Navigating Food Challenges at Family Gatherings

Another common challenge for parents is maintaining their food philosophy when kids are outside the home—whether at a birthday party, a family gathering, or a playdate.

“You have to have a little grace with yourself, knowing that they’re not always going to eat exactly what you would prefer," Taryn reassured.

Instead of stressing over every meal, focus on the long-term habits you're building at home. If your child enjoys a cupcake at a party, it's okay! The key is consistency in their daily routine, rather than perfection in every situation.

Functional Nutrition: A Root Cause Approach to Health

Taryn also emphasized the importance of looking beyond just symptoms when it comes to health. Functional nutrition focuses on identifying the root causes of imbalances rather than just addressing surface-level issues.

“Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and it’s our job to listen.”

Too often, people are dismissed by traditional medical professionals when their standard lab results appear "normal," even though they feel exhausted, inflamed, or unwell. Functional medicine takes a different approach by looking at optimal levels rather than just standard reference ranges.

“I had a client whose functional provider put her on 20 supplements without even addressing her diet first. That’s not the goal. We need to establish strong foundations—nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement—before we layer in supplements.”

This holistic approach ensures that any lifestyle changes are sustainable and effective in the long run.

Practical Steps to Start a Functional Nutrition Journey

If you're considering a shift toward a more holistic and functional approach to health, here are some simple steps to get started:

Prioritize Whole Foods – Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats. Keep processed foods to a minimum, but don’t stress over occasional indulgences.
Balance Blood Sugar – Pair carbohydrates with proteins and fats to prevent energy crashes. For example, instead of just handing your child a granola bar, add some cheese or nuts to stabilize their blood sugar.
Tune Into Your Body – If you or your child experience frequent fatigue, digestive issues, or mood swings, consider exploring functional testing to uncover potential imbalances.
Be Your Own Advocate – Not all providers take a root-cause approach. If you feel dismissed, seek out a functional medicine practitioner who aligns with your values.
Make Small, Sustainable Changes – Start with one or two shifts at a time. Swap out sugary cereals for eggs and fruit at breakfast, or replace packaged snacks with whole food alternatives like nuts and yogurt.

A Long-Term, Sustainable Approach to Wellness

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to achieve a "perfect" diet but to create a sustainable way of eating that supports long-term health and well-being.

“This is an investment, but it’s also an investment of your time. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s a long-term, sustainable approach.”

By making small, intentional choices, we can fuel our bodies in a way that feels good, teaches our kids lifelong habits, and removes the guilt and stress from mealtime.

If you're interested in learning more about functional nutrition, Taryn offers one-on-one programs that include lab testing, bi-weekly meetings, and personalized protocols to help you regain balance and optimize your health.

TL;DR

In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast, Jessica sits down with Taryn Keller, a functional nutrition practitioner, to explore the importance of functional health, especially for postpartum women. Taryn shares her journey from conventional medicine to functional nutrition and highlights the unique health challenges mothers face.

They discuss the foundational elements of well-being—nutrition, sleep, stress management, and movement—offering practical tips for families to make informed food choices. Taryn also dives into the role of supplements, the power of mindset shifts in nutrition, and long-term strategies for achieving optimal health.

Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with valuable takeaways for moms looking to prioritize their health and well-being.

How to connect with the Taryn:

IG: @tarynekeller

Website: Book a discovery call

Extras: Mineral Mocktail Guide

mom podcast, motherhood podcast, motherhood journey, postpartum mental health, pregnancy, new mom support, functional nutrition, postpartum health, holistic health, women’s health, nutrition tips, gut health, mindset, supplements, family nutrition, health coaching

S.3 Ep. 97: Taryn Keller | Functional Health & Nutrition in Motherhood