From Terrified of Food to Steak
A Real-Life Feeding Therapy Transformation
Hosted by Christine Miroddi Yoder, Pediatric Feeding Therapist
Welcome to our final episode of April 2025. Today’s story is uplifting, powerful, and one of my absolute favorites. If you listened to last week’s episode about when parents aren’t ready, this week is the exact opposite. It's the story of what happens when the lightbulb turns on — and real progress begins.
If you’re new here, I’m Christine — a speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding therapist. I help parents of picky and fearful eaters move from stress and resistance to joyful mealtimes. At Foodology Feeding, we use a holistic approach across all four pillars of feeding — oral motor, sensory, gut, and mindset — so your child learns to love food, not just tolerate it for a reward.
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A Child Terrified of Food
I’ve worked with many families over the years, but this child was unlike any other. He had never eaten anything except purees. He had a history of significant sensory sensitivities, gagged at the sight of food, wouldn’t touch anything, wouldn’t eat sitting down, and actively avoided therapy sessions — often trying to escape the room.
The entire mealtime experience was stressful for everyone involved. His family had already tried multiple therapies with no results. Nothing was working — until we started a new approach rooted in building trust, calming the nervous system, and empowering the parents.
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Starting With Safety and Trust
We began with the Safe and Sound Protocol to regulate his nervous system — not just once, but over multiple rounds. Progress started out slow, in part because the parents weren’t implementing much at home yet. But then, something shifted.
He started to show curiosity. One day he licked a piece of food — a huge milestone for this child. It was the first sign of hope, and it lit a fire under his parents to start taking things seriously at home.
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The Parent Becomes the Expert
The real turning point came when the mom got involved. At first, she wasn’t sure if she was doing enough. But during a coaching session, I pointed out how much progress they’d made — and how she had been the one to drive it.
She said, “I didn’t do the homework,” but as we talked more, it became clear she had made the changes — she just didn’t realize it because it felt so natural. She had internalized our guidance and applied it in daily life. It didn’t feel like a checklist. It had become part of how she parented.
She wasn’t just helping her son — she was becoming the expert on his feeding needs. Her confidence grew. Her son’s anxiety decreased. Mealtimes became smoother, calmer, and more productive.
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From Puree to Protein
Eventually, her son — the same child who once gagged at the sight of food — started eating steak. A food that requires advanced oral motor coordination and chewing strength. The transformation was absolutely incredible.
This progress didn’t happen in 3 months. It took time, especially in the beginning when changes at home were minimal. But once the family got on board, it was a complete turnaround.
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A Win for the Whole Family
The best part? This mom applied what she learned to all of her children. Their entire family dynamic around food changed. They now enjoy meals together with a wide variety of foods. She no longer needed someone to "fix" her child — she became the guide, the coach, and the empowered parent her child needed.
That’s the goal of my work — not just progress in therapy, but transformation at home.
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Empowering Parents to Lead the Way
Therapy is only one piece of the puzzle. Real change happens when parents step up. When they learn, take action, and trust the process. It’s not about quick fixes — it’s about baby steps that build confidence and consistency.
This mom gained the tools, mindset, and clarity to support her child through every stage. And now? She’s thriving. So is he.
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Want to Start Your Own Transformation?
If you're feeling stuck and unsure where to begin, you don’t have to do it alone. Our program, Unlocking Mealtimes, offers:
* A personalized roadmap that identifies your child’s exact challenges
* Step-by-step strategies tailored to your child’s stage
* Ongoing coaching to keep you moving forward
You can also take the first step today and find out what type of eater your child is — Fearful, Stuck, or Curious — by visiting:
👉 thepickyeaterstest.com
You’ll receive free resources and clarity on what to do next — whether you're just starting out or feeling like you've tried everything.
We’d love to support you on this journey. And if nothing else, I hope this story reminds you that change is possible — even when it feels impossible.
See you next week!
