"From Fear to Flavour – Supporting Texture Exploration for Picky and Neurodivergent Eaters"

Welcome back to Radiant Moments, a J and B Podcast!

Today, we’re diving into the emotional and practical side of texture exploration—a process that can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent children or individuals with sensory sensitivities. But with patience, play, and a trauma-informed approach, we can transform fear into curiosity and nourishment.

🌟 Reflecting on Episode 37: Involving Your Loved One in Care Decisions

Before we explore texture, let’s pause and reflect on our last episode. Episode 37 was all about collaboration—how to empower your loved one by including them in care decisions in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. If you haven’t listened yet, I encourage you to go back. That conversation lays the foundation for building trust and connection, which is key when introducing new sensory experiences like food.

🎧 Listen to Episode 37 -https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oZEqHOzPhAX76FM4AS9Nw?si=60220cf93f57460d

Now, let’s talk about the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that can make technology your ally—not your eIf you’re looking for even more support on your caregiving journey, know that you don’t have to do it alone—there are tools and resources designed to lift you up, nurture your self-compassion, and help you thrive.

Free Download – Journalling Prompts for Caregivers

Start your journey of self-reflection and emotional clarity by downloading your free Journalling Prompts for Caregivers: Download Here.

This tool will guide you through thoughtful questions and prompts designed to help you process your emotions, celebrate your strengths, and reconnect with your own well-being. Whether you're looking to ease stress, gain perspective, or simply find a moment of peace, these prompts are crafted to support and uplift you on your caregiving journey.

Free Download – Mission Statement Guide

Begin your journey of clarity and purpose by downloading your free Mission Statement Guide: Download Here.

This tool will help you define your purpose, articulate your values, and create a mission statement that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, caregiver, or leader, this guide is designed to provide structure and confidence as you refine your mission.

Free Download – Gratitude Journal

Begin your journey of self-discovery and reflection by downloading your free Gratitude Journal: Download Here.

This tool will help you acknowledge small wins and remember that even in caregiving, there’s room for personal growth and fulfilment.

Join J and B Oasis: Our Caregiver Membership

Become a founding member of J and B Oasis, our exclusive caregiver membership launching on January 1, 2025! By joining, you’ll gain access to:

• Exclusive Offers: Special discounts and perks reserved just for founding members.

• Early Access News: Be the first to know about updates, events, and new content.

• Tailored Support: Dive into a community built just for caregivers, where you'll find education, connection, and tools to thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a space designed to uplift and empower caregivers like you.

Join Here and start your journey with J and B Oasis today!

The 90 Second Reset Program: A Rapid Route to Calm

Picture a high-pressure caregiving moment—your loved one needs urgent attention, and your stress is peaking. The 90 Second Reset Program gives you fast, practical tools to break the overwhelm. In under two minutes, targeted breathing exercises or quick grounding techniques can soothe your fight-or-flight response, helping you return to calm and clarity.

Why It Works:

• Immediate Relief: Quickly halt stress before it escalates.

• Easy & Speedy: No lengthy training required—just simple, repeatable steps.

• Caregiver-Specific: Designed with the unique demands of caregiving in mind.

Learn more and unlock your toolkit for immediate stress relief at:  Try Now!

Listen to Radiant Moments:

Why Texture Triggers Fear

For many neurodivergent individuals, texture is not just about preference—it’s sensory, emotional, and sometimes traumatic. Textures can feel unsafe, unpredictable, or even painful, triggering a full-body response that looks like pickiness but is actually self-protection.

Rather than rushing toward results, we’re invited to slow down and build trust.

💛 Affirmation:

“I honour my loved one’s pace and create space for curiosity without pressure.”

Trauma-Informed Texture Exploration

Let’s reframe "picky" as protective. When we use a trauma-informed lens, we begin to understand resistance as a nervous system doing its job.

Try these gentle approaches:

• Start with play – Use soft or squishy foods for touch-based activities.

• Use visuals – “Texture ladders” show safe, step-by-step exploration.

• Parallel play – Model curiosity by interacting with the food yourself.

• Create routine – Predictable rituals make unfamiliar experiences feel safer.

Progress doesn’t mean swallowing—it means participating.

💛 Affirmation:

“Progress is not always linear—every small step counts.”

Real-Life Story – The Apple Breakthrough

One day in food clinic, after months of resistance, my son reached for a spoon and tasted pureed apple. It was the first moment of connection—not fear—with food. That tiny step was monumental. It reminded me that progress comes when we honour the journey, not rush the outcome.

Remember: Every micro-moment of curiosity is a mountain moved.

The Caregiver Experience

Let’s talk about the emotions you carry. Watching your child struggle with food can bring guilt, frustration, and isolation. It’s easy to feel like you're failing—but you're not.

Shift the goalpost:

• Celebrate curiosity over consumption.

• Focus on connection over a clean plate.

• Acknowledge your own efforts and wins.

Try this: Keep a Texture Wins Journal

Write down tiny victories and how they made you feel. These moments matter.

💛 Affirmation:

“I release the pressure and embrace the process. I am guiding with love, not perfection.”

Texture Exploration Toolkit

Choose one of these this week:

• Use mashed foods for sensory play.

• Track progress with stickers or smiley faces.

• Build a food play box with tools like tongs or sponges.

💛 Affirmation:

"I support my loved one’s journey with patience, creativity, and love."

Call to Action: Explore with Empathy

This week, explore one new sensory experience—with patience, not pressure.

Message me and let me know your small win. Whether it’s a brave lick, a curious glance, or a food touched for the first time—it counts. You’re doing amazing work.

Coming Up Next: The Power of the Pause – Mindful Eating for Caregivers

In our next episode, we’ll shift the focus back to you. Because as caregivers, we often forget to nourish ourselves. We’ll explore how mindful eating can help us reconnect with our bodies, regulate stress, and make space for joy at the table.

From fear to flavour—this journey isn’t linear, but it is meaningful. You are creating a safe, empowering space for your loved one to grow—and that is something worth celebrating every single day.

Until next time—stay radiant, stay empowered, and keep shining your light bright. 💛