Embracing the Chaos of Family Dinners: Interview with Courtney Mericle

When life gets busy, family dinners can feel more like chaos than a moment of connection. But what if we leaned into that chaos and found the magic within it? On this episode of Mealtime Magic and Mayhem, I had the pleasure of chatting with Courtney Mericle, a fitness powerhouse, life coach, and mom of two, who shares how she’s found ways to turn family meals into opportunities for connection, even in the midst of the madness.

Let’s dive into some of the amazing insights Courtney shared during our conversation about food, family, and body confidence.

1. Ditching Diet Culture and Reclaiming Food as Fuel and Love

Courtney's journey started when she struggled with disordered eating as a teenager, feeling the constant pressure to fit into a certain body image. She realized that it wasn’t just about the food she ate, but about how she viewed herself and how society pushed the narrative that thinner meant better. Courtney found freedom when she stopped seeing food as “good” or “bad” and instead embraced it as a source of nourishment, connection, and joy.

She now teaches her kids—and other families—that food is not the enemy. It’s a powerful tool for fueling our bodies and bringing people together at the dinner table.

“Food is love. It's contribution. It's a chance to connect.” — Courtney Mericle

2. The Power of Connection at the Dinner Table

One of Courtney’s biggest shifts was understanding the six human needs: certainty, uncertainty, love and connection, significance, growth, and contribution. She explained how food plays a vital role in meeting these needs, especially within families. By preparing meals together, you’re not just making dinner; you’re building connections, creating memories, and making space for everyone to feel seen and heard.

Want to bring more connection into your family dinners? Start small. Let your kids get involved in meal prep, ask them to pick out a new fruit or vegetable at the store, or let them help with simple tasks like washing produce. This not only makes them feel included but also encourages them to try new foods.

3. From Picky Eaters to Food Adventurers

We’ve all been there—the dreaded battle with picky eaters. But Courtney and I agree that sometimes, it’s about finding the right approach rather than forcing kids to eat things they don't like. Whether it’s introducing a new food multiple times or finding creative ways to cook it, the goal is to keep mealtime fun and stress-free. For example, try a three-bite rule where they need to take three bites of a new food before deciding if they want seconds of something else.

And if they’re involved in cooking? Well, they’re much more likely to try something new! Studies show that kids who help prepare meals are 76% more likely to try new foods.

4. Body Confidence Starts in the Kitchen

Courtney’s shift in mindset didn’t just happen in the gym; it began in the kitchen. For years, she was caught up in the diet culture trap, always worrying about how food would affect her body. But once she started focusing on what her body could do—like lifting heavy weights instead of fitting into a certain size—everything changed.

She now helps women understand that confidence comes from within. It’s not about the number on the scale but how you feel in your body and the energy you bring to your day.

"Fear pushes us until vision pulls us." — Courtney Mericle

5. The Energy Behind Your Eating Matters

Another incredible insight from Courtney is the importance of the energy you bring to the table. Whether you're rushing through a meal or savoring each bite, the energy affects how your body processes food. Eating in a calm, joyful environment helps your body metabolize food more efficiently, while stress-eating can lead to sluggishness and poor digestion.

So, how do you create a more positive eating environment for your family? It doesn’t have to be perfect. Embrace the mess, laugh at the chaos, and remember that connection is more important than having a Pinterest-worthy dinner.

Want More Insights Like This? Tune Into the Full Episode!

This conversation with Courtney was full of so many powerful insights, and we’ve only scratched the surface. To hear more about her journey, her tips for creating a healthy relationship with food, and how she’s bringing magic to her family’s mealtime, listen to the full episode of Mealtime Magic and Mayhem.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode filled with real talk, laughter, and mealtime tips to help you find the magic in the mayhem!

You can find it here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d3ed5e8e-0184-4ec0-be45-64bbc939b4ce/