Feed to Succeed Podcast

How much decision making power are you giving your kids when it comes to food, and how much power should you give? Should they be able to choose every meal, some of the meals, or just eat whatever you serve? Tune into today's episode for stories of other families facing this struggle and advice on how to handle it.

Have you ever wondered if your cultural background affects your medical care and diagnoses? Betsy and Jen tackle a difficult subject - cultural biases in healthcare and why not everything can be fixed with a pill. How do you know when your child is one of the few that should be off milk and dairy?

What to pack, or should I send? Do you have a plan for feeding your kids, in OR out of school?  In this episode, Betsy and Jen discuss eating lunch during the COVID-19 school day, including tips and suggestions for keeping it healthy, whether your kids are in-person or e-learning!

Have you wondered about the safety of your groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic? Or is it truly safe to eat take-out? What about school lunch safety, with many kids heading back into the classroom? Listen to this amazingly informative podcast, with Betsy, Jen, and special guest Dr. Sarah Connolly, professor of biology and health sciences at DePaul University, and expert in virus studies. Sarah answers Betsy and Jen's tough questions about COVID's survival on food and packaging, as well as shares her own personal experiences with her family and food over the past few months. 

Have you felt as if you have had a hard time staying healthy during quarantine? Us too! In this episode, Betsy and Jen discuss how to eat well and stay active while stuck at home and strategies you can use to help yourself stay on track when it's hard to find motivation.

Betsy and Jen discuss at home gardening. Did you know that even this late in the summer, there is still time to plant vegetables and have them ready to eat in the fall? You can hear all about that, Jen's indoor LED light gardens, and more in this episode! Also, be sure to check out Betsy's brand new website at feedtosucceed.com!

Betsy and Jen discuss Vitamin D - sources, supplements, benefits, and more. Did you know that there have been studies linking good Vitamin D levels to a decreased risk of death from COVID-19? Listen now to learn more!

It's not uncommon when kids and teens decide to be vegetarian or vegan. Many factors go into these thoughts, from environmental costs, to animal rights, and health! Young people are often thinking and experimenting with new ideas, and vegetarian diets CAN be healthy...    if done well. Join yours hosts Betsy and Jen, as they discuss their own experiences both following and providing guidance on how to help your child stay healthy and well, while supporting evolving eating preferences. 

In this episode, our hosts Betsy and Jen tackle carbs; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Are Belvita Breakfast Biscuits truly a nutritious breakfast? See how well you know your labels as we cover all things carbohydrates!

Join your hosts, Betsy Hjelmgren and Jen Karakosta, as they kick off the first episode of their 6th podcast season with an update on everything pertaining to quarantining, COVID-19, and food! Betsy shares the pros and cons of providing nutrition services by telehealth, and Jen shares her insights on food and comfort in times of crisis.

Join Betsy and Amanda for an in-depth and informative discussion on milk, milk-substitute, and nutrition. What is the best option for you and your family? Why does almond milk seem to have more calcium than cow's milk (but really doesn't!) Is cow, almond, or soy better? Or is cow's milk really an acceptable healthy choice? All these answers, plus more are awaiting you in this info-packed episode!

How does a team of elite athletes fuel themselves before practice? What about after practice? And what do they do for hydration? These five teens joined our program during an energetic carpool, on the way to a distant practice, to bring you their tips and favorite foods for fueling for their sport. Listen in for different perspectives and ideas, and see if there is something you can try for yourself!

Join Betsy and Amanda on a lively scientific discussion about milk, as they review its use for both basic hydration and for athletes before and after workouts! Review and hone your understanding of milk and its sugar content, as well as the nutrient density of different milk substitutes. Are there benefits to adults who drink milk? Listen in for more details about milk and its relation to disease in adults from a recent study published in November.

Melanie Battaglia, a dietitian, sports nutrition resident, and former college athlete, speaks with Betsy by phone from Texas, on this informative episode about teen athletes' protein and energy needs. Melanie shares food ideas including a smoothie recipe, to help teen athletes meet the demands for both strength, endurance, and growth! Do you know if trail mix is an adequate protein for an athlete? Betsy didn't! Listen in to this recording for all that plus more!

Betsy Hjelmgren interviews special guest, synchronized ice skater, Alyssa Hjelmgren, from Northbrook's very own Teams Elite Synchronized Skating Team. Betsy and Alyssa discuss sports nutrition topics, including hydration, and the "Athlete's Plate", including how Alyssa has utilized these resources to improve her endurance and stamina during tough practices and competitions. Alyssa shares her personal tips on what works and what helps for early morning practice and managing eating through nerves. Additionally, Alyssa discusses her experience with other teens and the issue of body image.

Betsy is back, and bringing you a Thanksgiving episode, and news about Feed to Succeed and where we have been these past few months. Listen in as she chats with newest team member, Meredith Estes. And what does it mean to eat "perfectly"? Or do anything perfectly, for that matter? Are we striving for that? How does one find the balance between good enough and being neurotic? How do we protect our children from body shame and unhealthy relationships with food? Share your thoughts and strategies with us.

Betsy and Jen review the series 4 on infant nutrition and move on into what Jen calls other "Pish posh", including a personal update on each of them, with both Jen and Betsy following different experimental diets at this time - Keto and Anti-Inflammatory. As well as a sneak-peek into series 5, coming later this fall!

Terry Labanowski, mom of two young children, struggled as her oldest began dropping foods from her repertoire beginning at age 2 years. After months of evaluations, her daughter was diagnosed with autism, and with therapy, she has been slowly increasing the accepted foods. So when her younger child began showing signs of feeding difficulties, Terry was cued in right away. But his issue was different - he had an over-active gag reflex. Listen in to hear how one family deals with multiple infant and toddler eating issues, as Betsy and Jen chat with Terry in this touching podcast.

Jen and Betsy are excited to share this fun episode, featuring guest dietitian and mom Christine Sharp; here to share her tips and tricks to making your own baby food and advancing your baby from purees to table foods. Is salt okay? What about a little spice? Who needs cereal... kale, basil, and arugula anyone?

Have you ever wondered if there is a different way to teach babies to eat other than with pureed, jarred baby food? Listen in to this episode featuring guest, mom, and New Trier teacher, Jessica Reimer to hear more about the pros and cons!

Ellie Trefz, feeding therapist extraordinaire, returns to join Betsy and Jen in a lively discussion about starting solid food with your baby! Solid food is just for fun, says Ellie. Does Betsy agree? What about nutrition and balance? What about preventing picky eating from the start? Listen in to this episode for tips, ideas, and in preparation for a fun adventure with your infant!

Amanda Gordon, an infant nutrition expert and lactation consultant, returns to join an animated discussion with Betsy and Jen about choosing which infant formula is right for your baby. With so many choices available, what are the different purposes of each? Does spending more money mean a better product? Not necessarily! Tune in for more info!

If you have had any questions about how your infant eats, you won't want to miss this informative episode with Betsy and Jen! Feeding therapist and lactation consultant, Ellie Trefz, is featured today, sharing her experience treating feeding difficulties for all infants, from micro-preemies and preemies to full-term infants who are struggling to feed well. Plus, did you wonder about the pros and cons of the millions of different baby bottles? Ellie shares her insight into how and why to choose bottles and nipples.

Baby cows drink cow's milk; baby goats drink goat's milk; baby camels drink camel's milk; baby humans drink... breast milk? Join Betsy and Jen in a discussion with Amanda Gordon, lactation consultant and infant nutrition expert, to learn more about choosing how to feed your baby with formula or breast milk, as well as a thought-provoking insight to why we call human milk breast milk.

Welcome back to our fourth series of podcasts with our hosts, Betsy and Jen! They are excited to share their knowledge and experience feeding infants, beginning this episode with their personal stories regarding how each host came to feed their own first child, and the difficulties, struggles, and challenges that took each mom down a different path. Don't miss your opportunity to connect and hear how each mom's decision to feed human milk or formula is the best choice for her infant.

Have you ever wished you could take a dietitian or a culinary expert along with you to the grocery store? In this final episode of season 3, listen as Betsy and Jen walk up and down all the grocery aisles with you by their side. Get label reading tips, food tips, and expert insight into what is worth buying ready-to-use, and what is better to make on your own.

Getting down to basics, Jen and Betsy are excited to share their grocery shopping tips to the secret of a healthy weight for all aged people! Underweight, overweight, and overall tips for optimal health - this is an all-inclusive episode for good health.

Coach encouraging you to lose or gain some weight for performance? Youth sports dietitian, Melanie Battaglia, is featured on this episode about nutrition and body weight amongst young athletes. Betsy and Jen ask some pointed questions about when it is or is not appropriate for an athlete to gain or lose weight for their sport, and whose discretion is appropriate to make that determination.

Feed to Succeed sports dietitian, Melanie Battaglia, joins the program with Betsy and Jen today to discuss the use of performance-enhancing supplements and food fads for young athletes. Great info and a good listen for anyone who's kids are faced with frequent pressure and opinions of coaches, peers and other well-intended nutrition advisees.

With so many weight loss plans out there, and so many different opinions and approaches, it can be a sticky situation when a parent is following a diet and also trying to keep the family well-fed and healthy! Betsy and Jen discuss just that in this episode, by reviewing some of the more popular weight management approaches in terms of their efficacy, and then bringing into focus how can we safely and effectively manage this when there are other family members involved.

Pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Stephanie Drobac, is featured on this fascinating episode; discussing the role of hormones and weight/growth in children. How often is the thyroid to blame? What is the role of insulin in weight issues? Betsy and Jen ask these questions and more during this interesting segment about the endocrine system and children.

Did you know a child can be thin, and healthy, and totally fine, or can be thin and healthy and malnourished? Do you know how to tell the difference? Join Jen and Betsy in this interesting interview with pediatrician Divya Gupta, MD, as they discuss and explore the difference between being thin and being underweight, and what to do if you are a concerned parent.

Kids and teens are under more stress than ever before, and the development of a healthy self-image can be challenging. Join this informative discussion with Betsy and Jen, and special guest - licensed counselor and social worker, Lynn Zakeri, who shares from her years of experience helping people with body image concerns. Great episode for parents looking for guidance on how to have healthy body conversations with their kids and teens. Don't miss it!

Do you know what the current recommendations are for daily exercise for kids and teens? It's probably more than you were taught if you grew up in the '80s and '90s like Betsy and Jen. Listen in to this informative and motivating episode for tips and ideas - great for parents and kids alike! Kate Kalnes, a kinetic wellness teacher from New Trier High School and former sports coach, shares her views on being healthy from the inside out. And it's not about the scale...

Jen and Betsy, along with fellow Feed to Succeed colleague Gia Diakakis, discuss disordered eating among children and teens of different ages. Join in to hear more about signs, symptoms, and prevention.

Special guest, Hannah, joins Betsy and Jen in this heartwarming and real view into the realities of trying to improve the weight of her son, as the adolescent years began to pack on extra pounds. Hannah shares the emotional moment that her son realized he had to decide for himself how to manage his health, as well as the guilt she felt as a parent. Helpful tips on what worked for them, including a fun and clever "Top Three Best" game for guiding tough food decisions. Don't miss this amazing episode!

Welcome back to series 3 of the Feed to Succeed podcast! Betsy and Jen are ready to take on the sensitive subject of children, teens and weight problems - both under AND over - with honest dialogue, special guests this season, and lots of empathy to help provide some insight into these difficult situations. In this episode, is weight a good measure of health? Can one be a healthy weight, and still be malnourished? Tune in to hear more.

Bob's Red Mill vs Pillsbury flour - which is better? What did Jen learn most from season 2? Is your child secretly a good athlete, but no one knows it because they never hydrate? Listen to the final episode of season 2 as Jen and Betsy discuss their favorite season 2 topics, plus delve lightly into kids' sports nutrition. Hear a sneak preview of things to come in season 3, and be sure to tune in to the season 3 Facebook Live debut, date to be announced soon!

Does your child follow a special diet or have nutritional accommodations that affect their school day? Have you successfully partnered with your school district to keep your child safe, healthy and included? if you need some tips or wonder about the rules, listen in to Shira Schwartz and Betsy Hjelmgren as they discuss the in's and out's of IEP's, 504 plans, and how to create a healthy partnership with your school.

The nights have begun to cool down and we are thinking about fall eating! Cinnamon apples, pumpkin pies, pears, and squash are amongst our favorite fall delights. Join Betsy and Jen as they update their listeners to the late-season garden, what's good now in seasonal produce, and ideas to get your family interested in trying some of the less-interesting fruits and vegetables currently available.

Do you have the time and energy to make sure your family is eating healthy breakfasts and dinners daily? We don't! Betsy and Jen discuss tips and ideas to getting a well-balanced meal planned and ready for busy mornings out the door, and crazy evenings balancing the schedule of an active family.

Need to get back into the routine and want a little inspiration? Tune in for a lively discussion of lunch and snack packing ideas, a blast from the past #Twinkies, and Betsy's personal plea regarding #Goldfish crackers.  But seriously... let's get on board for a great school year with the Feed to Succeed community!

Have you or your child been told you have "IBS"? Or do you or your child have ongoing GI symptoms of upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, reflux, gas and bloating; but every doctor you've seen has said there is nothing wrong? If so, you will want to hear this week's podcast! Betsy and Jen explore a dietary treatment option for IBS that has been reported by some to have up to an 80% success rate! Not only that, but the diet is short-term, and no medicines required!

One of Betsy's favorite topics and personal areas of expertise, food intolerances! Jen and Betsy explore the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy, as well as how to know if you have a food intolerance.  Did you know it is more common for adults to have lactose intolerance than kids? But do you know that one out of every three kids has an intolerance to another sugar that can cause very similar symptoms to lactose intolerance? Listen in for more information and simple tips that could make a big difference in your child's digestive health!

Join Betsy and Jen as they interview Dr. Jen Rubin, Children's Neurologist at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, as she shares the story of her family's journey through the recent diagnosis of both EoE and Celiac in her 6-year-old son, Grant.  Jen's thoughtful and honest reflection on how this diagnosis has affected her family is an episode not to miss.  

Betsy and Jen discuss their personal and family experience with reflux, as well as tips for management by diet. What foods and what timing affects symptoms? What makes reflux more tolerable? if you've struggled with the annoying problem, tune in for tips and ideas!

Jen and Betsy are very excited to share this informative and eye-opening interview with Dr. Vince Biank, a pediatric gastroenterologist at North Shore University Health System! Listen in to hear about reflux disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis, an uncommon allergic condition that can't be picked up during typical allergy testing. Not to be missed for anyone whose child has struggled with reflux, difficulty swallowing, poor growth, and environmental allergies.

Special guest, pediatrician at Pediatric Health Care Associates Elana Comrov, joins Betsy and Jen for this fun and informative chat about the most common complaint at the pediatrician's office and one of life's most basic human functions... belly pain and pooping! Most of us have struggled at one point or another, and many of our kids have struggled too.  There are some basic things you can do to make things move more easily, and then you need to know when it's time to take it to the next level. Don't miss this great episode!

Welcome to the season 2 opening show with co-hosts Betsy Hjelmgren and Jen Karakosta! Jen and Betsy are taking it deeper this season - beyond the eating and down to the digestion. Listen in to hear about infant reflux, constipation, and more troublesome childhood GI issues; then tune it to the next several episodes as Betsy and Jen explore the connection between nutrition and GI both in wellness and disease. 

Registered dietitian and second-most senior Feed to Succeed employee Gia Diakakis, joins Betsy Hjelmgren to share about Gia's background, love for nutrition and children, and more! Listen in to hear why Gia is so passionately concerned about hydration for children, and why Gia believes that everyone should eat dessert.

Amanda Gordon, registered dietitian, lactation consultant, and pediatric nutrition experts, shares her experience and insight with the youngest of Feed to Succeed's clientele - birth to age 3. Listen in as Betsy interviews Amanda to learn more about why Amanda loves Early Intervention, and how she became interested in working with medically complex infants and toddlers.