Feed to Succeed Podcast
107 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsChicago's expert pediatric dietitian teams up with experienced New Trier teacher and culinary coach to bring you honest, informative and entertaining episodes on everything you need to know to raise healthy eaters.
Pediatric nutrition expert Betsy Hjelmgren and culinary coach and teacher Jen Karakosta share their personal experiences as moms and delve into a variety of issues, including: how kids’ nutritional needs differ from adults, setting up an environment for successful family meals, prevention and solutions for the basic picky eater, getting your kids more involved and interested in food and nutrition, and more.
Both moms have worked and practiced in the field of food and nutrition for nearly 20 years. Their conversational, humorous banter will keep you engaged and coming back for more!
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Episodes
Sometimes, you just Need to say No
September 07, 2020 16:00 - 38 minutes - 34.7 MBHow 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.
Is it your Accent or your Doctor? Things that Get in the Way of your Diagnosis
August 31, 2020 16:00 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBHave 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?
School lunch during the COVID days
August 24, 2020 16:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBWhat 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!
COVID-19 Safety, Eating, and More With Special Guest Sarah Connolly, PhD
August 17, 2020 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBHave 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 ...
Staying Healthy While at Home
August 10, 2020 16:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBHave 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.
How Does Your Home Garden Grow?
August 03, 2020 16:00 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBBetsy 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!
Yes, You Do Need Vitamin D!
July 27, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 45.4 MBBetsy 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!
So my child wants to be a vegetarian...
July 20, 2020 17:22 - 40 minutes - 61.7 MBIt'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.
Carbs - From Belvita to Baked Potatoes
July 13, 2020 16:00 - 37 minutes - 57.3 MBIn 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!
Nutrition and Eating in the days of COVID
July 06, 2020 19:56 - 37 minutes - 57.6 MBJoin 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.
Milk - Cow, Soy, Almond, and More! How to Choose, with Amanda
January 21, 2020 17:00 - 26 minutes - 41.6 MBJoin 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!
Sports Nutrition with Teams Elite Teen Athletes - An Interview
January 14, 2020 23:12 - 21 minutes - 32.1 MBHow 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!
Milk for Hydration and Sports
December 18, 2019 22:04 - 38 minutes - 58.9 MBJoin 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.
Sports Nutrition - Protein and Teen Athletes
December 09, 2019 20:59 - 34 minutes - 13.4 MBMelanie 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!
Teen Sports Nutrition with Guest Athlete Alyssa Hjelmgren
December 03, 2019 02:03 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBBetsy 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 ner...
Feed to Succeed Podcast - Teen Sports Nutrition with Guest Athlete Alyssa Hjelmgren
December 03, 2019 02:03 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBBetsy Hjelmgren interviews special guest, synchronized ice skater, Alyssa Hjelmgren, from Northbrook's very own Teams Elite Synchronized Skating Team. Betsy and Alyssa discusses 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 of what works and what helps for early morning practice and managing eating through n...
Feed to Succeed News, and Eating "Perfectly"
November 25, 2019 19:32 - 25 minutes - 37.5 MBBetsy 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 strategi...
Infant Nutrition Wrap-Up
August 12, 2019 04:30 - 28 minutes - 44.9 MBBetsy 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!
Feed to Succeed Podcast, Series 4
August 12, 2019 04:30 - 28 minutes - 44.9 MBBetsy 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 peak into series 5, coming later this fall!
Feed to Succeed Series 4, Episode 8
August 06, 2019 03:16 - 34 minutes - 52.3 MBTerry 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, 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 a...
Two Siblings with Different Feeding Issues
August 06, 2019 03:16 - 34 minutes - 52.3 MBTerry 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 infa...
Feeding Baby Homemade Foods
August 01, 2019 23:17 - 35 minutes - 53.3 MBJen 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?
Feed to Succeed Series 4, Episode 7
August 01, 2019 23:17 - 35 minutes - 53.3 MBJen 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?
Baby Led Weaning
July 22, 2019 17:16 - 32 minutes - 50.9 MBHave 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!
Feed to Succeed Series 4, Episode 6
July 22, 2019 17:16 - 32 minutes - 50.9 MBHave 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!
Series 4, Episode 5
July 15, 2019 23:34 - 38 minutes - 57.4 MBEllie 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!
Starting Solids
July 15, 2019 23:34 - 38 minutes - 57.4 MBEllie 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!
Infant Formula - How to Choose
July 08, 2019 21:36 - 34 minutes - 53.5 MBAmanda 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!
Series 4, Episode 4
July 08, 2019 21:36 - 34 minutes - 53.5 MBAmanda Gordon, 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!
Series 4; Episode 3
July 01, 2019 04:30 - 38 minutes - 56.8 MBIf 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 cho...
Infant Feeding Issues
July 01, 2019 04:30 - 38 minutes - 56.8 MBIf 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 choo...
Series 4, Episode 2
June 26, 2019 04:42 - 38 minutes - 58.9 MBBaby 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.
Breastfeed or Bottle
June 26, 2019 04:42 - 38 minutes - 58.9 MBBaby 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.
Infant Nutrition
June 17, 2019 17:25 - 31 minutes - 47.5 MBWelcome 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.
Feed to Succeed Series 4 - Infant Nutrition
June 17, 2019 17:25 - 31 minutes - 47.5 MBWelcome 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.
A Dietitian's Tour of the Grocery Aisles
March 04, 2019 05:30 - 57 minutes - 89.1 MBHave 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.
A Tour of the Grocery Aisles with an RD and a Culinary Expert
March 04, 2019 05:30 - 57 minutes - 89.1 MBHave 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.
Grocery Tips for Healthy Weight Families
February 25, 2019 05:30 - 42 minutes - 64.4 MBGetting 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.
Body Weight and Young Athletes
February 11, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes - 57.2 MBCoach 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.
Body Weight and the Young Athlete
February 11, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes - 57.2 MBCoach 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.
Athletic Kids, Food Fads, and Sports Supplements
February 04, 2019 20:18 - 32 minutes - 49.8 MBFeed 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.
Athletic Kids, Food Fads and Sports Supplements
February 04, 2019 20:18 - 32 minutes - 49.8 MBFeed 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.
Diets: Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, What's a Kid to Do?
January 28, 2019 06:00 - 47 minutes - 72 MBWith 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.
Dr. Stephanie Drobac: when weight issues are related to hormonal imbalances
January 21, 2019 20:04 - 38 minutes - 62.7 MBPediatric 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.
When Weight Issues are Related to Hormonal Imbalances
January 21, 2019 20:04 - 38 minutes - 62.7 MBPediatric 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.
When is Low Weight Normal?
January 14, 2019 06:00 - 42 minutes - 63.3 MBDid 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.
When is low weight normal and okay, with Dr. Divya Gupta
January 14, 2019 06:00 - 42 minutes - 63.3 MBDid 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.
A Weighty Subject: Mental Health and Body Image
January 07, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 55.7 MBKids 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!
A weighty subject: mental health and body image with Lynn Zakeri
January 07, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 55.7 MBKids and teens are under more stress than ever before, and 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!
Physical Activity and Healthy Weight
December 31, 2018 09:00 - 35 minutes - 54.6 MBDo 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...