64 episodes

Chicago'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!

Feed to Succeed Podcast Betsy Hjelmgren and Jen Karakosta

- Health & Fitness
- 4.9 • 24 Ratings

- SEP 7, 2020
Sometimes, you just Need to say No

Sometimes, you just Need to say No

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.
- 38 min
- AUG 31, 2020
Is it your Accent or your Doctor? Things that Get in the Way of your Diagnosis

Is it your Accent or your Doctor? Things that Get in the Way of your Diagnosis

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?
- 37 min
- AUG 24, 2020
Back to School, but Not for Everyone

Back to School, but Not for Everyone

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!
- 35 min
- AUG 17, 2020
COVID-19 Safety, Eating, and More With Special Guest Sarah Connolly, PhD

COVID-19 Safety, Eating, and More With Special Guest Sarah Connolly, PhD

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.
- 42 min
- AUG 10, 2020
Staying Healthy While at Home

Staying Healthy While at Home

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.
- 39 min
- AUG 3, 2020
Season 6 Episode 5: How Does Your Home Garden Grow?

Season 6 Episode 5: How Does Your Home Garden Grow?

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!
- 34 min

4.9 out of 5

24 Ratings

Wow

I just listened to your episode with the pediatric neurologist with the son the was diagnosed with celiacs and EoE. I just want to say thank you and how amazing that was! My 10 year old was diagnosed with Celiac on May 4, 2017. When they did his scope they also found and diagnosed him with EoE. It’s so neat listening to someone else with both. I have not met anyone else that has both medical issues. It has been a change for sure for our family but it’s been really neat listening to her and her perspective.

Lara Olson

GREAT STUFF!!!!!!

Absolute best podcast I have ever heard. Betsy hits the nail on the head. We have a variety of uniquely different issues with all of our children ranging from allergies to downright pickiness and Betsy does an unbelievable job offering excellent advice on how to deal with a multitude of challenges.