Big Blue Book Club presents SNACK Club

Episode 8: Let the Fun Begin - Using our Senses to Explore and Experience Food

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason wrap up the SNACK Club series by diving into the fascinating world of sensory experiences and their impact on children's eating habits. This episode of Snack Club explores how using our senses can make food fun and engaging for kids.
The hosts discuss the eight senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, body awareness, and internal cues—and how each one plays a crucial role in the eating experience. They provide practical tips for parents to create a nurturing feeding environment, from celebrating small wins like a child touching a new food to creative ideas for making mealtime fun, such as food art and involving children in the kitchen.
Whether you're dealing with picky eaters or just looking to add a sense of adventure to your family's meals, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you raise a mindful eater. Embrace the mess, celebrate the small victories, and discover new ways to make food exploration a joyful journey for your kids.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 

Episode7: Phoning Friends for Professional Support with Feeding Concerns

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Guests:
Jamie Adkins, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC Speech Language Pathologist and Lactation Consultant
Suzanna Attia, MD, MScPH Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition
Sarah Estill, MAS, RD, LD Maternal and Child Nutrition
Kentucky Children's Hospital
 
Join hosts Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason in this enlightening episode of SNACK Club as they delve into the complex world of childhood nutrition. With the help of special guests Jamie Adkins, Dr. Suzanna Attia, and Sarah Estill, this episode covers a broad range of childhood feeding topics.
Discover practical, science-based strategies for creating a nourishing feeding environment, learn about the red flags for when to seek professional help, and explore the roles of various specialists such as speech-language pathologists and registered dietitians. Our experts also share personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing a holistic view of how to support healthy food-related behaviors in children.
Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers valuable information and resources to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of feeding children. Don't miss out on these digestible bits of wisdom designed to support happy, healthy kids.
Come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT.
For more information, visit these resources mentioned in this episode:
Bright futures
Healthy Children - AAP Website
GI for kids website (NA society for GI, hepatology, nutrition)
Feedingmatters.org
CDC’s Developmental Milestones
Kids eat in color RD blog
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Episode 6: Managing Mealtime Behaviors

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Join SNACK Club as we return to tackle the ever-relevant topic of managing mealtime behavior with children. Using a blend of humor and heartfelt stories, Courtney and Anna dive into the contrast between Instagram-perfect meals and the chaotic reality many parents face. From children running around the table to food refusals, this episode provides a compassionate guide to handling these common mealtime challenges.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, expert advice, and practical strategies, Anna and Courtney introduce the A, B, C, D approach:
Assess the situation
Breathe
Calculate your response, and
Do it consistently
Discover how to apply these steps to create a calmer and more enjoyable mealtime environment. They also explore the concept of food waste, offering tips on how to minimize it while still introducing new foods to your child's diet.
Whether you're dealing with picky eating or just looking for ways to make family meals less stressful, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in to learn how to transform mealtime from a battleground into a bonding experience. And don't miss the sneak peek of their next episode, where they'll discuss when it's time to seek additional help for mealtime issues.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 

Episode 5: Setting the Table for a Pleasant Mealtime

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
Welcome to the fifth episode of SNACK Club where they dive into the art and science of creating pleasant and meaningful mealtime experiences for families. Drawing from their extensive expertise in family and child nutrition, Courtney and Anna explore the significance of mealtime rituals, the power of gratitude, and the role of sweets in a balanced diet. They also touch on how to make holidays less about food and more about meaningful connections and traditions.
Tune in to find out how to make mealtimes more enjoyable and mindful, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits and cherished family moments.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Episode 4: Setting the Table for a "Successful" Mealtime through Structure and Boundaries

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 
 
Join hosts Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason, as they continue the SNACK Club adventure of feeding children, presented in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Our journey has brought us to the topic of Setting the Table for a "Successful" Mealtime through Structure and Boundaries.
Discover practical, science-based strategies to set the table for a nourishing feeding environment. From planning balanced meals and snacks to establishing consistent eating routines, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Learn how to:
say "no" mindfully
create a distraction-free eating space
enjoy the social and emotional benefits of family meals
Whether you are a parent or caregiver, tune in to explore how small changes can lead to big improvements in your child's eating habits and overall well-being. Ready to transform your mealtime chaos into mindful moments of connection? This episode is your guide.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Episode 3: The Five Ws of Feeding Children

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky
 
In another engaging episode of SNACK Club, we dive into the intricate dance of mealtime roles and responsibilities between caregivers and children. This episode is all about creating a mindful and nourishing feeding environment by understanding the division of responsibility. 
Our experts share their insights and experiences to help caregivers navigate the often-challenging world of feeding children. They explore the concept of the "five Ws" – who, what, when, where, and whether – and discuss how these elements play a crucial role in establishing a harmonious mealtime routine. 
Participants will learn about the importance of trust in the feeding relationship, the subtle yet powerful differences between pressuring and encouraging, and how to recognize and respect a child's hunger and fullness cues. Through compelling storytelling and practical examples, this episode offers valuable strategies for fostering a positive eating environment that allows children to thrive. 
Join us for an insightful conversation that promises to change the way you approach mealtime with your little ones. Leave with a deeper understanding of how to raise a mindful eater. 
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 

Episode 2: Reframing How We Talk About Food

Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky
 
Welcome back for another engaging episode of SNACK Club, where our nutrition experts delve into the intricate world of child nutrition.
Join our hosts as they share science-based, practical strategies for creating a nourishing and positive feeding environment. Discover how to reframe your conversations about food, turning potentially stressful meal times into opportunities for growth and joy. From the influence of media and grocery store adventures to the subtle yet powerful impact of our body language and words, this episode covers it all.
Listen in as we explore the concept of food culture, discuss the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food, and provide actionable tips for encouraging mindful eating habits in children. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in nutrition, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you support nourished, active children.
Embark on this journey towards raising mindful eaters and transforming the way we talk about food.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Episode 1: An Age Old Dilemma: What to Feed Children

 
Hosts:
Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky
 
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Big Blue Book Club presents SNACK Club, where hosts Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason delve into the essentials of raising healthy, happy eaters. Inspired by the insightful books Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater and How to Raise a Mindful Eater, they discuss the often-overlooked aspect of children's nutrition: what to feed them.
Join the conversation as they break down the USDA's MyPlate guidelines, offering practical tips on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins into children's diets. They tackle common challenges and share small, impactful swaps to improve diet quality, all while keeping the focus on developing a holistic, nourishing eating pattern.
Discover valuable resources and strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating, ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive. Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with actionable advice and heartwarming anecdotes.
So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group
SNACK Club on YouTube
For other resources mentioned in this episode, visit:
MyPlate.gov 
PlatEatMove.com
To Connect with FCS Extension:
UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 
 
 

Big Blue Book Club Presents SNACK Club

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guests: Courtney Luecking, PhD, RD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health and Anna Cason, RD Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Special Edition Episode
Welcome to this SURPRISE edition of Talking FACS providing a "taste" of what is to come in September!  On Thursdays and Mondays beginning September 5 through September 30, our featured guests Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason will present SNACK Club right here on the Talking FACS podcast.
Discover how SNACK Club is featured as part of the Big Blue Book Club, a wildly successful program that connects people through literature. Learn about the unique approach of sharing content in bite-sized, actionable strategies perfect for busy caregivers. Whether you are in the early hands-on stages or navigating the whirlwind of children's activities, this program offers invaluable insights.
Explore the curated books, Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater and How to Raise a Mindful Eater, which provide a comprehensive look at both the logistics and behavior of eating, while highlighting various engaging topics such as positive food language, creating mealtime structure, and the fun of embracing the mess.
Join us as we navigate the journey of feeding children, offering resources, support, and community. Whether through listening, watching, or participating in local extension office activities, there are numerous ways to get involved.
Register for Big Blue Book Club presents Snack Club by clicking the link below:
Register at ukfcs.net/BBBCsnack
Follow the podcast to receive notice when new shows drop
To watch the video companion on our YouTube Channel visit the link below:
FACS Learning Channel
Subscribe and hit the bell in the top right to receive notification when new videos are posted.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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