Feeding Children

Packing Lunches for Healthy Enegetic Kids

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 7, Episode 7
As another school year approaches, the challenge of packing nutritious and appealing lunches looms large for many parents. Dr. Luecking provides expert advice on selecting the right lunchbox, ensuring food safety, and creating balanced meals that keep kids energized throughout the day.
Discover the magic of combining proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel young bodies and minds. Learn how to navigate allergy concerns, choose the best drinks, and add colorful fruits and vegetables to make lunchboxes visually appealing. Creative strategies, like using frozen fruits to keep meals cool and involving kids in the packing process will help make mornings less hectic.
Join us for this engaging and informative discussion that will leave you equipped with practical pointers to make the school lunch break a highlight of your child's day.
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
          Website
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          FCS Learning Channel

Planning and Packing Practical Lunches: The Ultimate Guide for Busy Parents

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 7, Episode 3
In this episode or Talking FACS, we're diving into the art of packing practical lunches with Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for maternal and child health.  She reveals the secrets behind a seamless lunch-packing process. Discover the must-have supplies that make packing lunches a breeze, from reusable containers to insulated lunch bags and ice packs. Learn how these tools not only save money but also offer versatile options for keeping food fresh and safe.
But that's not all! Dr. Luecking shares invaluable tips on considering lunchtime logistics, such as the timing of meals, the length of lunch breaks, and ensuring children can easily open their food containers. Whether it's packing a small snack to bridge a later lunch or navigating nut-free school policies, you'll be equipped with strategies to overcome common lunchtime hurdles.
Get inspired by creative meal ideas that go beyond the ordinary, offering variety and excitement for kids and adults alike. From breakfast-for-lunch concepts to snack-style meals, try practical examples to keep lunches interesting and nutritious.
Finally, learn strategies to involve your children in the lunch-packing process, making it a fun and educational activity. Whether it's drawing a plate or using a menu guide, these tips will help your kids learn to pack a balanced meal.
Don't miss this episode of Talking FACS, where we make lunchtime planning simple and enjoyable. Tune in and transform the way you pack lunches this school year and beyond!
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
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Navigating the Season of Sweets with Children

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 6, Episode 22
When sweets treats seem to be every where you turn, it sometimes is difficult to for children to resist the temptation to indulge at every opportunity.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for removing the mystique for sweets and lowering them from their pedestal.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
FCS Learning Channel

Exploring New Foods with Children

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
 
Season 6, Episode 6
Encouraging your children to try new foods is sometimes a daunting task.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking provides tips and strategies to make the new food transition smooth. Don't get discouraged or give up -  sometimes new food needs to be offered 10 to 15 times before your child decides it is good!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
Going on NOW - Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge
 

Eating Over the Rainbow

Hosts: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky and Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Guests: A panel of young friends and their moms
Season 6, Episode 5
If you have been listening to Talking FACS for any period of time, you already know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that your body is getting the necessary nutrients for growth and development.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Courtney and Mindy visit with a panel of young friends to discover their thoughts on eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables!  This show supports our Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge as well as Farmers Market Week!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Feeding Toddlers

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 2
Feeding toddlers can be challenging.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares strategies for encouraging healthy eating behaviors in young children.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Eat Your Words - Phrases that Encourage Children to Try New Foods

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
 
Season 5, Episode 37
Things adults say around children matter. This includes the way we talk about food and children’s behavior around food. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking discusses the differences between phrases that help or hamper children from trying new foods.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
 
Full episode transcript

Strategies for Lower Stress Family Mealtime

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 25
Family meals can often be a source of stress when children are young, especially if they feel like a battleground between what a child wants to eat and what the parents want the child to eat.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking breaks down some simple strategies to help families lower the stress level for every during family mealtimes.  She recommends using a proven methods that divides responsibility, so that everyone leaves meal feeling successful.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Foods

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 7
Trying new things can sometimes be scary or uncomfortable. Creating a safe and positive experience at snacks and mealtime can help ease these strong reactions and support children in trying new, healthy foods.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for introducing new foods to children that will encourage exploration.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

How to respond when your child says ”I don’t like it!”

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 4
Mealtime can be frustrating when a child says they don’t like something. Playing detective can identify easy solutions to support children in trying the foods on their plate. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for parents to help uncover the reasons children might object to certain foods.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
 

Why are Comfort Foods so Comforting?

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Episode 24, Season 4
There is science behind why our favorite comfort foods provide solace when we need it!  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking unpacks how comfort foods work on our psyche and how we use these foods to evoke emotions and memories. 
For more information about UK Family and Consumer Sciences, visit:
UK FCS Website
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To eat or not to eat: How to know when you are hungry

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Episode 18, Season 4
Following hunger cues is one of the best ways we can avoid overeating all the time, but especially during the holidays when we might be distracted.  Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips and suggestions for avoiding overindulging this holiday season that you can take with you into the new year.