Feeding Children

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 
 
 

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
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

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
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          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