Best Jen Karakosta Podcasts (2024)

1
Sometimes, you just Need to say No 38:30

4y ago38:30

38:30

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.…

1
Is it your Accent or your Doctor? Things that Get in the Way of your Diagnosis 37:49

4y ago37:49

37:49

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?By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
School lunch during the COVID days 35:02

4y ago35:02

35:02

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!By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
COVID-19 Safety, Eating, and More With Special Guest Sarah Connolly, PhD 42:15

4y ago42:15

42:15

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 DePau…

1
Staying Healthy While at Home 39:12

4y ago39:12

39:12

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.By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
How Does Your Home Garden Grow? 34:45

4y ago34:45

34:45

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!…

1
Yes, You Do Need Vitamin D! 32:22

4+ y ago32:22

32:22

Betsy 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!By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
So my child wants to be a vegetarian... 40:59

4+ y ago40:59

40:59

It'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 experien…

1
Carbs - From Belvita to Baked Potatoes 37:59

4+ y ago37:59

37:59

In 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!By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Nutrition and Eating in the days of COVID 37:10

4+ y ago37:10

37:10

Join 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.…

1
Milk - Cow, Soy, Almond, and More! How to Choose, with Amanda 26:43

5y ago26:43

26:43

Join 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 m…

1
Sports Nutrition with Teams Elite Teen Athletes - An Interview 21:54

5y ago21:54

21:54

By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Milk for Hydration and Sports 38:43

5y ago38:43

38:43

Join 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 mo…

1
Sports Nutrition - Protein and Teen Athletes 34:11

5y ago34:11

34:11

Melanie 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 i…

1
Teen Sports Nutrition with Guest Athlete Alyssa Hjelmgren 28:46

5y ago28:46

28:46

Betsy 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 p…

1
Feed to Succeed News, and Eating "Perfectly" 25:01

5y ago25:01

25:01

Betsy 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…

1
Infant Nutrition Wrap-Up 28:30

5y ago28:30

28:30

Betsy 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!…

1
Two Siblings with Different Feeding Issues 34:32

5y ago34:32

34:32

Terry 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…

1
Feeding Baby Homemade Foods 35:33

5+ y ago35:33

35:33

Jen 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?…

1
Baby Led Weaning 32:07

5+ y ago32:07

32:07

Have 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!By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Starting Solids 38:03

5+ y ago38:03

38:03

Ellie 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…

1
Infant Formula - How to Choose 34:52

5+ y ago34:52

34:52

Amanda 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!…

1
Infant Feeding Issues 38:29

5+ y ago38:29

38:29

If 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 fe…

1
Breastfeed or Bottle 38:25

5+ y ago38:25

38:25

Baby 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…

1
Infant Nutrition 31:52

5+ y ago31:52

31:52

Welcome 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…

1
A Dietitian's Tour of the Grocery Aisles 57:53

5+ y ago57:53

57:53

Have 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 …

1
Grocery Tips for Healthy Weight Families 42:24

5+ y ago42:24

42:24

Getting 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.By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Body Weight and Young Athletes 37:25

5+ y ago37:25

37:25

Coach 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 …

1
Athletic Kids, Food Fads, and Sports Supplements 32:40

5+ y ago32:40

32:40

Feed 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.…

1
Diets: Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, What's a Kid to Do? 47:17

6y ago47:17

47:17

With 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 efficac…

1
When Weight Issues are Related to Hormonal Imbalances 38:05

6y ago38:05

38:05

Pediatric 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.…

1
When is Low Weight Normal? 42:11

6y ago42:11

42:11

Did 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 con…

1
A Weighty Subject: Mental Health and Body Image 41:24

6y ago41:24

41:24

Kids 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 …

1
Physical Activity and Healthy Weight 35:36

6y ago35:36

35:36

Do 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 Hig…

1
When Weight is a Symptom of Disordered Eating 38:14

6y ago38:14

38:14

Jen and Betsy, along with fellow Feed to Succeed colleague Gia Diakakis, discuss disordered eating among children and teens of different ages. Join in to hear more about signs, symptoms, and prevention.By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
One Teen's Journey to a Healthier BMI 37:54

6y ago37:54

37:54

Special guest, Hannah, joins Betsy and Jen in this heartwarming and real view into the realities of trying to improve the weight of her son, as the adolescent years began to pack on extra pounds. Hannah shares the emotional moment that her son realized he had to decide for himself how to manage his health, as well as the guilt she felt as a parent.…

1
Worth the Weight 40:58

6y ago40:58

40:58

Welcome back to series 3 of the Feed to Succeed podcast! Betsy and Jen are ready to take on the sensitive subject of children, teens and weight problems - both under AND over - with honest dialogue, special guests this season, and lots of empathy to help provide some insight into these difficult situations. In this episode, is weight a good measure…

1
Season 2 Finale 34:22

6y ago34:22

34:22

Bob's Red Mill vs Pillsbury flour - which is better? What did Jen learn most from season 2? Is your child secretly a good athlete, but no one knows it because they never hydrate? Listen to the final episode of season 2 as Jen and Betsy discuss their favorite season 2 topics, plus delve lightly into kids' sports nutrition. Hear a sneak preview of th…

1
Accommodating Diets and Nutrition in School 44:44

6y ago44:44

44:44

Does your child follow a special diet or have nutritional accommodations that affect their school day? Have you successfully partnered with your school district to keep your child safe, healthy and included? if you need some tips or wonder about the rules, listen in to Shira Schwartz and Betsy Hjelmgren as they discuss the in's and out's of IEP's, …

1
Fall Seasonal Eating and Gardening 35:27

6y ago35:27

35:27

The nights have begun to cool down and we are thinking about fall eating! Cinnamon apples, pumpkin pies, pears, and squash are amongst our favorite fall delights. Join Betsy and Jen as they update their listeners to the late-season garden, what's good now in seasonal produce, and ideas to get your family interested in trying some of the less-intere…

1
Back in the Routine: Breakfasts and Dinners for Busy Families 43:32

6y ago43:32

43:32

Do you have the time and energy to make sure your family is eating healthy breakfasts and dinners daily? We don't! Betsy and Jen discuss tips and ideas to getting a well-balanced meal planned and ready for busy mornings out the door, and crazy evenings balancing the schedule of an active family.By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Back to School! Snacks and Lunches 36:22

6y ago36:22

36:22

Need to get back into the routine and want a little inspiration? Tune in for a lively discussion of lunch and snack packing ideas, a blast from the past #Twinkies, and Betsy's personal plea regarding #Goldfish crackers. But seriously... let's get on board for a great school year with the Feed to Succeed community!…

1
IBS and the FODMAPS Diet 37:19

6y ago37:19

37:19

Have you or your child been told you have "IBS"? Or do you or your child have ongoing GI symptoms of upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, reflux, gas and bloating; but every doctor you've seen has said there is nothing wrong? If so, you will want to hear this week's podcast! Betsy and Jen explore a dietary treatment option for IBS that has been…

1
Food Intolerance from Lactose and Beyond 30:45

6y ago30:45

30:45

One of Betsy's favorite topics and personal areas of expertise, food intolerances! Jen and Betsy explore the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy, as well as how to know if you have a food intolerance. Did you know it is more common for adults to have lactose intolerance than kids? But do you know that one out of every three kid…

1
Celiac: One Family's Journey Through a Surprising Diagnosis 44:32

6+ y ago44:32

44:32

Join Betsy and Jen as they interview Dr. Jen Rubin, Children's Neurologist at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, as she shares the story of her family's journey through the recent diagnosis of both EoE and Celiac in her 6-year-old son, Grant. Jen's thoughtful and honest reflection on how this diagnosis has affected her family is an episode not t…

1
Kids (and adults!) with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux 29:49

6+ y ago29:49

29:49

Betsy and Jen discuss their personal and family experience with reflux, as well as tips for management by diet. What foods and what timing affects symptoms? What makes reflux more tolerable? if you've struggled with the annoying problem, tune in for tips and ideas!By Betsy Hjelmgren

1
Eosino-WHAT??? with Dr. Vince Biank 37:23

6+ y ago37:23

37:23

Jen and Betsy are very excited to share this informative and eye-opening interview with Dr. Vince Biank, a pediatric gastroenterologist at North Shore University Health System! Listen in to hear about reflux disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis, an uncommon allergic condition that can't be picked up during typical allergy testing. Not to be missed…

1
Kids and constipation 37:58

6+ y ago37:58

37:58

Special guest, pediatrician at Pediatric Health Care Associates Elana Comrov, joins Betsy and Jen for this fun and informative chat about the most common complaint at the pediatrician's office and one of life's most basic human functions... belly pain and pooping! Most of us have struggled at one point or another, and many of our kids have struggle…

1
Intro to Kids' Nutrition and GI 38:25

6+ y ago38:25

38:25

Welcome to the season 2 opening show with co-hosts Betsy Hjelmgren and Jen Karakosta! Jen and Betsy are taking it deeper this season - beyond the eating and down to the digestion. Listen in to hear about infant reflux, constipation, and more troublesome childhood GI issues; then tune it to the next several episodes as Betsy and Jen explore the conn…

1
Hydration for Children 14:33

6+ y ago14:33

14:33

Registered dietitian and second-most senior Feed to Succeed employee Gia Diakakis, joins Betsy Hjelmgren to share about Gia's background, love for nutrition and children, and more! Listen in to hear why Gia is so passionately concerned about hydration for children, and why Gia believes that everyone should eat dessert.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jen Karakosta Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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