Snacks, the healthy ones, can help kids focus and keep their energy up By Bailey Koch, RD, CSP, LD and Kathleen Zelman, RDNGet ready for school! As parents we know the importance of good nutrition, adequate sleep and regular physical fitness[sc1]. But packing lunches[sc2] and providing nutritious snacks can be a conundrum, especially when there are so many processed snacks[sc3]that sound healthy – parents are confused. Here to help and enlighten us today is Bailey Koch. Bailey is a registered dietitian for children with two decades of experience, specializing in pediatric gastroenterology. In this interview, Kathleen and Bailey focus on preparing kids for a successful school day through balanced nutrition, with a particular emphasis onsnacks[sc4].Bailey stresses the importance of providing children with snacks that have two things to help sustain energy and maintain focus throughout the school day. She explains that snacks should be thought of as "mini meals" rather than simple treats.Nutrient-dense snacks to avoid energy crashesBailey highlights how common processed snacks, like those high in sugar[sc5]and low in nutrients, cause energy crashes and affect children’s attention[sc6]. She provides practical suggestions, including examples of nutrient-dense snacks with at least five grams ofprotein[sc7], to help sustain kids’ energy throughout the day. Bailey advises parents to focus on snacks that will fuel kids' bodies and minds, particularly during long school days.Nutrient substitution and picky eatersKathleen and Bailey discuss practical tips for improving children's nutrition, focusing on freeze-dried vegetables, fruit[sc8]substitution, and sugar cravings. Bailey explains what freeze-dried vegetables are, where they are located at certain (not all!) grocery stores, and why they are a great alternative to fresh produce. She explains why substituting fruit for vegetables is not the best idea.Bailey also addresses concerns about picky eaters[sc9], advising parents what to moderate in kids’ diets. When asked about multivitamins[sc10], Bailey acknowledges their role for very picky eaters but gives some very poignant advice. Strategies for curbing sugar cravingsLastly, Bailey offers strategies for curbing sugar cravings, such as what to limit in kids’ diets by opting for healthier alternatives. By making gradual changes, parents can reshape their children's eating habits, reducing the demand for sweets over time. Following Bailey's expert advice, parents can ensure their children maintain balanced nutrition, improve focus, sustain their energy during the long school day, and develop healthier eating[sc11]habits for the long term. About Bailey Koch, RD, CSP, LDBailey is a Registered Dietitian who is board certified as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition. She started her career at Northside Hospital and then at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite with Pediatric Nutrition as her main focus. While at Northside, she provided support in all areas of the hospital including the high-risk perinatal unit and 100 bed NICU. At Scottish Rite, she was involved in the care of a wide variety of children working with the AFLAC Cancer Center, Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Neonatal follow-up clinic and the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. In 2006 Bailey joined the GI Care for Kids team and founded Atlanta Pediatric Nutrition in 2008.While at GI Care for Kids, she has developed an interest in helping children with Celiac Disease, food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, FPIES, failure to thrive and feeding difficulties among other diagnoses. Bailey graduated from the University of Mississippi and completed her dietetic internship at Emory University. She is 1 of only 30 Board Certified Specialists in Pediatric Nutrition in the state of Georgia. Bailey is a Food Allergy Specialist and holds a certificate of training in childhood and adolescent weight management. She has also held the specialty credential of Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian. Bailey is a founding member and has served on various committees of the Nutrition Council for Pediatric Nutrition Professionals, which is part of the North American Society for PediatricGastroenterology and Nutrition. She is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for both The FPIES Foundation and Nutrition4Kids.com. Bailey is an expert witness in pediatric nutrition for the State of Georgia and the United States Department of Justice. She has served on the Greater Atlanta Dietetics Association Board as the State Professional Recruitment Coordinator. Bailey has been involved with research on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet in Crohn’s Disease and served as one of the primary consultants for the book What to Feed Your Baby. She has authored numerous articles and blogposts for Nutrition4Kids.com and co-authored the book 500 Baby and Toddler Dishes: Nutritious Make-ahead Meals for Baby’s First Foods and Beyond.A ...
