8 Ways Pediatric Dietitians Can Help Food Startups

Hey Friends,

It seems like there's a new food or food company every day, so I thought I'd chat about 8 different ways a pediatric dietitian can be of help to startups in the food space. This will be information that will help companies and dietitians alike! I'm also covering a scientific report on social media and its impact on kids' mental health, and sharing some exciting news for me, and potentially for you...so read on!

How Pediatric Dietitians Can Help Startups in the Food Space

Many dietitians work with brands to support them in building brand awareness. They act as a spokesperson, do project work, and many other things. I’ve worked with?food startups?since 2014, assisting with product design and marketing messages, and helping them to understand the audience they’re trying to serve. In my case, parents.

A pediatric dietitian can be an asset to companies seeking to create products and build their brand. From validating the product’s role for individuals to building the nutrient composition of the product, and so much more, dietitians can help startups in several ways.

If you’re a food startup company, here’s 8 ways a dietitian can help you:

1. Clarify where your product fits in the marketplace.
2. Validate a product as a meaningful addition to the food space.
3. Caution pitfalls or shortcomings.
4. Highlight the strengths of the product.
5. Analyze the nutrient composition.
6. Competetive brand analysis.
7. Offer marketing and promotional advice.
8. Brainstorm media opportunities.

I go much deeper into each of these 8 aspects in the full article on my website. Hop over and give it a read!

Have you engaged a pediatric dietitian to help your brand get off the ground?

From The Munch Newsletter: Media Use in Children

Computers. Gaming devices. Phones. Media use in kids is off the hook! In the US, studies show 8-to-12-year-olds consume about 6 hours of media each day. This time is spent watching videos, playing a game, listening to music, and texting friends, for example. Many kids are on multiple devices at a time (29%). What impact does this have on their ability to learn in the classroom or their mental wellbeing?

A recent study of eight- to twelve-year old Swiss kids looked to answer this question. They looked at total hours of media use, multitasking and video gaming and measured attention and behavior (measured by cognitive tests and questionnaires), mental health, sleep, grades, and mindset.

They found that media multitasking was specifically most correlated with negative mental health, while playing video games was associated with faster responding and better mental health. Here are some more of their findings:

·?????Kids who spend more time on media demonstrate more ADHD-like behavior in the classroom;

·?????Media multitasking was also correlated with more ADHD-like behaviors;

·?????Media multitasking was correlated with poorer sleep and negative psychological outcomes;

·?????More time spent on video games was associated with increased response speed in attention tests.

The authors argue that total media time is not an adequate measurement to reveal the impact media has on kids. We need to look at multitasking and the different types of media, as they may have different effects.

If you want to learn more, I also wrote an article called Social Media and Eating Disorders in Kids: What You Need to Know on The Nourished Child.

Want to stay up-to-date on child nutrition, whether you're a parent or a healthcare professional? Join The Munch, a weekly paid newsletter where I answer reader questions, offer advice, translate the latest science and connect you to more resources. Click the photo below to join us ($5/month or $50/year)

My Book Journey

I've been devotedly working on another book. One that will dive into size, society, habit building and much more. I've been conceptualizing this book for awhile and decided in January that I'd go the traditional publishing route.

The last three books I've written were self-published. They were all rewarding to write, get out there quickly, and watch the $$$ roll in on Amazon, but I decided this time around to go the traditional route, which meant WRITING A PROPOSAL. A bit of an arduous task - certainly not for the weary! I have spent the last 3 months writing each morning, writing a few chapters of the book, plus putting together the actual proposal, which is basically a pitch convincing publishers they should publish the book.

You probably know the system to getting a book published, but if you don't, after you have the book idea and have written a bit of it, it goes like this... Step one: Find an agent. Step two: Find a publisher. Step Three: Write the book. And then many more steps after it's written.

The good news? I just completed Step one - I've got a (new) literary agent! Yahoo! Now I'm in the revise-everything-stage to polish up the proposal and chapters so they're ready to pitch to publishers. I'll update here when I have news, but for now, I'm celebrating in this first stage - ahead of my planned timing.

I Love Mentoring Other Dietitians!

Writing a book and getting it published, whether self- or traditional is just one example of the topics I cover in my THRIVE and STRIVE Mastermind programs for dietitians. My participants represent a wide variety of business interests and talents! Some are working on a book, or plan to, while others are putting together an ebook, online programs, a speaking platform, or just exploring new avenues to add to their business.

In September 2022, both programs - THRIVE and STRIVE (each are 10-month programs)- will kick off with new members. THRIVE is for the beginning business owner - someone who is in the early stages of business and looking to establish themselves and grow, while STRIVE is for the seasoned business owner who is looking to sustain or speed up their momentum.

Looking for a mentor who's had all kinds of experiences in the world of running a nutrition business? One who can help you navigate the principles of business, strategize your offerings, keep you accountable and aligned to your goals (and so much more!)? Consider booking a call with me to chat about your needs and your business!

I know September is a ways off, but it'll be here before you know it and I'm already reserving spots for my masterminds! Click on the calendar below to book a call!

That's it for this month! Be a rockstar and SHARE this newsletter with someone you think would learn from it. ;)

Don't forget to check out my other helpful resources:

If you're a parent: Visit The Nourished Child website where I have articles, workshops, classes and guidebooks to help you nourish your child, inside and out.

If you're a business, company or organization: Check out how I help, including consulting, speaking, and media.

If you're a dietitian: Here are the other ways I can help you.

Cheers to your health, wellness and business!

Jill