WHAT ARE SOME DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS YOU ARE MINDFUL OF WITH RAISING A VEGAN TODDLER?

I guess with all diets it is super important that our children (and us adults!) are receiving adequate vitamins and minerals, such as iron, B12, calcium etc. There seems to be a misconception that all vegans should be supplementing iron but in reality there are so many yummy iron-dense foods such as lentils, tofu, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, quinoa, leafy green vegetables, dried fruit, oats and molasses. Iron is best absorbed alongside vitamin C so we ensure that Elijah eats lots of foods that are also high in vitamin c such as broccoli, strawberries, oranges, melon, sweet potato and mango. He eats plenty of foods that are fortified with B12 such as Weetbix and nutritional yeast, but to be on the safe side we also give him a spray of a sublingual B12 supplement once a week. From what I have read, even non-vegans should be supplementing with B12 as it is incredibly important for a healthy central nervous system.

HOW IMPORTANT FOR YOU IS IT TO CREATE HEALTHY HABITS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE?

Ensuring Elijah has a healthy diet is extremely important to us. We make sure that his food is mostly organic, fresh and free from refined sugar and try to ensure that a substantial percentage of his daily food intake consists of fruit and vegetables. I truly believe that as a parent our main priority should be ensuring the health of our children (both physical and mental health) and providing Elijah with a diet rich in nutrients is how we have been achieving that.

WHAT TIPS/IDEAS WOULD YOU GIVE TO MUMS WITH FUSSY EATERS (VEGAN/NON-VEGAN) WHILST KEEPING IT NUTRITIOUS?

WHO ARE YOU INSPIRED BY AND WHY?

There are so many people that inspire me including my family and friends but in terms of a vegan inspiration I am a massive fan of the author and illustrator Ruby Roth. She creates the most beautiful children’s books about veganism, such as “V is for Vegans”, “Vegan is Love” and “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals”. Elijah is 2 and a half years old and is now starting to love sitting down and snuggling us whilst we read him a book each evening. His absolute favourite is “V is for Vegans” as the pictures are ever so cute and I truly think he understands the message that animals are “our friends” and are not here to be eaten. Having access to books like these definitely makes vegan parenting easier as it is a great way to teach our little ones about the benefits of veganism and show our children just what a compassionate and healthy lifestyle they are living.

WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING RITUAL LOOK LIKE?

Elijah has always been an early waker so usually our mornings consist of us playing with toys until the sun comes up and then going outside in the garden to ride his bike, find bugs, and play in the sand pit. Elijah is super energetic so he just loves to be outside exploring 24/7. He usually has his breakfast at about 7.30am and that is when I get to finally sit and have my coffee.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO USE NUT MYLK BASE?

I absolutely love using the nut mylk base in homemade turmeric lattes. I simply warm a cup of Ulu Hye mylk with a tsp of turmeric, a pinch of cinnamon, ½ tsp of maca powder, a sprinkle of crushed black pepper, 1 tsp of coconut oil and 1 tsp of maple syrup. It is absolutely delicious and has so many wonderful health benefits.

WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST NOW THAT IT’S COOLER AND CAN YOU SHARE YOUR RECIPE?

We have been loving “chocolatey” overnight oats recently. I prepare them each evening by placing 2 cups of oats in a Tupperware container with 1 mashed banana, 1 tbsp of chia seeds, 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal, 1 tsp of maca powder, 1 tbsp of raw cacao, 1 tbsp of organic blackstrap molasses, 1 tsp of maple syrup and 1 cup of Ulu Hye mylk. I leave this mixture in the fridge overnight and then in the morning I gently heat the oats (adding more mylk if needed to get the desired consistency) and then serve it in a bowl with a giant dollop of natural peanut butter, pumpkin seeds and sliced banana.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR PANACEAS JOURNEY.

Our Instagram page started just before the birth of my first Daughter. It had no direction, as was really just a bit of fun. Overtime it developed into a successful career, something that happened organically and with a lot of hard work. I’d never planned to be where I am today, but love my job as a advocate for the vegan lifestyle and food photographer.

BEING A NATUROPATH, HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THIS INTO YOUR COOKING?

Nutrition is one of my true loves, and something I’m deeply passionate about. While I’m aware of balancing my diet across the day, (ensuring I get in all the essential macro and micronutrients)  I primarily believe in using seasonal and organic ingredients, cooking for the seasons, and using herbs and spices as my main source of flavour.

WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING RITUAL LOOK LIKE?

I wish I had one. I don’t know how people have kids and also a morning ritual haha.

WHAT IS ONE KITCHEN APPLIANCE YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

My blender, of course. I use it every day, multiple times a day.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO USE NUT MYLK BASE?

Lately I’ve been adding it to my morning matcha- so good! I blend a mix of almost boiling water (about 70 degrees), matcha powder, nut milk base, adaptogens and voila; the best morning potion you ever had.

WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU HAVE IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE WASTE AROUND YOUR HOME?

Shopping at bulk food stores is a big one (where you can bring all your own jars/bags), but I’m also a big composter, love cloth nappies/wipes, and think menstrual cups are the best investment ever.

xx

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