The immune system and white blood cells The immune system is the most dynamic indicator in determining our overall health and wellbeing.  A very complex and capable network responsible for defending us against germs that are trying to invade us daily, it plays a vital role in keeping us healthy.  It is on constant alert to determine what’s friend or foe, what’s foreign and what’s not and then responding accordingly.   The immune system is made up of specialised cells, tissues and organs.  Important among these are the white blood cells of which there are different types wit ..read more

Carrot-Cake Chia Pudding – Children’s Nutritionist Approved Creamy chia puddings are a delicious way to enjoy these tiny super nutritious seeds.  And best of all, they are prepared the night before, making them the perfect ready-to-serve breakfast. Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, powerful antioxidants and minerals.  The healthy oils power babies cell growth, immune function and brain development. Ingredients 2 tablespoons chia seeds ½ cup coconut milk or milk of choice ½ cup carrot, finely grated ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract M ..read more

Fermented Carrot Dipping Sticks – Children’s Nutritionist Approved Fermented veggies such as these delicious slightly sweet carrot sticks contain all the goodness friendly bacteria has to offer.  They are perfect to serve on their own or as a snack paired with humus, guacamole or other nutritious dip. Ingredients 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks Filtered water, to cover 2 ground cinnamon sticks Finely grated zest from 1 orange ¼ cup coconut water kefir Cabbage leaves Method Place the carrots, ground cinnamon, orange zest and coconut water kefir in a sterilised 1 litre jar ..read more

Garden Pea Hummus – Children’s Nutritionist Approved Ingredients 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove ¼ cup fresh mint or parsley ¼ cup olive oil Method Add the ingredients, except the olive oil to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Scrap down the sides with a silicone spatula. With the motor running, drizzle the olive oil into the hummus mix until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl and garnish with a few whole peas. Serve with veggie dippers or raw veggie sticks. Store leftovers in th ..read more

Purple Buckwheat Porridge – Children’s Nutritionist Approved Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat with the added benefit of being gluten-free.  It’s technically a fruit that produces grain-like seeds, called groats.  The seeds’ tough outer layer is removed and the seeds are crushed and these are how the groats are produced. Buckwheat is an excellent source of fibre to support digestion and prevent constipation.  Plus the B-group vitamins, including riboflavin – vital for red blood cell formation. Ingredients ½ cup buckwheat groats Juice from ½ lemon 1 cup coconut ..read more

Baby Nutritionist Approved – Bambino Beef Purée This beef dish is super easy to make and the perfect addition to a simple veggie purée to boost protein levels and help keep little tummies full.  In these important early years of your infant’s rapid development, protein helps to grow and maintain all the cells in the body.  Beef is also an excellent source of the essential mineral iron. Ingredients 300 g minced beef 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Method Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat. Add the meat and garlic and cook, breaking it up as ..read more

Children’s Nutritionist Approved – Egg Yolk as Finger Food Egg yolks are the perfect single-ingredient food and a wonderful source of protein which is important for your little ones overall growth and wellbeing.  Protien is needed to maintain all the cells in the body including muscle development. Ingredients 1 free-range egg 1 teaspoon butter Method Crack the egg and separate the yolk from the white. In a small bowl, scramble the yolk. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat, add the butter to pan with the egg yolk. Using a spatula, shape the yolk into a rectangle or square shape. Re ..read more

Children’s Nutritionist Approved – The Perfect Egg Yolk Egg yolks are a simple and nourishing meal to support the needs of your rapidly growing infant. The egg yolk boasts an impressive nutritional profile with B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins A & D, healthy fats and choline required for optimal brain function. Ingredients 1 free-range egg Method In a small saucepan, add the egg and cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and set you timer to 4 minutes for a small egg or 5 minutes for large egg. Allow another minute for cold eggs fro ..read more

Baby Naturopath Approved – Chicken Liver Pâté Babies have a small stomach, so each mouthful of food needs to be as nutrient dense as possible and this pâté packs a nutritional punch.  To supercharge food, start with half a teaspoon mixed into their favourite meal and increase to a maximum 2 teaspoons each week. Ingredients 250 grams grass-fed or organic chicken livers, trimmed 1 small red onion, finely diced ½ cup Gut-Loving Bone Broth or water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 garlic clove, crushed Method Add all the ingredients, except the butter to a saucepan and bring to the boil the ..read more

Baby Naturopath Approved – Egg Yolk & Banana Custard Egg yolks are rich source of iron, this essential mineral thay plays a myriad of roles in your infants long term wellbeing.  But most notably it carries oxygen in the blood around the body and to the brain. The amount of iron needed by babies is relatively high to support their rapid growth.  As a guide, I recommend including at least one iron-rich food as part of each meal. Ingredients 2 free-range egg yolks ½ cup coconut milk ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ ripe banana, mashed Method In a small sauc ..read more