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With her mindful approach to wellness, a prominent figure in healthy eating and exercise has now directed her focus towards family nutrition. Partnering with Babease, a baby food brand that emphasizes vegetable-based ingredients, she aims to simplify weaning for parents, encouraging them to introduce diverse foods without stress. In this conversation, she discusses tips to enhance family health and shares three nutritious weaning recipes crafted in collaboration with Babease.
Has motherhood altered your approach to nutrition, exercise, and relaxation?
Motherhood has brought significant changes. Time is more limited, so cooking, yoga, and work have become more concise. Sometimes, a walk with my child replaces an hour of yoga—it’s relaxing, keeps us active, and feels special.
What advice would you offer to busy moms striving to integrate healthy eating into their family routines?
Using Sundays for meal prep is invaluable. I typically roast a chicken and vegetables, prepare oats for breakfast, and plan meals for the week. Batch cooking offers control over meals and keeps you organized, allowing you to freeze extras for those especially hectic days. Preparing family-friendly meals that can double as finger foods for little ones is also helpful.
How can parents encourage healthy and adventurous eating in children?
Introducing varied flavors, textures, and ingredients consistently is key. They might be hesitant at first, but early exposure often helps. Eating together and setting an example can also be effective.
What are some essential tips for ensuring little ones have a balanced diet?
Starting with vegetable weaning helped my child develop a liking for vegetables, then I introduced fruit. Balancing meals with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and an array of vegetables is essential. Finger foods add fun, and I aim for three colors on the plate to ensure variety. Rotating grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds provides a well-rounded diet.
Is there too much pressure on new moms to “bounce back” after childbirth? How can they care for themselves post-birth?
Prioritize health over aesthetics—your and your baby’s well-being matters most. Some tips include:
- Breastfeeding and daily movement aid in weight management.
- Take your child on daily walks, or do gentle yoga during their naps.
- Snack on nuts instead of sugary treats to curb constant grazing.
- Try to have three sit-down meals a day, even if simple, to promote mindful eating and enjoyment.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others; every journey is unique.
For moms too busy to visit the gym, what simple activities keep them active?
YouTube offers a variety of accessible workouts. Playing with children, whether crawling, running, or kicking a ball, is surprisingly active and enjoyable. Walking in nature also enhances mood and well-being.
Is meditation possible as a family? How do you incorporate calm into your daily routine?
While meditation might be challenging with a young child, encouraging deep breaths can help when they’re upset. A calming bedtime routine with dim lights, stories, and cuddles is a valuable practice.
Nutritious Weaning Recipes by Babease
- Whole Baked Keralan Cauliflower
A lightly spiced dish ideal for the “flavor window,” encouraging babies to explore bitter tastes early on. Ingredients: 1 cauliflower, Babease Keralan curry pouch, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 tbsp yogurt.
Directions: Mix yogurt, curry pouch, and cumin seeds, coat the cauliflower, bake at 200°C for 1 hour. - Sweet Potato Falafel Wrap
This quick vegetarian dish serves the whole family in under 30 minutes. Ingredients: 2 flatbreads, Babease sweet potato and chickpea pouch, falafel mix, cumin, coriander, chickpeas, chickpea flour, tahini, parsley.
Directions: Bake falafel at 200°C for 20 minutes. Spread sweet potato on flatbread, add falafel, veggies, and yogurt dressing. - Oat and Apricot Bars
A convenient, healthy snack or breakfast that freezes well for on-the-go needs. Ingredients: 500g apricots, 250g oats, 4 tbsp coconut, 100g butter or coconut oil, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ lime zest.
Directions: Blend apricots and butter in a processor, add remaining ingredients, bake at 175°C for 25 minutes, then slice into bars.
