Meet our resident Nutrition Advisor Diana Austen and learn more about her thoughts on Big Food marketing, why she specialises in children’s nutrition and …. Peas!
- Tell us what inspired you to study nutrition
Ever since I was young I’ve always had an interest on the effect of food on the body, in particular its effect on the brain. Despite not always following the best practice – I was a kid who struggled to finish their lunch as playtime was too appealing! However, I soon realised that I couldn’t be as active if I didn’t eat.
I went on to study biological sciences and my interest in the human body and the fuel we provide it, lead me to further my studies in nutritional science.
- Tell us about your experience as a nutritionist
My career in nutrition has been a varied one. I started out in strategy looking at global health and wellness initiatives and advising on improving the nutritional value of products. I then went on to focus on infant and child nutrition specialising in scientific and regulatory developments, specifically looking at how to make food for this age group safer and more nutritious. This interest has stayed with me as I made the move from England to Australia.
- Why have you chosen to specialise in children’s nutrition?
As I developed my knowledge of nutrition I became fascinated by the importance of first 1,000 days of life (from conception through to two years of age) on the rest of your life. It made me realise that many changes need to start with children – it’s such a vital time of life for growth and development – and as eating is about more than just the food, the habits developed as a child often stick with you for life. Children do really represent a perfect opportunity to help shape a healthier, happier future.
- What’s your favourite food?
I love home cooked meals. I don’t think you can beat fresh, in season, fruit and vegetables. A sun-ripened tomato or a raspberry picked straight off the bush. (she is serious – no chocolate here!)
- What foods don’t you like?
I grew up in Hong Kong, surrounded by Asian street food so there aren’t many things I won’t try!
But I will steer clear of a lot of food with long ingredients list; often packed full of additives. Definitely not something you could re-create at home. Some manufactures have also become savvy about being able to make some artificial ingredients sound healthier than they are. For example, some fruit concentrates are made up of 65% fructose, that’s more than in high fructose corn syrup. Sweetened with fruit concentrate is definitely not any healthier than conventional sugar.
Oh, and I really don’t like peas!
- What drew you to working for Whole Kids?
The ethos of the company – real food from a company that cares.
Children require snacks to meet their daily energy requirements and parents need options. At the core of Whole Kids is the desire to develop healthy products, a nutritionist’s dream! I love that all products are designed with a child’s taste and their size in mind; they are transparent with the ingredients used and steer clear of additives.
- What do you think is the biggest issue facing children’s health in Australia?
Obesity, a lack of movement and an appetite for junk food, partly in part driven by Big Food marketing campaigns is leading to a decline in children’s health in Australia.
But on top of this, and one I almost see as a direct contributor to the problem, is a lack of understanding what really is in food and where our food comes from. There is a disconnect here that is only getting worse. Children often see food in packets, rather than the raw ingredients and so they are completely unaware of the processes involved and proportions of ingredients within a product. Many manufacturers also go out of their way to mask ingredients on the label, or not put the percentages, so truly understanding what is in a product becomes very difficult.
- How do you think we can take steps to help this at home?
The best way to approach this is to get your kids in the kitchen, ask them to do little tasks to help out with the cooking and make meals at home. This teaches children about what food is and how different meals are made. Parents also have a role at home to support children in steering clear of junk food as much as possible, and introducing them to a range of different foods.
- Who is your healthy food idol?
I admire those who are standing up to Big Food and are wanting to see change in the industry – it’s not an easy task!
Jamie Oliver is one of these. Through Jamie’s Food Revolution he stands for the fact that every child has a right to good, fresh and nutritious food. He passionately advocates for healthier school lunches, cutting out junk food, raising the importance of child health on the Government agenda and most recently, called for a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children under 16. All are powerful messages which can easily be lost amongst Big Food marketing campaigns for “low fat” or “reduced sugar” junk food alternatives. Despite numerous hurdles he doesn’t give up the fight.
Marion Nestle is another individual’s blog I follow avidly. She is a Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University. She cuts right to the reasons behind big marketing campaigns, showcases the strong links between politics and nutrition as well as highlighting misleading studies. It is US focused, but nevertheless covers largely global issues.
- From your experience working abroad, what do you think will be the next revolution in health and nutrition?
Whilst I don’t think sugar is going anywhere anytime soon and will continue to dominate the media there are other trends popping up.
With the rise in veganism, we can expect to see a lot more plant-based eating. In fact, a number of supermarkets globally are launching their own vegan meal ranges. Be wary of children following the diet without speaking with your health professional first. Children have specific nutritional needs that need to be met for healthy growth and development.
As the call for transparency in the food industry grows and we become aware, and interested, in our food, there will be a rising demand for wholesome food beyond that which exists today. It will include reducing the number of additives and the quality packaged foods we eat. It will be healthy convenience and easy to understand ingredients.
- What one piece of advice would you give to parents when considering what they feed their children?
Set a good example. Your children look up to you as role models, so if you outwardly show that don’t like a food, your child is unlikely to give it a go.
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”About the Author” main_heading_color=”#85c343″ heading_tag=”h4″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:22px;”][/ultimate_heading]Diana Austen works for Whole Kids as a Nutrition Advisor. With a Master’s degree in nutrition, she has spent over six years’ experience working with a range of companies on innovation, strategic insight and regulatory and scientific affairs. Fascinated by the nutritional requirements of infants and young children she focuses specifically on products for this age group.
