Meet our resident Nutrition Advisor Diana Austen and learn more about her thoughts on Big Food marketing, why she specialises in children\u2019s nutrition and \u2026. Peas!<\/p>\n
Ever since I was young I\u2019ve 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 \u2013 I was a kid who struggled to finish their lunch as playtime was too appealing! However, I soon realised that I couldn\u2019t be as active if I didn\u2019t eat.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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 \u2013 it\u2019s such a vital time of life for growth and development \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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I love home cooked meals. I don\u2019t 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 \u2013 no chocolate here!)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I grew up in Hong Kong, surrounded by Asian street food so there aren\u2019t many things I won\u2019t try!<\/p>\n 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\u2019s more than in high fructose corn syrup. Sweetened with fruit concentrate is definitely not any healthier than conventional sugar.<\/p>\n Oh, and I really don\u2019t like peas!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The ethos of the company \u2013 real food from a company that cares.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s dream! I love that all products are designed with a child\u2019s taste and their size in mind; they are transparent with the ingredients used and steer clear of additives.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019s health in Australia.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I admire those who are standing up to Big Food and are wanting to see change in the industry \u2013 it\u2019s not an easy task!<\/p>\n Jamie Oliver is one of these. Through Jamie\u2019s 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 \u201clow fat\u201d or \u201creduced sugar\u201d junk food alternatives. Despite numerous hurdles he doesn\u2019t give up the fight.<\/p>\n Marion Nestle is another individual\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whilst I don\u2019t think sugar is going anywhere anytime soon and will continue to dominate the media there are other trends popping up.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a0easy to understand ingredients.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Set a good example. Your children look up to you as role models, so if you outwardly show that don\u2019t like a food, your child is unlikely to give it a go.<\/p>\n[ultimate_heading main_heading=”About the Author” main_heading_color=”#85c343″ heading_tag=”h4″ alignment=”left” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:22px;”][\/ultimate_heading]\n Diana Austen works for Whole Kids as a Nutrition Advisor. With a Master\u2019s degree in nutrition, she has spent over six years\u2019 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meet our resident Nutrition Advisor Diana Austen and learn more about her thoughts on Big Food marketing, why she specialises in children\u2019s nutrition and \u2026. Peas! 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