Meet The Expert: Brittany Darling From Wholefood Healing

Meet the Expert: Brittany Darling, BHSc Nutr

As soon as those two pink lines first brighten up your life, immediately your whole landscape changes and you end up being extra cautious and intrigued about what are the right foods to be putting into your body. I don't know if it's just me ( I don't think it is) but the moment my first baby was born I was extra cautious about anything and everything he ingested or ate. It was a new awakening and all of a sudden at the forefront of my family's health.

The more I learn about the benefits of nutrition and the effect it can have on so many issues and ailments, the more I wish I had of known a lot more about it. So now that I'm intrigued, I'm so thrilled to have Brittany Darling as one of our experts on the team, to share her advice and answer our questions about nutrition for your family!

Today we sat down with the beautiful Brittany Darling from Wholefoods Healing and got to know her a bit better. Find out the one thing she will never give her kids and so much more!

You can see more of her chats about a quick guide to starting solids, 3 baby products you should avoid and why and how to boost your family's immunity during Coronavirus.

What are your qualifications?

Bachelor Health Science (nutritional medicine), Advanced Diploma Western Herbal Medicine, Post Gard Cert in Paediatric Nutrition (Monash) and currently completing my Masters of Human Nutrition at Deakin University.

What inspired you to launch Wholefood Healing?

I started WFH fresh out of university almost 10 years ago. I always wanted to have my own business and have always being passionate about nutrition for as long as I can remember. I worked for Anthia at OVViO, Paddington for a few years. She really inspired me and gave me the confidence to take the next step once graduating.

How would you describe your nutriton philosophy in one sentence?

Real and wholefood nutrition that’s based on evidence and science.

If there's one thing you want all parents to know about baby nutrition, what is it?

I want parents to enjoy introducing solids to their baby and not fear or unnecessarily stress about allergies.

Also, there is no one size fit all. What works for someone in your mothers’ group, may not work for you and your baby.

What will you never feed your children?

Soft drink. I just don’t see the point! I try and take a balanced approach with my kids though. Nothing is forbidden and I occasionally indulge them with treats. I try to focus on the quality over quantity. Our favourite treat is Gelato Messina.

What do you wish your children ate more of and how are you working towards this?

I wish my kids liked legumes. They are packed full of fibre, protein, and count as a serve of vegetables, but my kids aren’t the biggest fans.

What's your advice for parents who are struggling with any stage of food development whether it be introducing solids, baby led weaning or dealing with food allergies?

Make sure you are getting advice from a reputable source or qualified health care practitioner. There are far too many opinion pieces on the internet. Facts over fear.

What has surprised you the most on your food and nutrition journey?

That research is endless. I though once I graduated from my degree that I would know everything there is to know. The nutritional recommendations and research changes frequently! Fortunately, I love reading research papers and am hungry for knowledge.

What are people's biggest misconceptions about nutritionists?

That we all eat perfectly healthy all the time!!!

What is your favourite food?

I have so many favourite foods. My last meal would have to be my mum’s lasagne but if I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would be avocado toast (but actually Lindt hazelnut chocolate).

Visit Brittany Darling at www.wholefoodhealing.com.au and connect at Facebook and Instagram: @wholefoodhealing