When Shan Cooper fed her baby the contentious paleo diet, it went viral. Grace, who is now eight years old, was raised on a diet low in processed sugar and high in fresh produce, eggs, and meat. Her mother’s blog, ‘My Food Religion,’ is well-known for sharing nutritious recipes that use minimally processed products that are as close to their natural state as possible. Grace has always eaten healthily, even though many adults choose to lead healthier lives.
The Baby Who Ate No Refined Sugar
At 13 months, Grace’s diet included roast chicken, avocado, sauerkraut, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, eggs fried in coconut oil, and organic beef, along with twice-daily breast milk. For her first birthday, Shan prepared her strawberry panna cotta with coconut cream (without refined sugar), which was an uncommon dessert.
Shan credited Grace’s nutrient-dense food for the fact that, according to her mother in 2015, she had only become ill once at that age. “She’s around other kids who are often sick but she doesn’t catch anything,” she explained.
“It’s certainly not because I’m shielding her from exposure. I absolutely believe her immune strength comes from her nutritious diet.”
After struggling with food allergies, Shan decided to follow the paleo diet in an effort to better her own health. She eventually stopped eating processed foods, dairy, and gluten. “I was just fed up with feeling unwell and decided that needed to change,” she said.
The paleo diet, which emphasises lean meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, is modelled after the dietary habits of our Stone Age ancestors. It limits processed foods, grains, legumes, dairy, and refined sugar. Critics contend that it leaves out dairy, an excellent source of calcium and protein, as well as healthy grains and legumes that offer fibre, minerals, and other nutrients. It also oversimplifies ancient dietary customs, which differed greatly based on location and the resources at hand.
“I am not Paleo…”
Shan broadly follows the paleo diet but doesn’t adhere to it strictly. As she explains on her blog, “I am not vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, fat-free, carb-free, or any other strict dietary label. I pick what I like from different approaches and adapt it to suit my well-being.”
Preparing food from scratch daily requires time and effort, but Shan isn’t overly strict about Grace’s diet. “(What she eats now) is just normal, everyday food. She loves it. I don’t serve her toast or cereal, but I also don’t think it’s harmful if she has some once in a while. If she eats a piece of bread, I’m not going to freak out.”
Creating a Healthy Relationship with Food
“I don’t want her to develop disordered eating,” said Shan, noting that many people struggle with this. “I want Grace to eat what makes her feel good. That’s how I choose my own diet too. A piece of bread won’t kill me, and I don’t stress about eating out with friends.”
Today, at eight years old, Grace enjoys healthy alternatives to typical childhood junk food. Curious minds often ask if Shan ever lets Grace eat sugar now that she’s older. Approximately four months ago, a follower posed this question on Instagram: “Will Grace tell you if she wants to try something sweet like candy?” Shan responded, “Absolutely. She’s had candy at kids’ parties before.”
In the end, maintaining a positive connection with food is essential, and occasionally indulging in less healthful options contributes to it. It’s about striking a balance between appreciating wholesome food and being aware of the consequences of making less healthful decisions.
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