Nourishing Little Ones: An Insightful Conversation with Lucinda Miller
Fussy eating, toddler tantrums & back-to-back infections with Lucinda Miller, Family Naturopath, Author, and Founder of NatureDoc.
At Lune + Wild, we’re passionate about creating nourishing, organic meals for children, and we love connecting with experts who share our values. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Lucinda, a seasoned naturopath and founder of NatureDoc, on our Instagram live. With over 25 years of experience in naturopathy, Lucinda offered a wealth of knowledge on supporting children’s health through nutrition.
Understanding the Challenges of Feeding Young Children
Lucinda began by sharing her personal journey as a mother, which deeply influenced her career in naturopathy. Her experiences with her three children—dealing with issues like ADHD, gut health, and food allergies—drove her to explore the best nutritional practices for children.
One of the key topics discussed was the challenge of fussy eating, particularly as children approach 18 months. Lucinda explained that this is often a developmental phase where children begin to assert their independence, which can sometimes manifest as resistance to trying new foods. She highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying reasons, such as teething, gut discomfort, or simply a natural decrease in appetite.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Toddler Tantrums
Lucinda also addressed the issue of toddler tantrums, often linked to blood sugar levels. She stressed the importance of balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. For breakfast, for example, incorporating eggs, yoghurt, or porridge with added protein can set a positive tone for the day and help prevent those mid-morning meltdowns.
Lucinda encouraged parents to think creatively when it comes to introducing new foods. Whether through picnics, involving children in food preparation, or gradually incorporating small changes, there are many ways to broaden a child’s diet and ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Building Immunity and Gut Health
As children return to nursery, the conversation naturally turned to immunity and how parents can support their children in fending off frequent infections. Lucinda recommended focusing on foods rich in vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc, which are crucial for a strong immune system. She also emphasised the benefits of elderberry syrup, a natural antiviral that can be a valuable addition to a child’s diet during cold and flu season.
Lucinda highlighted the importance of gut health in overall well-being, particularly for children prone to food intolerances or frequent illnesses. She explained that building tolerance and resilience in the gut is a gradual process, often supported by probiotics and other supplements initially, followed by a varied, nutritious diet.
Encouraging a Positive Relationship with Food
Throughout the conversation, Lucinda underscored the importance of fostering a positive relationship with food. She advised against labelling any food as “bad” and instead focused on the idea of balance and variety. Her approach is about adding more nutritious foods into a child’s diet rather than restricting them, ensuring they receive all the essential nutrients for healthy development.
At Lune + Wild, we share Lucinda’s belief in the power of food to nourish and heal. Our meals are crafted to provide a variety of flavours and nutrients, making it easier for parents to offer their children a balanced diet that supports both their physical and mental development.
Final Thoughts
Our conversation with Lucinda was filled with practical advice and insights that align closely with our mission at Lune + Wild. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of fussy eating, looking to manage toddler tantrums, or aiming to boost your child’s immunity, the key takeaway is that nutrition plays a fundamental role.
By focusing on a balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, and by embracing variety, we can help our children grow into healthy, happy individuals. We’re grateful to Lucinda for sharing her expertise and for the work she does to support families in making informed, nourishing choices.
For more tips, recipes, and expert advice, be sure to follow us and Lucinda on Instagram, and explore our range of organic, ready-to-heat meals designed to make mealtimes easier and healthier for your little ones.
Of course, if you’d like to watch the full conversation, you can catch the video here:
Lucinda is also the founder of NatureDoc where you can find clinical support for family nourishment, plus a wealth of nutritional resources, and a shop to purchase expert-recommended high quality supplements for your family, along with health and wellbeing books, including Lucinda's new book "Brain Brilliance: 60 nourishing Recipes And a Nutritional Toolkit for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism and all Neurodivergent Kids".