A fellow plant-based mama, Shannen and I were in the same pilates class in Sydney. To be honest, though, we didn’t even speak until we were pregnant. I always admired her from afar. You could tell she was a cool chick, and she was levelled up on her pilates game so she was def on my radar! When we found out that we were both pregnant and due at around the same time, we instantly hit it off and once we welcomed our boys, we got to know each other outside of the studio. We always joke that our boys brought us together, so thank you, Louie and Lennox!
I am beyond blessed to have met Shannen. She became like a sister to me in such a short amount of time and to this day we are constantly in touch. I will always remember her as my first mom friend in Australia. She has just recently welcomed her second baby boy, Hurley, and is continuing to thrive as a wholesome mama!
With that, let’s welcome the ultimate plant-based mama, Shannen!
Introduce yourself to The Wholesome Seed audience
I’m Shannen! Originally from New Zealand but living in Maroubra, Sydney with my family. I have two boys, Lennox 2 and Hurley who is 8 months old. We love going to the beach and go as much as we can in summer and winter. I love pilates reformer and make it a priority before the kids wake up each day to practice, whether it’s on the mat or reformer. I am a primary school teacher but am currently on maternity leave. Being a mum to my two boys is the best!
You practice a plant-based diet. How does this translate to your boy’s diet?
Both my boys are also predominantly plant-based too. I find it easier if they eat what I eat. They have fish and eggs and I make a lot of gummies for them which are made with grass-fed gelatine. That’s if my toddler touches his food! I try not to worry about what they eat too much as long as my kids are enjoying it and I know it’s nourishing their little bodies, mostly!
What are your top plant-based snacks that the boys enjoy?
We love a good nutrient-packed smoothie! I think that’s my biggest go-to. Both my boys love their fruit and definitely hummus with vegetable sticks.
Click here for my go to banana berry smoothie recipe!
Can you share with us any natural remedies that you love and use?
Chamomile! I use chamomile a lot to settle any upset tummies. I use it as tea or I make gummies from it. During cold and flu season, I also make raspberry and elderflower gummies to help boost their immune systems.
Check out my Turmeric and Ginger Immune-Boosting Gummies recipe!
For anyone living or visiting Sydney, Australia- can you share a couple of hot spots that are kid-friendly?
I might be biased, but the very south end of Maroubra beach is a great protected spot to play by the water. If you’re in the city Darling Quarter is so much fun! Take a spare pair of clothes as there are water features there for the kids to play in.
You and your family are big-time beach goers. What’s your favourite natural sunscreen for kids?
We use the Wotnot Sunscreen or the Moogoo Zinc Sunscreen for the boys. I also love We are Feel Good Sunscreen for an SPF 50 option.
