You studied biochemistry and you are a holistic nutritionist. What are a few key rules pregnant moms should live by in terms of health and diet?

I didn’t finish getting my degree in biochemistry because I felt an extremely strong pull towards a much more holistic approach to health and well-being. This prompted my journey to studying nutrition and the mind body spirit connection. Prenatal nutrition should begin before conception. It’s a lifestyle approach and a way to be more in tune with what your body wants and needs and ensuring that you are nourishing your body and your baby.  It’s tough to say because all pregnancies are very different and you crave or have aversions to certain foods. The main thing is trying to omit the processed junk, never counting calories, and trying to incorporate as many rainbow colors of fruits and veggies as you can. Low iron is a big thing throughout many pregnancies which is why I always recommend juicing beet and beet top (the leafy greens found at the top of the root), which can deliver a high amount of non heme iron. Avocados are great because of the high fat content (which is incredible for brain development), as well as fiber and folate. Focus on high folate superfoods – gravitate towards greens. If you can’t bear the thought of a salad then try adding greens into smoothies or even sautéed into stews. Spinach is a particularly versatile option.

The struggle to eat healthy food while battling pregnancy cravings is real. Do you have any go-to pregnancy snacks that satisfy common cravings?

I was extremely sick in my first 5 months of pregnancy with my daughter. All I could bear to eat was toast and croissants . I took my prenatal vitamins daily and drank lots of water but when I could stomach anything else I really loved having avocado or almond butter and sliced bananas on top of my spouted bread toast. I love chocolate so when I would make chocolate date fudge balls (coconut flour, cacao, coconut flakes and dates). They hit the spot and I could bring them with me on the go.
Everyone’s cravings are different so the key is to find healthier less processed alternatives for what it is that you crave. I often craved cinnamon toast crunch when pregnant with my son and found a great Gluten free cereal made with organic cane sugar at the store that satiated the craving. Also, I found a delicious coconut-based alternative to chocolate ice cream which I would crave at night.
It’s important not to beat yourself up. If you eat something that wasn’t great for you and then feel guilt, you’re choosing to feel that guilt. If you’re going to eat something that brings you pleasure in the moment, enjoy it and drop the guilt.

What about for breastfeeding moms?Any healthy snacks that may even stimulate supply?

OATMEAL!!!!!  I never craved oatmeal as much as I did after giving birth to my first born. I had no idea at the time but then realized that oats contain natural galactogenic properties that help with milk production.  Oat rolls or cookies are the easiest ways to get a snack in while boosting milk supply. Another go to is Homemade Oat Milk! Super easy and delicious.

Soak 1 cup of oats overnight
Rinse well and set aside
In blender put 4 cups of filtered water
Add 3 ripe dates ( no pit) ,pinch of salt , 1/2 tea spoon of vanilla extract and 1 table spoon maple syrup ( if you like a sweeter milk) omit if you don’t like it too sweet.DRINK LOTS OF WATER! We often tend to forget to do that postpartum – TIP- keep a large mason jar with you at all times and fill it with cucumber and or lemon.

Despite best-laid plans, getting young children to eat healthy can be hard. What are your tips for moms who feel like they’re fighting a losing battle? Are there any good snacks you like to keep on hand?

Don’t give up. Expose your children to healthy options at all times and they will eventually be curious enough to try it.
Make it fun- get them involved in cooking or choosing produce at the stores . Kids like to feel “ in control” and by giving them the choice they are much more eager to try it. “Ben, do you want apple slices, cucumber or carrot ?”


 Get them involved in making smoothies together. Smoothies are great at jam packing nutrients into sweet and delicious sips. Get them to choose their favorite color and google recipe for “ healthy kid friendly green , red, purple smoothies “ and make them together. 


Kids are also extremely observant. They watch you even when you think they don’t. Set a good example by forming a healthy relationship with food and mealtime and they will too. 
We live in a day and age where you can find “ healthy” substitutes for most  kids attractive meals ie: French fries , chicken fingers etc.


Make your own and freeze for use later on the week and you are already providing them with better options then the store bought versions. 


Try to cut down on snacks throughout the day and stick to meals . Kids that eat snacks are less hungry during meal time and tend to refuse to try certain items because of that.

Are there any great kitchen tools you recommend for new moms?

My 3 cup kitchen aid processor is by far my favorite! 

Vitamix or any high quality, high speed blender 
They can be pricey but so worth it! 

Less is more- too many appliances can be quite overwhelming so try to purchase
multi use appliances rather than many single function pieces. I have a yogurt maker that has been collecting dust in my drawers for years now.

What are some of the common misconceptions about nutrition you’d like to set straight?

It should not be BLAND and BORING to be healthy. It shouldn’t be viewed as a sacrifice to nourish  your body. It’s a change in lifestyle and the relationship we have with our food and ourselves. My husband is a chef and we enjoy going out and having GUILT FREE dinner and drinks together. The majority of our daily diet is fairly clean and we feel better eating that way  but that allows us to indulge every once in a while.

Eating well is obviously a large part of being healthy, but so is working out. What workouts do you love to do and why? How do you fit it into your busy lifestyle?

I enjoy all kinds of activities and movement. I like to be challenged but the older I get and with my postpartum complications of Diastasis recti. I have to be more mindful of how I move and what I choose to do.  I am currently loving high intensity workouts to get my heart rate up but I also enjoy doing Pilates . I am working out with a personal trainer to help establish healthy movement patterns as well as my core postpartum. 
I am a big advocate of trying different things and challenging yourself through movement but doing it safely and mindfully.

Which clean beauty brands do you swear by? What about home products?

I love oils . Raw organic Coconut oil is a cheap and effective makeup remover – diaper rash cream- moisturizer and even lubricant. Yes , I said it.  Oh yeah.. and great for cooking. 

It’s a multi purpose oil that I swear by.
I love using witch hazel as a toner – the price point is $12-15 (Canadian dollars) and it works better than most toners on the market without drying out your skin and still maintaining a healthy pH. 


I love sea buckthorn oil  mixtures- skin essence and province apothecary make a great one that I put on before bed . 

I adore Goop- their exfoliating mask and daily moisturizer. Not all my skin care/makeup is completely “ non toxic” but I try to explore as many clean brands as I can  and avoid fragrance in my products at all costs.
As for serums, Skinceuticals have a great vitamin c serum and Dr. Barbara Sturm has a hyaluronic acid serum that is amazing.