I have a passion for children’s health. I really get that fire in my belly feeling when I meet like minded health professionals…we simply have the best conversations! One such colleague is the incredible Maria Shaflender, a fellow nutritionist, and Sydney’s answer to better family health. Maria is the owner of True Foods Nutrition. As well as running a successful clinic, Maria is passionate about spreading good health through her wonderful workshops. Based in Bondi, you can come along to a workshop and learn about bone broths, pro-biotic foods, and make some super delicious healthy snacks. Such a clever, busy lady, Maria is also the mum of two awesome children. I met Maria while volunteering for the Mindd Foundation, inspiring me with her knowledge, her passion and empathy. What a mum!
How old are your children?
I have 2 kids: a boy 7y.o and a girl 5y.o
What is your food philosophy for your children?
“Health through real food”- that’s my motto and food philosophy at home. Wholefoods every day, nothing made in a factory with fake ingredients, nothing my grandparents wouldn’t recognise.
What inspires you to feed your child the way you do?
The difference in their health! Their immune systems, digestive systems, concentration, growth and overall health have VASTLY improved on a wholefoods ancestral/Paleo style diet.
What tips have you got for travelling families?
Pack your snacks and food and take on the plane where possible. I usually pack: boiled eggs, vegies sticks, whole avocados with a plastic knife, beef and kangaroo jerkey and homemade muesli bars/slices. If you can’t bring your own, keep it clean with wholefoods by ordering: eggs with sides like mushrooms/tomatoes/spinach (most cafes manage thisJ), vegies and fruit or good quality wraps.
What are your 3 top snacks?
Kangaroo jerky, nutty bliss balls (both home- made), fruit and vegie sticks
How do you look after yourself as well as your child?
Making sure I get enough sleep- I don’t function well on less than 8 hours. If I’m in a good mood, everyone is happy!
What brings balance to your family?
Prioritising the important things: good food and cooking, time together. Involving kids in food preparation and growing herbs and vegies allows them to develop a deep appreciation of real food.
What is your favourite activity to do together as a family?
Go to the beach and make berry muffins! (gluten/grain/dairy freeJ)
Do you have a favourite inspirational quote that lights up your life?
“Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet, focus on today”. No idea who said it, but it reminds me to stay mindful.
You can find Maria over on her facebook page, or find one of her workshops on her website 
Here is a yummy Fritatta Recipe from her wonderful website!
Ingredients:
-2 carrots, diced and steamed for about 15 mins to soften
-3 small zucchini, diced
-1 small bunch of kale, finely diced
-3 slices of turkey bacon, diced (from Sam the Butcher on Bondi rd) or use pasture raised bacon if you eat pork
-1 brown onion, finely sliced
-5 organic free range eggs
-2 tbsp. of butter
-1/2 cup milk (I use raw Cleopatra’s milk)
-1/2 cup grated cheese (I use raw Gruyere or Nimbin natural blocks)
-sea salt
How to:
-In a tart dish: place diced zucchini and kale. On a frying pan sauté onions and bacon in butter until crispy. Place bacon and onions on top of zucchini and kale in the tart dish. Sprinkle this layer with salt.
-Place steamed carrots on top in the next layer. Place grated cheese on top.
-In a bowl beat eggs and milk with fork. Sprinkle a bit of salt into the egg mixture.
-Carefully pour the egg mixture over the frittata so that the egg liquid almost comes to the inside edge of the dish.
-Bake in 200◦C oven for 35-45 mins, until the egg mixture is fully set and the top is crispy and golden.
Dandelion Nutrition 