Can children thrive on a plant-based diet? From Instagram debates to client consults, this topic stirs up a lot of emotions — and understandably so. Whether you’re fully plant-based, somewhere in between, or just plant-curious, this episode is packed with practical advice, no judgement, and a whole lot of nuance.

We’re covering the nutritional concerns, what it actually means to be plant-based, how to make it work for little eaters, and why we don’t believe in fear-mongering around food.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist and mum of 3

In this episode we cover...

• What a plant-based diet really means
• Why families might choose this approach
• Key nutrients to be mindful of
• Why the amount of food matters when meat is off the menu
• Thoughts on fake meats and fortified milks
• How to raise kids plant-based without moralising food
• Tips for families who are curious about transitioning (or adding liver to the mix…)
• When and how to supplement safely
• ... and so much more!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Plant-Based Guide for Kids – Ebook
• Boob to Food Online Clinic
• Episode with Alyssa from Redwood Wellbeing
• Plant based diet blog

Today’s episode is brought to you by Once Upon. If your camera roll is bursting with photos you swear you’ll do something with someday… now’s your chance. Once Upon is our favourite app for making beautiful, high-quality photo books without the overwhelm. Whether you want to capture the chaos of the year, the magic of a holiday, or a meaningful gift for your little one, it’s simple, easy to use, and toddler-proof (well, almost).

Use the code BOOBTOFOOD25 for 25% off your first order. Download the app HERE

Looking for more support? Our online clinic is here to help. Whether you’re raising a plant-based child or just want help navigating supplements, iron intake, or toddler meals, our team of naturopaths, nutritionists and dieticians have got your back. Book a 1:1 consult and feel confident about what your child is eating.

Visit our clinic

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

Between picky eating phases, snack obsessions, and the endless marketing of kids’ vitamins, it’s no wonder parents are left wondering "does my toddler actually need supplements?" In today’s episode, Luka and Kate break down the most common myths, the supplements that might help (and the ones that are a waste of money), and what to look for if you’re worried about your toddler’s nutrition. Spoiler: beige food phases are normal, and you probably don’t need to panic.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist and mum of 3

In this episode we cover...

• Whether multivitamins are necessary (and when they might not be helpful)
• Why many toddler supplements aren’t as beneficial as they seem
• Signs your child might have a nutrient deficiency
• The most common nutrient gaps we see in toddlers
• When fortified foods can be useful
• How to approach probiotics and gut health support
• The importance of food-first nutrition, even with fussy eaters
• When it’s time to seek individualised support
• ... and so much more

Need personalised support?

Our online clinic is here to help. With a team of experienced dietitians, nutritionists, and naturopaths, we offer individualised guidance for your child’s nutrition, supplement needs, and overall health. Whether you’re navigating picky eating, wondering about supplements, or simply wanting peace of mind, we’re here to help. Learn more and book here.

This episode is brought to you by KOOEE! Snacks. KOOEE! makes 100% Australian grass-fed beef and free-range pork sticks, perfect for little (and big) hands. Packed with protein, free from preservatives, gluten, soy, and dairy, and made without any mystery ingredients. They're the perfect addition to lunchboxes (or to keep in the bottom of your bag at all times like we do!). Use code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% off your order until the end of July 2025.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

Nutrition plays a powerful role in fertility and the health of both parents and baby—but so many couples feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. In this episode, we’re joined by prenatal dietitian and nutritionist (and one of our Boob to Food clinic practitioners!) Niki Mohtat to break down what preconception care actually looks like.

We chat about why preconception nutrition matters, what to eat (and what to skip), and how to support both egg and sperm quality before falling pregnant. Niki shares the top nutrients to focus on—think folate, vitamin A, choline, iodine, and more—and the surprising ones many women (and men!) are deficient in. We also talk about the difference between folate and folic acid, how to choose a prenatal supplement, and when a more personalised approach might be needed.

Whether you’re planning for your first baby or preparing for a new addition, this episode will leave you feeling empowered with practical, no-pressure tips to nourish your body before pregnancy.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why both partners need to be involved in preconception care
• The top nutrients to focus on before trying to conceive
• Common deficiencies in women (and men)
• The truth about folic acid vs folate
• What to look for in a prenatal supplement
• The role of blood sugar, thyroid health and environmental toxins
• Easy, realistic dietary changes you can make today
• When to start (and why it’s never too late to make a difference)

Mentioned in this episode:

• Book a consult with Niki
• Our blog: Is liver safe during pregnancy?
• Episode with Alexx Stuart on low-tox living

Today’s episode was brought to you by Mini + Me. Mini and Me, a brand we have loved since they launched just over a year ago. It’s an electrolyte drink that’s designed to support you and your family in pregnancy, postpartum or even if you are a tired mum looking for a pick me up. It is full of electrolytes, magnesium, methylated folate and vitamins and is endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives too. It’s perfect for breastfeeding mamas too and they taste so good – there are now 6 delicious flavours to choose from. They have just launched 2 brand new Hydramama flavours – Peach Iced Tea and Tropical. They come in convenient single serve sachets, so they are great for on the run, pram walks, park adventures, and even travelling.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off. Visit miniandme.co to fill your cup today.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

We talk a lot about nutrition—what to feed our kids, how to nourish their growing bodies, and how to make mealtimes feel less like a battleground. But food is so much more than just fuel. It’s also wrapped up in culture, emotion, connection, and often… our own baggage. In today’s episode, we’re shifting the focus to the how of feeding our children—and exploring what it really means to raise intuitive eaters.

Alyssa is the founder of Redwood Wellbeing, a health coach, intuitive eating counsellor, and PDHPE teacher. She’s also a mum of two girls and brings both personal and professional experience to her work—after navigating her own eating disorder and seeing firsthand the growing number of teens struggling with body image and disordered eating. Through Redwood Wellbeing, Alyssa now supports parents to foster a positive relationship with food and body for themselves and their children, with practical, empowering strategies that start from day one.

In this episode we discuss:

• What intuitive eating actually means
• How to raise kids who trust themselves with food
• The impact of praise, pressure, and reward on children’s eating habits
• Why labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can be harmful—and what to say instead
• How to handle sweets, desserts and party food without creating guilt or restriction
• What to do when your child wants foods that don’t align with your family’s values
• Navigating peer pressure and canteen culture at school
• The importance of boundaries around food—and how to set them
• Supporting our own relationship with food to break the cycle for our kids
• …and so much more

You can connect with Alyssa via Instagram at @redwoodwellbeing or through her website www.redwoodwellbeing.com.au

Today’s episode was brought to you by Cell Squared. Cell Squared are a Melbourne based business on a mission to connect people with more traditional ways of eating. If you have been around here for a while, you will know that we are huge fans of liver, and particularly LOVE the Cell Squared liver and spleen capsules as a great way to introduce this iron rich superfood to your whole family. The Organic Spleen & Liver Capsules were recently reformulated to deliver 9.4mg of heme iron per 6 capsule serve. As well as iron (from the spleen), the capsules are unique as they also contain the necessary synergistic nutrients to enhance iron absorption & usability (which come from liver).

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD which will give 10% off storewide, including already discounted 3 month capsule bundles which also have free express shipping. Discount excludes already 15-20% off bundles & double-up ghee bundles. Visit www.cellsquared.com.au

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

Dr Chai is back for a third time on the podcast to help us navigate some of the most frequently asked questions about food allergies—this time diving into the grey areas that many families feel confused about, like breastfeeding and allergens, eczema and food introduction, and the difference between allergies and intolerances. We also explore a hot topic in the allergy world right now: oral immunotherapy (or desensitisation).

Dr Chaitanya Bodapati is a dual-trained Paediatric Allergy/Immunology Specialist and General Paediatrician. With a holistic and family-centred approach, Dr Chai blends her clinical expertise with her personal experience as a mum of children with food allergies. Her relatable and evidence-based support helps families feel confident and informed at every stage of their allergy journey.

In this episode we discuss:

• Breastfeeding with food allergies
• The difference between an allergy and an intolerance
• How to manage eczema when introducing solids and allergens
• If food-based skincare products (like almond oil or coconut oil) increase the risk of allergies
• Whether what you eat in pregnancy or breastfeeding affects your baby’s allergy risk
• Why formula-fed babies may already be exposed to some allergens
• What oral immunotherapy is and who it might be suited to
• Why food allergy desensitisation is becoming more common in Australia
• … and so much more!

You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram at @childrensallergyclinic or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.au

Some other resources we mention include:

• ASCIA Allergy Action Plans
• Ep. 118 – Introducing Allergens with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati
• Ep. 119 – What to Do if Your Child Has an Allergic Reaction with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati

Today’s episode is brought to you by Haakaa. Haakaa is a family-owned New Zealand brand committed to making motherhood simpler, easier, and greener. From their iconic breast pumps to their fresh food feeders and silicone freezer trays, Haakaa’s range of safe, sustainable and non-toxic baby products are favourites in both of our homes. Whether you’re breastfeeding, introducing solids, or prepping meals for your toddler, Haakaa offers practical solutions that support you every step of the way.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off your order at www.haakaa.co.nz

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

We’re back for part two with paediatric allergist and immunologist Dr Chaitanya Bodapati (aka Dr Chai) to continue the conversation about allergies—this time focusing on what to do if your child reacts to a food.

Allergies are on the rise, and the process of introducing allergens can be anxiety-inducing for many families. But what happens when your child actually has a reaction? Whether it’s mild hives or something more serious like anaphylaxis, the path forward can feel overwhelming and unclear—especially when wait times to see a specialist can be months long.

Dr Chaitanya Bodapati is a dual-trained Paediatric Allergy/Immunology Specialist and General Paediatrician. With a holistic approach to care, she draws from her extensive clinical experience—and her personal experience as a mum to a child with multiple food allergies. She is passionate about helping families navigate the often stressful world of childhood allergies with clarity and compassion.

In this episode we discuss:

• The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction vs a sensitivity or contact rash
• What to do if your child reacts to a food
• When (and when not) to seek medical help
• How to manage mild, moderate, and severe reactions
• Whether you need to stop introducing other allergens after a reaction
• The role of skin prick and blood testing—and why they’re often misleading
• What FPIES is, how it differs from other allergies
• Whether your child is likely to outgrow a food allergy
• When an EpiPen is (and isn’t) necessary
• Why the only true way to diagnose an allergy
• ... and so much more!

You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram at @childrensallergyclinic or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.au

Some other resources we mention include:

• ASCIA Allergy Action Plans
• Ep. 118 – Introducing Allergens with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati

Today’s episode was brought to you by Part & Parcel. Part & Parcel is our favourite one stop shop for pantry staples – not only do you have the convenience of them being delivered straight to your door (who wants to go shopping with 3 kids!), but they have also curated the most incredible range of organic, ethical and sustainable products so you don’t have to waste your time researching ingredients on labels. They’ve done the work for you. But be warned… you may want to add one of everything to your cart! Thankfully their annual membership allows members to receive extra savings on their shop (so maybe you can add that extra block of chocolate!).

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for $20 off your first order over $99. Visit www.partandparcel.com.au to shop today!

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

Allergies are one of the most common—and nerve-wracking—concerns for families starting solids. From knowing when to introduce allergens to understanding how often they should be offered, it’s no wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed.

In this week’s episode of Boob to Food The Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant (and relatable) Dr. Chaitanya Bodapati, a dual-trained paediatric allergist/immunologist and general paediatrician. Not only does she bring a wealth of clinical experience, but she also shares her perspective as a mum navigating food allergies firsthand.

In this episode we discuss:

• When and how to start introducing allergens
• Why timing matters (but also why you don’t need to panic)
• How often allergens should be offered and in what quantity
• What to do if your baby spits the food out (again!)
• How to approach allergens when you have dietary restrictions or food avoidance in your family
• Whether it’s necessary to introduce every single tree nut individually
• What to do if your baby is unwell, or if there’s a family history of allergy
• What reactions to look out for and when to seek help
• ... and so much more!

You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.au.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Harris Farm. Harris Farm is a family-owned Aussie business and one of our favourite places to shop - both for everyday staples and those special little extras that make meals feel exciting and extra delicious. They’re passionate about supporting local growers, reducing food waste, and making good food more accessible.

If you’re a fan of vibrant produce, pantry staples without the nasties, and delicious snacks your kids will actually eat (without the additives), Harris Farm is the place to go. We especially love their Imperfect Picks range (hello, sustainable savings!) and their Colour by Nature initiative that removes artificial colours from their products.

Visit www.harrisfarm.com.au to find your nearest store.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

Is there anything more terrifying than the thought of your baby choking? If you’ve ever hesitated to serve finger foods because you’re scared of choking, you’re not alone.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Nicole from Rhythm First Aid, a paediatric emergency nurse and first aid educator, to break down the difference between gagging and choking, how to prevent choking, and—most importantly—what to do in an emergency.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In this episode, we discuss:

• The key differences between gagging and choking
• Why gagging is a normal (and protective!) reflex
• The physical signs of choking and what to do if it happens
• Common choking hazards and how to modify foods safely
• Practical ways to reduce choking risks at home
• The step-by-step approach to choking first aid

Want to feel confident in first aid for your little one? Nicole and her team at Rhythm First Aid run in-person courses in Victoria and offer online masterclasses to help parents and caregivers feel prepared—not panicked in an emergency.

Check out her resources, courses, and more on her WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM

Here are some other episodes and resources you might find helpful:

• PODCAST: Safe food sizes and textures for babies
• PODCAST: Choosing the right feeding approach for your baby

Today’s episode is brought to you by Sun & Daughter. Finding a mineral sunscreen that actually rubs in and doesn’t leave little ones looking like ghosts? Nearly impossible. That’s why we love Sun & Daughter—it’s nourishing, non-greasy, and no white cast in sight! Their SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection and is water-resistant for two hours. Fragrance-free, preservative-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-friendly, it’s safe for sensitive skin too. Plus, Sun & Daughter is proudly Australian-made, with 100% recyclable packaging and ocean clean-up initiatives.

Use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off. Head to www.sunanddaughter.com.au to check it out today.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com