Shannon Cooper, an Australian health and wellness coach renowned for her blog called My Food Religion, made a steadfast commitment when she became a mother for the first time in 2014. Amid the abundance of advice she received on infant care, Cooper remained resolute in her intention to nourish her child with a distinctive diet devoid of sugar and carbohydrates.
This choice sparked controversy, challenging the norms upheld by medical professionals. Nevertheless, Cooper’s resolute decision has defied skeptics as she observed remarkable developments in her daughter over the past few years, effectively silencing critics.
1. You Know What They Say
Shannon Cooper has a deep passion for exploring the intricacies of food and its profound impact on our bodies. Years of dedicated study have equipped Cooper with extensive knowledge about various diets and their effects on the human body. Embracing the adage you are what you eat, Cooper firmly acknowledges the transformative power of food.
She recognizes its potential to nourish and energize or harm the body. This understanding has shaped her perspective throughout her adult life. Driven by this conviction, Cooper made a life-altering decision that would profoundly influence her daughter’s well-being.
2. You Are What You Eat And Whatever That Has Eaten, Too
Although many are familiar with the famous adage, you are what you eat. Fewer are likely aware of the lesser-known phrase that says you are what you eat ate. This notion might initially perplex you, but its essence is relatively straightforward.
When humans consume animals, the dietary choices of those animals can inevitably impact the human body. An illustrative example of this can be observed in the contrasting Omega-3 content between eggs laid by free-range hens and caged hens. Due to their healthier living conditions, free-range hens produce eggs with higher Omega-3 levels. This concept resonates with Shannon Cooper, who has embraced it as a guiding principle in her daily life.
3. Cooper Knew What She Wanted For Her Baby
Shannon Cooper transcends the label of a mere health enthusiast. With a solid scientific foundation and expertise in animal health, she delves into ongoing research on nutrition and explores diverse dietary approaches. Armed with a degree in agricultural science, she has thoroughly examined the cultivation and processing methods employed for human food production.
It is safe to say that Cooper possesses profound knowledge of nutrition and the art of leading a healthy lifestyle. In 2014, when her daughter Grace entered the world, Cooper was determined to instill a deep appreciation for food that promotes joy and well-being. This commitment ultimately prompted her to make a significant life-altering choice.
4. Shannon Cooper Wanted Her Family To Be Healthy
Shannon Cooper brings diverse expertise encompassing plant and animal health, wellness coaching, and fitness. With her extensive knowledge, she has become quite an authority on leading a healthy lifestyle. Cooper’s blog predominantly focuses on the significance of food and its impact on our well-being.
Given her dedication, it is natural to expect that she would extend these principles to her own family. However, few people knew how her ardent passion for nutritious eating would influence newborn Grace’s well-being, despite Cooper’s genuine intentions to prioritize her family’s health.
5. Cooper Decided To Raise Grace On A Strict Diet
Despite becoming a mother, Shannon Cooper was determined not to compromise her lifestyle. Being a health and wellness coach was her job and a way of life, so she remained steadfast in her commitment to healthy living.
Consequently, Shannon distinctly approached parenting compared to most new parents. This unique approach resulted in Grace experiencing a significantly different upbringing from her peers. Cooper deliberately raised Grace on a conscientious diet, carefully selecting what she fed her. While many parents may occasionally make exceptions or give in, Cooper remained resolute in her choices and refused to yield.
6. Grace Has Been On The Paleo Diet Since She Was Born
Contrary to what may surprise experienced parents, it is essential to note that Cooper didn’t put Grace on a diet due to her weight issues. In fact, how could she have assessed that immediately after Grace’s birth? It turns out that Cooper had made this decision even before delivering Grace.
Ever since that moment, Cooper has been raising Grace following the principles of the Paleo diet. Cooper has been practicing the Paleo diet for as long as she has studied nutrition in her adult life. As a result, Grace’s diet consists of something other than processed and jarred baby food, as most babies consume.
7. Why Paleo?
You may be familiar with the term Paleo diet, but many individuals remain unaware of its specifics. Paleo is derived from the Paleolithic, referring to the Stone Age era. Often called the caveman diet, the Paleo diet involves solely consuming foods available to early Stone Age individuals.
During that time, cavemen survived as hunter-gatherers, relying on a diet that consisted mainly of meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Cooper personally discovered the benefits of this diet in 2010, which has had a profound impact on her life. However, concerns arose regarding the potential effects on a newborn baby, and people expressed skepticism regarding Cooper’s decision.
8. Cooper Adopted A Paleo Diet To Feel Good
Motivated by persistent health problems that constantly left her unwell, Shannon Cooper adopted a new dietary approach. Aside from her food allergies, she discovered that her current eating habits contributed to her discomfort.
Adopting the mindset of a nutritionist, Cooper embarked on a mission to pinpoint the root cause of her issues, ultimately identifying her diet as a major factor. Recognizing the significant impact of gut health on overall well-being, she decided to follow a Paleo diet primarily. However, her dietary changes didn’t end there.
9. Paleo Was The Perfect Match For Her
Every individual’s body functions uniquely, making it clear that not all diets follow a standard formula. Cooper found success with the Paleo diet, which required eliminating sugars, carbs, and processed foods containing preservatives and harmful additives.
I grew tired of feeling unwell. That had become my regular state, but I made the decision that it shouldn’t be, Cooper shared with Daily Mail Australia in 2015. However, the Paleo diet is frequently scrutinized by numerous medical experts. While they acknowledge its benefits, they also caution against its many limitations.
10. Cavemen Really Did Have Healthier Diets Than Us
While the Paleo diet may appear to be a wholesome choice, it does have its share of drawbacks. While medical professionals and nutritionists appreciate its emphasis on avoiding processed foods, they prefer promoting the consumption of genuine, unprocessed foods instead.
It holds some validity that our ancestors maintained a healthier diet compared to modern times. Historical evidence suggests that cavemen consumed three times the amount of fruits and vegetables that an average American does presently. Their diets were abundant in fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Such a diet seems ideal for a developing child. However, people were quick to criticize Cooper for his dietary choices.
11. They Ate Healthier, But Cavemen Weren’t Exactly Healthy
However, despite the fact that cavemen likely had a nutritious daily diet, there are several aspects of their Stone Age existence that Paleo diet enthusiasts often disregard. While they may have consumed healthier foods, it does not necessarily mean that cavemen were inherently healthy.
The Stone Age ancestors faced various challenges that were ultimately beyond their influence, such as parasites and diseases. Their balanced diet alone does not provide sufficient evidence to suggest that they lived healthier lives compared to contemporary individuals. Moreover, the Paleo diet emphasizes the elimination of grains, legumes, and dairy, which are often considered essential components of modern-day nutrition. Thus, how did Shannon Cooper manage to make the Paleo diet work for her baby, Grace?
12. Shannon Cooper Only Wanted Her Daughter To Feel Good
Shannon Cooper had faithfully followed the Paleo diet for numerous years before welcoming Grace into her life. Before becoming a mother, Cooper experienced a remarkable sense of well-being. Naturally, she desired her daughter to share in this vitality, particularly concerning nutrition.
Nevertheless, Cooper’s choice to raise Grace on the Paleo diet provoked considerable inquiry. While the diet proved to be a beneficial option for adults, its impact on the growth and development of a young child remained uncertain. Cooper relied on her maternal instinct to seek answers and disregarded unsolicited opinions from doctors who emerged unexpectedly.
13. Cooper Was Only Warned To Tread Lightly
Prior to adopting the Paleo diet for Grace, Cooper took the initiative to consult a pediatrician for medical guidance. However, due to the limited research available on the effects of the Paleo diet on children, the pediatrician offered a cautious warning, advising Cooper to proceed carefully.
Despite this advice, Cooper remained determined to raise Grace on the Paleo diet from the very beginning. Nevertheless, Cooper did make one exception in the best interest of the newborn Grace. Including a specific food in Grace’s diet was deemed crucial to ensure she obtained all the essential nutrients needed for her healthy and natural growth.
14. Cooper Made This Exception For Grace’s Diet
Cooper made an exception to Grace’s Paleo diet by including breast milk. It was a natural choice for Cooper to breastfeed her newborn during the initial months, considering that infants cannot easily digest meats and plants at such an early stage of life.
It may seem obvious, but not all parents allow this exception when introducing their children to the Paleo diet, as it turns out. However, in Cooper’s case, it made perfect sense since she was already following the same dietary regimen. As the saying goes, you are what you eat, and what you eat matters. Nevertheless, there was a significant learning curve involved.
15. The Piece Of Advice That Cooper Ignored
Sometimes, parents may switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding within a year or two after their baby’s birth. If this was something Cooper considered, she could have explored various do-it-yourself Paleo formula recipes available on the Internet. However, Cooper wisely refrained from pursuing this option, which turned out to be a good decision.
Notably, a formula concocted by celebrity Paleo chef Pete Evans drew concern from a nutritionist who warned about potential permanent damage and even fatal outcomes. This concern was because the recipe contained a nutrient composition unsuitable for babies’ digestive capabilities. Fortunately, Cooper did not utilize this recipe and instead adhered to her Paleo principles in other aspects.
16. No Jars Of Baby Food In The Cooper Household
Instead of relying on jars of baby food like many parents do when transitioning their babies from breastmilk to solid foods, Shannon Cooper took a different approach. As a new mom, she made a conscious decision to personally prepare her baby’s meals while adhering to the principles of the Paleo diet.
While commercial baby food is generally considered safe, it often contains traces of sugar and preservatives that Cooper wanted to avoid for her daughter. By taking matters into her own hands, Cooper ensured her child’s meals were packed with nourishing and natural ingredients. However, the question remained: How did Grace, her daughter, respond to this dietary choice as she continued to grow?
17. At 13 Months, Grace Was Eating Healthier Than Most Adults
Since Grace was born, Cooper has showcased the meals she skillfully prepared for the newborn on social media and on her blog. Fans have witnessed Grace fearlessly devouring diverse foods, such as broccoli, right from infancy. Remarkably, even before she could walk, Grace’s dietary choices surpassed those of the average adult regarding healthiness.
Nonetheless, at 13 months, with such a limited diet, concerns arose among many about whether Grace was receiving all the necessary nutrients. While Grace’s food was undeniably beneficial for her, the lingering question remained: was it truly sufficient? The answers to these concerns would only unveil themselves as Grace grew. Brace yourself for a glimpse of what Grace looks like today – the results will astound you!
18. Grace Has Never Tasted Sugary Snacks Or Carbs
At just 13 months old, Grace defied the norm by embracing various fruits and vegetables, an impressive feat considering most children’s aversion to such fare. However, thanks to Shannon Cooper’s culinary expertise, Grace’s dietary journey proved to be more intricate than initially presumed.
Even as a baby, Grace embarked on a culinary adventure, sampling health-conscious delicacies like sauerkraut, chia pudding, and quinoa oatmeal. Most youngsters would vehemently protest against consuming such unconventional fare, but Grace stood out from the crowd. Remarkably, Grace has never indulged in the typical carbohydrates and sugary treats adored by children.
