About - Plant Based Kids Plant Based Kids

I am a registered specialist paediatric dietitian with 24 years experience offering professional, evidence-based nutrition advice. I offer 1-to-1 online consultations, group courses (Plant Powered Little People) and masterclasses, as well as consulting with food brands to optimise the nutritional profile of their products.

Although I’ve been a dietitian for many years, it wasn’t until my youngest daughter Maddie decided to become vegetarian 3 years ago that I truly took an honest look at the food that we were eating as a family at home and the impact it could have on both planetary health and the health of my family.

My daughter has inspired me to also become vegetarian and to study further and learn more about plant based nutrition and all the potential health benefits of this way of eating. In 2021 I completed the ‘Plant Based Nutrition: A Sustainable Diet for Optimal Health’ course at the University of Winchester, accredited by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, which has given me additional insight and research into plant based nutrition at all ages.

I studied nutrition and dietetics in Cape Town, South Africa, where I was born and grew up. My first degree was in biochemistry and I then went on to study Nutrition and Dietetics as a Post Graduate degree at the University of Cape Town, as I have always had a love of food, cooking and health.

Nutrition has always fascinated me and when I was studying I realised the profound impact good nutrition can have on our health and wellbeing.
After graduating, I moved to the UK to learn and work in the wonderful NHS for “a few years”… 24 years later and I am still here!

Training and qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (University of Cape Town)
Post Graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Cape Town)
SOS approach to feeding (www.sosapproachtofeeding.com)
PG Certificate Advanced Professional Practice in Paediatric Dietetics
(University of Plymouth)
Plant Based Nutrition: A Sustainable Diet for Optimal Health
(University of Winchester)

Registered with / member of

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
British Dietetic Association BDA
BDA Paediatric Group
BDA Freelance Group
Plant Based Health Professionals UK

HOW TO MEET YOUR TODDLER’S IRON NEEDS 🌱 Iro

FRIDGE RAID SOUP 🥣 I made this soup for lunch

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND POTATO BAKE This recipe was

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD PLANT-BASED KIDS TAKE? 🌱

Every week in my Q&A, I’m always asked about supplements so I thought I’d put this reel together for you summarising which supplements are helpful for plant-based families…

🤱 All breastfed babies should be supplemented with vitamin D from birth and vitamins A and D from 6 months of age until 5 years of age. This is independent of the type of diet they may be eating.

🍼 Formula fed babies do NOT need vitamin supplements UNLESS they are drinking <500ml formula per day.

Additional supplements I recommend for predominantly plant-based families include:
1️⃣ VITAMIN B12 💊
This is essential for all plant-based families as there are no plant-based vitamin B12 food sources (unless fortified). Some research suggests that vegetarians would also benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation. I recommend supplementing from 7-8 months of age (and BF women).

2️⃣ IODINE 🥛 🍳 🐟
Dairy products, eggs and white fish/shellfish are the main sources of iodine in the UK diet. Seaweed is a plant-based source but quantities are highly variable (and can be excessive). Many plant based dairy alternatives are also fortified with iodine. In most cases a supplement is the only reliable source for fully plant based families. I recommend supplementing form 1 year of age (and BF women)

3️⃣ DHA/EPA (omega 3 fatty acids) 🧠 👁
Plant-based sources of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) include chia, flax and hemp seeds, walnuts and flaxseed oil but ALA is the precursor to DHA/EPA and it’s unclear as to how much ALA is converted to DHA/EPA. These forms are really important for brain and eye development therefore they are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as babies and children under 2.

🌱 If you’d like to learn more about these nutrients and my supplement recommendations for plant-based families, including dosages and brands, I have a FREE supplement guide for you. Comment below with the word SUPPLEMENT and I’ll send you the details straight to your DMs

Much love,
Paula x 💚🌱

8 EGG SUBSTITUTES 🥚 🍳 If you’re a you ar

ORZO AND BUTTER BEAN BAKE ❤️ This is such an

CAN I GIVE MY BABY WHOLEMEAL BREAD AND PASTA? 🌾

WHY DID YOUR FAMILY TURN TOWARDS PLANT-BASED EATIN

Meet Paula Hallam

Training and qualifications

Registered with / member of

Plant Powered Little People book