Carter Nutrition

18/11/2025

Having dinner together as a family may do more than just nourish our bodies—it can support children’s academic growth and personal development. According to a study attributed to Columbia University, children who share the evening meal with their family at least four times each week tend to perform better in school. The act of eating together encourages communication, emotional bonding and greater parental involvement, all of which can positively shape a child’s habits around learning. Regular family dinners also create structured routines, reinforcing consistency and discipline in everyday life. On top of that, these shared meals provide a safe and relaxed space for discussing homework, asking questions and nurturing curiosity and critical thinking. In essence, the simple habit of eating together can strengthen both the social and cognitive skills that children bring with them into the classroom. (UNVERIFIED)

Source: Miller, D. P., Waldfogel, J., & Han, W.-J. (2013). Family Meals and Child Academic and Behavioral Outcomes. Child Development, 83(6), 2104–2120.

12/11/2025

🥗 Lunchbox upgrade alert!

Crunchy chicken, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans; this one’s a winner for growing bodies and busy brains.
💪 Protein to power playtime
💓 Healthy fats for focus
🍇 Antioxidants to keep little immune systems strong

Pop it in a wrap, roll it in lettuce cups, or scoop it straight from the bowl, yummy, any way you serve it!

🌰 No pecans? No problem!
Swap in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, toasted chickpeas, or even almonds or cashews for the same crunch and goodness.

05/11/2025

We’ve always known those early years are powerful, but new research confirms just how much they shape lifelong health.

A 2025 review in Frontiers in Pediatrics found the first 1,000 days - from conception to age two - are when your child’s gut and immune system are built piece by piece.

🧬 The study shows how factors like mum’s microbiome, birth mode, feeding, antibiotics, and early environment set the stage for immunity, digestion, and even mood later in life.

It’s a reminder that small, consistent choices - nourishing foods, outdoor play, mindful antibiotic use, and even the right probiotic or prebiotic support - can make a lasting difference.

🌿 Healthy guts grow resilient kids and it starts earlier than most of us think.

📚 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1471743

02/11/2025

Did you know your breastmilk actually changes throughout the day?

Studies show that melatonin, the same hormone that helps you feel sleepy at night - rises in your milk after dark and drops again by morning. This natural rhythm helps your baby’s body clock learn when it’s time to rest.

Life with a baby rarely runs on perfect sleep or lighting schedules, and that’s completely normal. But even small tweaks - like keeping lights softer at night and putting your phone aside during feeds, can help your body stay in its natural rhythm and support your baby’s cues.

Our bodies make the most melatonin in low, warm light, not under bright, cool or blue light.

During night feeds, try swapping overhead lights for something softer: a Himalayan salt lamp, warm bedside lamp, or amber night light. These give a gentle glow (ideally under 50 lux) so you can see comfortably without waking your brain or your baby , all the way up.

Your body already knows how to guide your baby; sometimes a calmer moment and softer light just help it along. 💫

30/10/2025

🥪 Lunchboxes in Term 4… we’re just doing our best!

If the lunchboxes are looking a little beige right now - you’re not alone.
Term 4 is busy, kids are tired, and packing food can feel like Groundhog Day in cling wrap.

Here’s how to make it to the end of term without the guilt (or the sugar crash):

💡 3 low-effort swaps that still tick the boxes:

Swap packaged muesli bars → for homemade oat or bliss balls (they freeze beautifully).

Swap white wraps → for wholegrain or seeded versions — they keep little tummies fuller for longer.

Swap fruit straps → for fresh fruit + a sprinkle of cinnamon or shredded coconut for fun.

✨ If you’re just aiming for fed and fuelled right now, that’s enough.
Focus on variety over perfection; one colour, one crunch, one protein - that’s a balanced lunchbox in my books.

📍 Carter Nutrition | Helping families across Tamworth, Regional NSW + Australia

28/10/2025

🦠 These Gut Buddies are more than cute, they’re real microbes with big jobs in your child’s gut! 💚
From digestion and focus to immunity and mood, they each play a part in keeping your little one happy and healthy.

Just a few of the tiny heroes working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly

Which one sounds most like your child’s biggest helper right now? 👇

20/10/2025

Friday funny! 🤣

20/10/2025

Such a privilege to be a finalist alongside some incredible practitioners!

ATMS Natural Medicine Awards 2025 Finalists Announced – Practitioner, Clinic, Lecturer & Student.

15/10/2025

30/09/2025

23/09/2025

Fresh, crisp, and a little bit creamy - this Charred Brussel Sprout, Apple + Walnut Salad is spring on a plate. Light enough for warmer days, but still full of flavour + crunch. 🥗🍏

Let me know in the comments if you make this!

💾 Save this recipe for later.

23/09/2025