When Shan Cooper introduced her child to the paleo diet, it quickly gained attention and went viral.
Grace, now eight years old, was raised on a diet centered around whole, unprocessed foods, fresh vegetables, meat, eggs, and no refined sugar. Her mother, who runs the popular blog My Food Religion, shares recipes that focus on natural ingredients with minimal processing, promoting a clean and nutritious lifestyle.
A Childhood Without Refined Sugar
From an early age, Grace’s diet consisted of wholesome foods such as roast chicken, avocado, sauerkraut, fresh fruit, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and eggs fried in coconut oil. She also ate organic beef and zucchini noodles, all while continuing to breastfeed twice a day at 13 months old.
For her first birthday, instead of a traditional sugar-filled cake, Shan prepared a strawberry panna cotta made with coconut cream, free from refined sugar.
Back in 2015, Shan shared that at just over a year old, Grace had only fallen ill once. She attributed her daughter’s strong immune system to her nutrient-rich diet. “She spends a lot of time around other kids who are constantly sick with runny noses, coughs, and colds, but she just doesn’t catch them,” she explained. “I’m not shielding her from anything. I truly believe that by feeding her a highly nutritious diet, she’s developing a strong immune system.”
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After struggling with food allergies, Shan Cooper turned to the paleo diet in an effort to improve her health. She gradually eliminated processed foods, dairy, and gluten from her meals. “I just got sick of not feeling great,” she said. “That became my normal, and I decided it wasn’t going to be normal anymore.”
Understanding the Paleo Diet
The paleo diet focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, mimicking what early humans might have eaten during the Paleolithic era. It strictly excludes refined sugar, wheat, legumes, dairy, and processed foods.
However, experts have raised concerns about the diet’s restrictions. Eliminating dairy means missing out on a key source of calcium and protein, while skipping grains and legumes could lead to a deficiency in fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients. Some researchers also argue that the diet oversimplifies early human eating habits, as ancient diets varied based on geography, and evidence suggests that humans consumed grains thousands of years before agriculture became widespread.
“I’m Not Strictly Paleo…”
Although Shan largely follows a paleo diet, she does not adhere to it rigidly. “I am not vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, fat-free, carb-free, or any other food ‘label’ comprehensively,” she explains on her website. “I take my favorite elements from different culinary approaches and adapt them based on what works for me.”
Cooking from scratch every day requires effort, but Shan is flexible when it comes to Grace’s diet. “What she eats isn’t anything unusual or extreme, it’s just real food. She loves it. I don’t give her cereal or toast, but if she eats a slice of bread, it’s not the end of the world.”
Shan also acknowledges the importance of balance in a child’s life. “When Grace was little, I told her she’d go to birthday parties filled with cake, sweets, and treats. I would never stop her from going or from enjoying those moments with other kids. I’m not the kind of parent who would say, ‘You can’t eat anything here, but here’s a bag of cabbage instead.’”
Shan believes that children are naturally intuitive eaters. As Grace grows, Shan aims to nurture this intuition, helping her recognize which foods make her feel good and which don’t. This process often involves trial and error.
Grace will eventually understand that she has the freedom to eat what she wants. If she indulges in too much cake and sugar at a party, she might come home and say, “Mommy, I don’t feel very well.” Over time, she may naturally adjust, choosing to have just a few cupcakes instead of overindulging.
Cultivating a Positive Relationship with Food
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Encouraging a Balanced Approach to Food
Shan Cooper is mindful of fostering a healthy relationship with food for her daughter, Grace. “I don’t want there to be any disordered eating around food,” she explains, acknowledging the prevalence of eating disorders, especially among women.
Her philosophy is simple: “What makes Grace happy is what I want her to consume. That’s why I eat this way. I don’t think eating a piece of bread will harm me. When I go out with friends, I eat what’s on the menu, I’m not obsessive about it. In time, Grace will also learn what makes her feel good and what doesn’t.”
A Flexible Approach to Treats
Grace, now eight years old, has grown up with nutritious alternatives to typical junk food. Naturally, people are curious about whether Shan allows her to have sweets now that she’s older. When a fan asked on Instagram if Grace ever asks to try candy, Shan responded, “Of course. She has eaten sweets at kids’ parties.”
Shan believes that occasional indulgences help promote a balanced and positive relationship with food. It’s not about strict rules but about understanding which foods nourish the body and which ones might leave her feeling unwell.
Finding Balance in Nutrition
Shan’s approach to raising Grace on a mostly refined sugar-free diet has sparked both curiosity and debate. By prioritizing whole, fresh foods while allowing flexibility for social events, she aims to strike a balance between nutrition and enjoyment. While some experts question the restrictions of the paleo diet, Shan’s adaptability ensures that Grace is not deprived or restricted in a way that could lead to unhealthy attitudes toward food.
The key takeaway from Shan’s philosophy is the importance of fostering a healthy food environment without fear or guilt. Grace’s experience demonstrates that it’s possible to eat well while still enjoying occasional treats. By encouraging her to listen to her body and recognize how different foods make her feel, Shan is equipping her with the tools to make informed, confident, and balanced choices as she grows. Ultimately, the goal is not perfection, it’s about creating a sustainable and positive relationship with food that will serve Grace for life.
