Interview with Tanya Winfield from Additive Free Pantry
It’s an enormous pleasure to introduce Tanya Winfield to you and to get to know her better myself. I loved learning why she’s so passionate about raising additive-free kids and spreading the word far & wide as I’m sure you will too!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a mother of three… Kelsea, Kade and Fletcher. I have been a mother for over 20 years now which sounds so long, though at the same time it just seems like yesterday that I had my daughter. We live in The Hunter Valley in NSW. My favourite colour is red, I’m made for Michael Buble and chai tea..oh and my husband too 🙂
How was Additive-Free Pantry born?
My middle child Kade is asthmatic. One day I discovered food additives in what he was eating (which caused asthma). I went home, cleaned out my pantry and never looked back. My business evolved as friends asked “What do you eat”,”Why” and “Where do you shop at”? This started my venture in talking to mums within their homes while they enjoyed “additive free” morning tea as I explained what was really in their pantries. The more confident I got the bigger my audience became, really.
How do you service and educate children and parents on the dangers of additives?
Additive Free Awareness Presentations are what I LOVE to do. I get to inform parents, help empower them with all of the hidden information about harmful food additives and hopefully inspire them to make the changes that could make a significant difference to their children’s health and wellbeing.
What do you enjoy about your work?
I enjoy hearing success stories of parents who made changes and got to see the benefits first hand. I love knowing that someone heard my story and made changes in their family pantry. I love working along side other mums that believe our children are worth it. I really LOVE that I get to work for myself. This allows me to fit work in/and around my family…and most of all I like to think that I’m making a difference….no matter how small 🙂
What does healthy eating mean for you?
Eating clean, real, additive free foods. Local (when I can), fresh, organic (were possible), ethical, wholesome and nourishing.
What are 5 of your kitchen pantry essentials?
Chai tea ( you don’t want to know me when I have run out of chai), chia seeds, miso paste (instead of vegemite), greens and fruit for my green smoothies and an organic chook for “Chicken n Chip Night”
What do you indulge in?
Toasted sourdough and miso paste…I can’t stop!!
What are some of the things you value most in life?
A good sports bra (seriously, need I say more), my husband’s ability to love me for over 12 years now, laughter, my bed and of course my three beautiful offspring.
What is your favourite quote?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
What are your tips to staying happy and healthy?
Be you! Stop comparing, competing or trying to be like somebody else. Love what you have, be grateful for what you have and give to someone who may need something more than you…it feels so very good to see someone else smile because you did something nice, unexpected or thoughtful for them.
Do you find time to nurture yourself? What does this involve?
I am learning to SLOW down. Do what I can without rushing everywhere. Breathe. Chai tea, going to the movies and a good old trip to the shops never hurt anyone.
What do you and your kids like to do on the weekend?
We love going out for Sunday breakfast. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and if I don’t have to clean up it is even better. Or a weekend pyjama day is always a treat too.
Would you like to share one of your favourite healthy recipes?
Tanya invited me to choose a recipe from her website & this one caught my eye. A nice hearty one for winter methinks!
Massamam Potato Bake
What you need!
- 1 sweet potato
- 5 large potatoes
- onion, diced
- garlic clove, crushed
- sea salt & pepper
- 1 capsicum, diced
- 3 large mushroom
- 1 can coconut cream (I used Woolworth’s Select)
- sprinkle of herbamare (an organic herb seasoning found in health food section of most supermarkets)
- 1 tablespoon massaman curry paste (I used Valcom)
- dash of oil
- paprika
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Check out Tanya’s fabulous books which you can buy from her website:
Connect with Tanya here:
https://www.facebook.com/additivefreepantry
Instagram: additivefreepantry
Kirri @Kirri White Coaching
The thought of being a mum for over 20 years and it just seeming like yesterday scares me – because my eldest is now nine and I still think of her as my baby. I guess that may never change.
We are all vegemite kids in our house. I know it has MSG in it and loads of salty. I understand it’s not doing us any favours and yet…I love it and have been unable to find a worthy substitute. If you think Miso paste is yummy..I’m willing to give it a try.
Great interview girls!
Brenda Janschek
Kirri, I’m totally with you on that. My eldest is also 9yrs and he is my baby too. I am now able to understand where my mum is coming from when she still acts as though we are all her babies!
In this house vegemite is a fave too, but we don’t eat it too often so the 80/20 rule is well in action with this one! But if I may recommend Organic Brown Rice Miso imported by Muso, with a lashing of avocado, you might just be converted : )
Kristin from Mamacino
I am going straight to Wholefoods tomorrow for this miso paste…genius x
Brenda Janschek
It’s one Jude highly recommends in her workshops Kristin : ) I use it for quite a few things now Kristin : )