a conversation with nathalie magno
a nutritionist-entrepreneur mama shares her secrets!
Hi there mom, aunts & design lovers!
This week I’ve had the pleasure to chat with someone who many would consider a triple threat. Nathalie Magno is a nutritionist, entrepreneur and mom of two who has amassed an instagram following by sharing openly how she approaches nutrition with her littles. Her feed is sprinkled with delicious recipes that are easy to approach for busy parents, and I’m constantly scouring it for new ideas.
I’m so delighted to share with you the candid conversation I’ve had with Nathalie about her approach to kids’ nutrition, balancing motherhood and running her sustainable kids’ clothing business Petit Terra, which I recommended in last newsletter as one of the Latino brands to watch.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. I moved to the US to go to college for Nutrition and Dietetics in Simmons College in Boston, where I met my husband. We lived in Miami for a few years and we are now living in Bogota, Colombia. I also became a Holistic Nutritionist with IIN and I am currently becoming certified to work with picky eaters.
As a nutritionist, do you subscribe to a child feeding style?
Neither BLW nor the traditional feeding method is perfect. I believe kids should be exposed to food in every consistency and style as long as it if safe for them to eat. What is important is to let baby have the opportunity to self feed and experience food by touching it, analyzing it, smelling it, everything. I also believe moms and caregivers should feel calm and safe while feeding a baby. If this means that giving baby a chicken drumstick makes mom nervous, then it’s not for that mom in particular. I would say most babies I have helped end up eating a mix of BLW and traditional, but by the time they are 11 months old are eating like mom and dad.
What is the best advice you can offer about feeding your kids?
Never underestimate your kids’ taste for food. They might love something very healthy that you don't like, but you will never know if you never offer it.
What’s a favorite cooking hack you can share with other moms?
I have things like turkey patties, pasta sauce and lentils portioned and frozen to be used for a quick healthy dinner.
Can you share your favorite kid friendly recipe?
Yes! I think the most popular one I have shared on social media is the turkey, sweet potato and apple fingers.
Mix 250g of ground turkey, 125g of pureed steamed sweet potato, 65g of pureed steamed apple and 4 spoons of oats.
Make into finger patty shapes and cook on a pan or freeze them for later.
Have you introduced exercise to your babies? If so, how?
I don't think I have introduced it in a specific way. Alessia, my oldest daughter, sees me exercise at home and she always copies what mommy does. She has been a very athletic girl and enjoys her swimming and ballet classes. As a family we enjoy hiking, so that is an exercise that she looks forward to as well because she gets to explore nature.
You’re also an entrepreneur—how did Petit Terra come about?
I have a weakness for kids clothing! I enjoy buying clothing for my kids more than I enjoy buying it for myself. I saw a gap in the market for sustainable comfortable clothing for toddlers that conveys an educational message.
What inspired the name?
How do you see your brand evolving?
For us its educational, we want kids to learn about the planet that we live in by wearing Petit Terra.
What has been the most rewarding part of working on Petit Terra?
Seeing my kids wear something I created along with my cousin.
How do you balance motherhood and work?
This is a tough question. Some days are better than others. I believe being organized, having a to-do list, asking for help and knowing your priorities is always key. I get messages on instagram saying "I don’t know how you have the time to do all of that", and I always respond to never believe everything you see in social media. A picture is only a split second in someone’s life, and an instagram story only 15 seconds. In terms of motherhood and work I have a long way to go!
How has motherhood change your definition of success?
I have 2 amazing children and husband that make me happy every single day. I like to think I am already on the road to success.
Now for a quick round of questions:
Number of unanswered emails in your inbox today: 17
First thing you do in the morning: drink water and breastfeed
What are your 3 kitchen staples: air fryer, knives and my Vitamix
Preferred daily outfit: leggings, sweatshirt and comfortable shoes
Favorite instagram to follow at the moment:
@mamaknowsnutrition, @nutritionstripped and @biancagasparroMom you look up to: my mom, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandmothers and my cousin
Lifesaver baby product(s): Hatch Sound Machine and FridaBaby Snotsucker
Book every mom should read: No Bad Kids by Janet lansbury
Kind of mom you hope to be: a mom my kids are proud to have
Who would you like to see me interview next? Share your favorite creative mamas in the comments!