EATING LIKE A CHAMP
WE all cannot be world champions, but we’re eating more like one thanks to this Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year contender.
Karla Gilbert has received a record number of nominations in the Wellness Warrior category for her work empowering educators, parents and kids to make healthier choices.
A seven-time ironwoman champion turned stand-up paddleboarding star and health coach, Gilbert partnered with Kool
Kids centres across the Gold and Tweed coasts to put bliss balls, chia puddings, sushi bowls and fruit smoothies on the lunch menu for children.
“From the age of about 17, I would spend hours in libraries between training sessions, reading books and looking for ideas to improve my energy and performance,” she said. “My dad can tell you some stories of my cooking fails in the early years.
“Since having children and retiring from sport I acknowledge what a big part habitual processes play in the role of success, especially around nutrition and learning to cook healthy meals at home when life is busy and pulling us in many directions
“Healthy habits start young, so encouraging children to eat and recognise what a healthy meal looks like from a young age is so important.”
Mother to Ella James, 12, and Summer James, 9, Gilbert is an accredited nutrition and health coach and certified Level III and IV fitness trainer, with certificates in child nutrition and nutrition.
“There is a window of opportunity between the ages of six months to around seven years where children’s tastebuds and food preferences are developing and shaping what will most likely shape future choices,” she said.
“The biggest barriers come from the prevalence of products in supermarkets that don’t really represent food.
“It is also common for a parent to unknowingly pass on their own food biases and habits to their children.
“Young children are like big sponges and take in everything they see and mirror as a way of learning.”
Nominations are open for the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year, which aims to recognise and celebrate the innovative and influential women making a difference in our city.
“I am always in awe of women, especially other mothers, who remain true to their passion,” Gilbert said.