Experts Warn Against Putting Children on Strict Paleo Diets

Not everyone is convinced by Shan’s approach. Respected Australian dietitian Dr. Rosemary Stanton urged parents to be cautious, warning that children need a wide variety of food groups for proper growth.

“It’s really not usually a good idea to put a child on such a restricted diet, particularly when there’s no valid grounds for it,” Stanton said. She emphasized that cutting out grains and legumes could make it difficult to achieve a balanced diet.

Shan, however, dismisses the criticism, saying she simply wants her daughter to eat foods that make her feel good. “I don’t want there to be any disordered eating around food… If she eats a piece of bread I’m not going to have a conniption,” she said.

Now several years later, Shan continues to share updates of Grace enjoying wholesome meals, while the debate around kids and Paleo continues. Some see it as a bold commitment to natural nutrition, while others believe it risks depriving children of essential nutrients.

Whether praised or criticized, Shan’s story highlights the growing cultural conversation around diet, parenting choices, and the question of what “healthy eating” really means for the next generation.