Holly Willoughby causes controversy with vegan weaning tips

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by closer |
Updated on

Holly Willoughby is best known for her presenting work on This Morning but as fans of the star will know, she's got a second career as a successful author of parenting books.

Her first publication, Truly Happy Baby, was so popular it wasn't long before her second, Truly Scrumptious Baby was on its way.

Holly said when it was announced: "I was overwhelmed by the incredible response to Truly Happy Baby from fellow mums, so I hope this new book will be just as helpful, arming you with everything you need as you take the next step in your parenting adventure – weaning your little one and introducing them to the wonderful world of food!"

Released last month, it received a warm welcome from mums but it seems some of her advice on weaning a baby from liquid to solid food has divided fans and caused a debate over the best way to go.

In the book Holly states that while a dietician should be consulted, it is perfectly okay to wean a baby onto a vegan or vegetarian diet if the parents also follow one.

She says: "Weaning a baby on a vegan diet does require a little more planning.

"Energy density of food can be a concern as vegan food is often high in fibre but not very energy dense

"Foods such as hummus, tahini, bananas, nut or seed butters, dried fruit, nutritional yeast and fortified (unsweetened) milk make great additions but it does all come back to balance and variety."

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Holly is mum to three children, Belle, Harry and Chester ©Instagram/HollyWilloughby

The NHS website, however, says: "Take care when giving children a vegan diet. Young children need a good variety of foods to provide the energy and vitamins they need for growth."

And Holly's fans were also divided with one taking to Twitter to comment: "I don't believe this is a choice parents should make for their child unless they have a serious reaction to animal products."

But another was supportive, writing: "Good for you for promoting the vegan diet from birth."

What do you think of weaning your baby onto a vegan diet? Would you do it? Let us know over on Facebook** and** Twitter.

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