Mum vows to raise her children as vegans

LONI Jane Anthony's kids get sticky fingers all over their clothes. But instead of custard it's likely to be passionfruit juice these tiny vegans smear on.

Vegan Loni Jane Anthony is raising her children Rowdy, 3, and Polly, nine months, as vegans too. Picture: Glenn Hampson

LONI Jane Anthony's two children still get sticky fingers all over their new clothes. But instead of chocolate custard it's more likely to be passionfruit juice these tiny vegans smear everywhere.

The Instagram star has 400,000 plus followers who eat up the tips and tricks she publishes in her Feel the Lean blog and ebooks. When she's not being snapped breastfeeding serenely in picturesque locations, nine-month-old Polly likes to chow down on fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

The closest big brother Rowdy, 3, has come to junk food is a scoop of vegan ice cream he sampled on a recent holiday in America.

"He's 100% vegan," Loni says.

"He loves his food and we've never had an issue because he's not surrounded by other food. I gave him a vegan ice cream which is not something I'd normally do and he ate probably half the scoop on the top and then handed it back and said 'No thank you, mummy'."

Loni, 29, was addicted to junk food until about six years ago when ongoing bad health forced her to make drastic changes.

She documents her journey on Instagram and features recipes such as healthy instant noodles and teriyaki tofu sushi rolls, which notch up tens of thousands of likes.

While she realises there may be challenges as her children grow older, for now Loni says they self-regulate when it comes to food.

"I never restrict Rowdy, he eats as much as he wants. He loves peas, broccoli, tomatoes and he has a bit of a celery thing at the moment," Loni says. "He just doesn't even try, I guess he doesn't see that (junk) food as food. He kind of looks at it like 'What is that?' I'm sure maybe in the future he may pick up on other kids' food, but not yet."

When they're not pottering around their home at Wongawallan in the Gold Coast hinterland, Loni and her travelling tribe jet around the world. Rowdy has been on more than 60 flights and the family has just returned from a two-month trek across the US.

While Loni knows not everyone will understand her choice to raise a vegan family, she believes the proof is in the pudding - or in this case her two little chia smoothies.

Get the look

Loni Jane: As summer transitions into autumn, it's all about light layering and updating your wardrobe with cosy fabrics and textiles.

Opt for light knits or linen blend basics for everyday wear. Loni wears Bec & Bridge Hearts Ablaze Dress from David Jones $160; Seed Heritage Layered Bead Choker $29.95.

Polly: The jumpsuit is a great trans-seasonal piece for little ones this autumn - they're comfortable and practical and allow for movement for play, yet are also versatile enough to layer up as the weather begins to cool down. Polly wears Zara Shirt $19.95; Zara Jeans $29.95.

Rowdy: Stylish autumn wardrobe essentials for boys include distressed denim jeans paired with a checked button-down shirt. Whether it's a small check or tartan-style pattern, these printed shirts can be dressed up or down, adding an element of cool that's perfectly suited to the changing seasons. Zara Shirt $25.95; Zara Jeans $39.95

Follow Loni Jane and her family @lonijane or feelthelean.com.au
Stylist: Lauren Coulter, Nmedia PR @nmedia_pr (Instagram)
 

Originally published as Mum vows to raise her children as vegans