The Optivance Blog

Nourished by science

Evidence-based guides written with our team of obstetricians, dietitians and paediatric nutritionists.

Men’s Weight Management Nutrition: Protein, Muscle and Better Meal Structure

Men’s Weight Management Nutrition: Protein, Muscle and Better Meal Structure

Weight management is not just about eating less. For men, the better goal is to reduce excess body weight while protecting muscle,...

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Nutrition for Women: Why Nourishment Still Matters During Weight Loss

Nutrition for Women: Why Nourishment Still Matters During Weight Loss

For many women, weight management has too often meant eating less, pushing harder and ignoring what the body needs. But good nutrition...

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Reduced Appetite and Weight Management: Why Protein, Fibre and Nutrients Still Matter

Reduced Appetite and Weight Management: Why Protein, Fibre and Nutrients Still Matter

Eating Less Is Not the Same as Eating Well When appetite is lower, eating less can feel easier. But eating less does...

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Toddler Meal Options: How Giving Options Reduces Picky Eating

Toddler Meal Options: How Giving Options Reduces Picky Eating

Toddler Meal Options: How Giving Options Reduces Picky Eating Keep Portions Toddler-Sized – Why Less is More at Mealtimes One of the...

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Healthy Ageing Nutrition: 4 Key Nutrients for Strength and Everyday Energy

Healthy Ageing Nutrition: 4 Key Nutrients for Strength and Everyday Energy

Older Adult Nutrition: 4 Key Nutrients for Strength and Everyday Energy   Healthy ageing is not about chasing perfection. It is about...

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Best Meal Replacement Shake for Women: What to Look For Beyond Calories

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Women: What to Look For Beyond Calories

The better question is not “Which shake has the fewest calories?” It is “Which shake gives me meaningful nutrition when I would...

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The 7 Nutrients Every Pregnant Mum Needs | Optivance

The 7 Nutrients Every Pregnant Mum Needs | Optivance

The 7 Nutrients Every Pregnant Mum Needs Pregnancy can make nutrition feel overwhelming. One minute you are reading about folate. The next,...

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High protein foods

Why High Protein Matters for Women Supporting and Managing Weight

Why High Protein Matters for Women Supporting Weight Weight management is often made to sound harder, harsher and more complicated than it...

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Weight Management for Women: A Realistic Guide

Weight Management for Women: A Realistic Guide

Weight Management for Women: A Realistic Guide Weight management is often made to feel like a battle. Eat less. Cut more. Push...

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Formulated Meal Replacement vs Diet Shake: What’s the Difference?

Formulated Meal Replacement vs Diet Shake: What’s the Difference?

Formulated Meal Replacement vs Diet Shake: What’s the Difference?   Formulated meal replacement vs diet shake: simple comparison Not all shakes are...

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Meal Control for Men Over 40

Meal Control for Men Over 40

Meal Control for Men Over 40 Why old habits stop working — and how to build a simple food system that supports...

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The Busy Man’s Guide to Meal Control

The Busy Man’s Guide to Meal Control

The Busy Man’s Guide to Meal Control Most men do not struggle with food because they do not know what a better...

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30+ g Protein, Low Sugar: The Macro Profile Behind a Smarter Meal Replacement

30+ g Protein, Low Sugar: The Macro Profile Behind a Smarter Meal Replacement

30+ g Protein, Low Sugar: The Macro Profile Behind a Smarter Meal Replacement Not all meal replacement shakes are created equal. Some...

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What to Look for in a Meal Replacement Shake

What to Look for in a Meal Replacement Shake

What to Look for in a Meal Replacement Shake Meal replacement shakes can be useful when life gets busy. They can help...

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Beyond Protein: What Active Bodies Actually Need

Beyond Protein: What Active Bodies Actually Need

Beyond Protein: What Active Bodies Actually Need Protein gets a lot of attention in health and fitness. And for good reason. Protein...

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Training Recovery Nutrition, Simplified

Training Recovery Nutrition, Simplified

Training Recovery Nutrition, Simplified Recovery nutrition can sound complicated. Protein timing. Carb ratios. Electrolytes. Supplements. Post-workout windows. Muscle repair. Glycogen. Hydration. For...

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Pea + Whey + Collagen: Why a Smarter Protein Blend Does More Than a Single-Source Scoop

Pea + Whey + Collagen: Why a Smarter Protein Blend Does More Than a Single-Source Scoop

Pea + Collagen + Whey: Why NutraSupplement Uses a Smarter Protein Blend Not all protein sources do the same job. Some protein...

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Metabolism After 40: Why Weight Settles Differently

Metabolism After 40: Why Weight Settles Differently

Metabolism After 40: Why Weight Settles Differently — and How Protein-Rich Nutrition Helps You Respond After 40, many people start noticing that...

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Hormones, Muscle and Protein After 40: What Changes and What Actually Helps

Hormones, Muscle and Protein After 40: What Changes and What Actually Helps

Hormones, Muscle and Protein After 40: What Changes — and What Actually Helps After 40, body composition can start to feel different....

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Complete, Gentle Nutrition for Older Adults: Supporting Daily Nourishment After 65

Complete, Gentle Nutrition for Older Adults: Supporting Daily Nourishment After 65

Complete, Gentle Nutrition for Older Adults: Supporting Daily Nourishment After 65 Nutrition after 65 is not about eating less. For many older...

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Protein After 70: Why Older Adults Need More Than You Might Think

Protein After 70: Why Older Adults Need More Than You Might Think

Protein Needs Increase With Age — Here’s Why Many people assume older adults need to eat less. Sometimes that is true when...

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Easy Meals for Older Adults When Cooking Feels Like a Lot

Easy Meals for Older Adults When Cooking Feels Like a Lot

Simple ways to make food easier to prepare, easier to eat and easier to accept after 70 Cooking can start to feel...

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Optivance Toddler Taste and Texture Explorer showing food textures for fussy eaters

The Toddler Taster and Texture Explorer: Helping Fussy Eaters Try New Foods

Toddler Taste & Texture Explorer: Helping Fussy Eaters Try New Foods  If you have a fussy eater at home, you already know...

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Suitability and Efficacy of the Optivance Mummy Smoothie for Preconception and Pregnant Women

Suitability and Efficacy of the Optivance Mummy Smoothie for Preconception and Pregnant Women

Suitability and Efficacy of the Optivance Mummy Smoothie for Preconception and Pregnant Women Nutritional needs during pregnancy increase significantly to support both...

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Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy: Risks, Solutions, and Support - Optivance

Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy: Risks, Solutions, and Support

Vitamin D is essential for healthy pregnancy outcomes, yet deficiency remains surprisingly common—even in sun-drenched countries like Australia. This comprehensive guide explores...

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Fussy Eaters Meal Preparation – 5 Fun Ways to Prepare Healthy Toddler Meals - Optivance

Fussy Eaters Meal Preparation – 5 Fun Ways to Prepare Healthy Toddler Meals

Mealtime should be an enjoyable experience for toddlers, not a stressful battle. Research suggests that creating a playful and positive eating environment can...

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10 Proven Tips for Fussy Eaters – Introducing Healthy Foods for Your Picky Eater - Optivance

10 Proven Tips for Fussy Eaters – Introducing Healthy Foods for Your Picky Eater

If you have a toddler, you’ve probably experienced the battle of the plate. One day, they love strawberries. The next, they won’t...

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Top Ten Quick Tips for Fussy Toddlers - Optivance

Top Ten Quick Tips for Fussy Toddlers

If you have a toddler, you’ve probably experienced the battle of the plate—one day they love strawberries, the next day they won’t...

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Are Toddler Foods Failing Our Kids? The Truth Parents Need to Know - Optivance

Are Toddler Foods Failing Our Kids? The Truth Parents Need to Know

1. The Hidden Truth About Toddler Foods Deceptive Marketing and Unregulated Ingredients Parents want the best for their children, but what if...

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Why is Vitamin B6 Essential and How Not to Accidently Overdose - Optivance

Why is Vitamin B6 Essential and How Not to Accidently Overdose

The Importance of Vitamin B6 and How to Maintain a Balanced Intake What is Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine,...

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The Essential Guide to Omega-3 for Toddlers: Boosting Brain Power, Immunity, and Growth | Optivance - Optivance

The Essential Guide to Omega-3 for Toddlers: Boosting Brain Power, Immunity, and Growth | Optivance

Tiny Tummies, Big Benefits: Why Omega-3 is Essential for Toddlers Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for toddlers’ healthy growth and development. These...

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The Role of Omega-3s for Breastfeeding Mums: Supporting You and Your Baby | Optivance - Optivance

The Role of Omega-3s for Breastfeeding Mums: Supporting You and Your Baby | Optivance

1. Why Omega-3s Matter During Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is a time when your body works hard to provide optimal nutrition for your growing...

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The Power of Omega-3s: Why They Matter During Pregnancy | Optivance - Optivance

The Power of Omega-3s: Why They Matter During Pregnancy | Optivance

1. What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Why Are They Essential? Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your body cannot produce on...

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Optivance and Subo: A Perfect Partnership for Nutritious, Mess-Free Meals on the Go - Optivance

Optivance and Subo: A Perfect Partnership for Nutritious, Mess-Free Meals on the Go

For busy mums, ensuring your child receives nutritious meals while juggling your daily responsibilities can be a challenge. That’s where the Optivance...

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Baby sitting safely in a highchair exploring first foods with a parent nearby

Starting Solids: Baby First Foods Guide

Starting Solids: How to Know When Your Baby Is Ready for First Foods Starting first foods is an exciting milestone for you...

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Pregnancy Preparation Guide: Essential Steps and Key Benefits - Optivance

Pregnancy Preparation Guide: Essential Steps and Key Benefits

Introduction - Why is Preparing for Pregnancy Necessary? Thinking, how to to get ready for pregnancy? Then blog is for you. Preparing...

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Why Vitamin B12 is Crucial for Breastfeeding Mums and Babies. - Optivance

Why Vitamin B12 is Crucial for Breastfeeding Mums and Babies.

Why Vitamin B12 is Crucial for Breastfeeding Mums and Babies. Introduction Breastfeeding is a wonderful journey, but it also places significant demands...

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The Supporting Role of Supplements in Pre-Pregnancy Health | Optivance - Optivance

The Supporting Role of Supplements in Pre-Pregnancy Health | Optivance

The Role of Supplements in Pre-Pregnancy Health Introduction Preparing for pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings many questions—especially around...

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Top 7 Pre-Pregnancy Myths Debunked | Optivance - Optivance

Top 7 Pre-Pregnancy Myths Debunked | Optivance

Introduction Planning to conceive can feel like navigating a maze of advice and myths. The excitement of growing your family is often...

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Pregnancy and Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Australian Women - Optivance

Pregnancy and Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Australian Women

Introduction Once you're pregnant, ensuring your body receives the right nutrients is crucial for supporting both your health and your baby's development....

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Postpartum Nutrition Guide : Recovery and Breastfeeding Support - Optivance

Postpartum Nutrition Guide : Recovery and Breastfeeding Support

Introduction Congratulations on the birth of your baby! The postpartum period is a time of healing, bonding, and adjusting to life with...

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First Trimester Nutrition: Essential Nutrients to Support Your Baby’s Early Development - Optivance

First Trimester Nutrition: Essential Nutrients to Support Your Baby’s Early Development

Introduction Your first trimester is an exciting yet challenging time. As your baby grows from just a few cells into a fully-formed...

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Second Trimester Nutrition: Boosting Energy and Supporting Growth I Optivance - Optivance

Second Trimester Nutrition: Boosting Energy and Supporting Growth I Optivance

Introduction The second trimester is often referred to as the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy—your morning sickness may subside, and your energy levels...

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Third Trimester Nutrition Guide | Preparing for Birth | Optivance - Optivance

Third Trimester Nutrition Guide | Preparing for Birth | Optivance

Third Trimester Nutrition: Preparing for Birth and Boosting Immunity Introduction Omega-3s and Labour: How Healthy Fats Support a Smoother Delivery As you...

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Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Breastfeeding Mums & How to Address Them - Optivance

Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Breastfeeding Mums & How to Address Them

Are You Getting Enough? 5 Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Breastfeeding Mums Breastfeeding is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it can also...

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Why is it Hard to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding I Optivance - Optivance

Optivance I Why is it Hard to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

The Breastfeeding Paradox: Why Shedding Baby Weight Can Be So Challenging Motherhood is a journey filled with both joy and challenges. One...

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Essential Breastfeeding Nutrition Guidelines for New Mothers - Optivance

Essential Breastfeeding Nutrition Guidelines for New Mothers

Introduction to Breastfeeding Nutrition There are several misconceptions about breastfeeding nutrition, such as the idea that a mother must eat a perfect...

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Creative Recipes Using The Optivance Mummy Smoothie - Optivance

OPTIVANCE I QUICK RECIPES I MUMMY SMOOTHIE

A Feast for Mums' Taste Buds Welcome to our recipe page, where we focus on nurturing your body during the most important stages...

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What Makes the Mummy Smoothie Different? - Optivance

What Makes the Prenatal Mummy Smoothie Different?

Introduction to the Mummy Smoothie  Nourishing yourself during pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby. That’s where the Mummy Smoothie...

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Helping Fussy Eaters - A Comprehensive Guide for Parents - Optivance

Feeding Your Fussy Eater Without the Fight

Feeding Your Fussy Eater Without the Fight If mealtimes with your toddler feel like a daily battle, you are not alone. One...

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Creative Smoothie Recipes for Toddlers - Optivance

Creative Smoothie Recipes for Toddlers

Creative Recipes Using The Optivance Toddler Smoothie  A Feast for Young Taste Buds For children whose normal dietary intake may not be...

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Is Your Toddler Meeting Their Nutritional Requirements? - The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating - Optivance

Is Your Toddler Meeting Their Nutritional Requirements? - The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

Introduction The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating promotes eating a wide variety of foods high in nutrition from each of the five...

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What are Pregnancy Supplements and are they Necessary? - Optivance

What are Pregnancy Supplements and are they Necessary?

Introduction to Pregnancy Supplements Pregnancy is a critical time for both the mother and the developing baby, necessitating optimal nutrition to ensure...

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Understanding Vitamins & Nutrition for Toddlers - Optivance

Understanding Vitamins & Nutrition for Toddlers

Understanding Vitamins & Nutrition for Toddlers Ensuring toddlers receive proper nutrition is crucial for their growth, development, and overall health. In this...

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Pregnancy Nutrition and the Role of Supplements - Optivance

Pregnancy Nutrition and the Role of Supplements

Pregnancy Nutrition and the Role of Supplements Pregnancy is a completely new time in your life. Pregnancy comes with the increased dietary...

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Managing Gestational Diabetes + useful recipe ideas - Optivance

Managing Gestational Diabetes + useful recipe ideas

Managing Gestational Diabetes + Useful Recipe Ideas What is Gestational Diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s blood glucose levels...

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Understanding Vitamin A and why Carotenes are Safe - Optivance

Understanding Vitamin A and why Carotenes are Safe

Understanding Vitamin A and why Carotenes are Safe What is Vitamin A? Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds that are...

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STRAWBERRY & BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPE - Optivance

OPTIVANCE I STRAWBERRY & BANANA SMOOTHIE I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Recipe time! We can't get enough of this super simple strawberry and banana smoothie! (Try and say that 10 times fast!)It may...

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OPTIVANCE I CHOCOLATE MOUSSE I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I CHOCOLATE MOUSSE I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

  A BIT OF HEALTHY DECADENCE We’re more than a little excited to share this little beauty with you. A recipe that’s so...

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PEANUT BUTTER & BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPE - Optivance

OPTIVANCE I PEANUT BUTTER & BANANA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

BOWLED OVER BY PEANUT BUTTER We don't mind admitting, we were a bit surprised to hear so many mums saying peanut butter...

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OPTIVANCE I CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER i MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER i MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

 Did someone say CHOCOLATE? Rich, creamy, and naturally satisfying — our Chocolate Peanut Butter Mummy Smoothie is the ultimate feel-good way to...

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OPTIVANCE I MANGO & PASSIONFRUIT I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I MANGO & PASSIONFRUIT I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

We've whipped up a super simple and super delicious recipe for you to take advantage of while this spectacular fruit is ripe...

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OPTIVANCE I MANGO  & MACADAMIA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I MANGO & MACADAMIA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

MANGO MAC SMOOTHIE How's the weather wherever you are? Our team is located in sunny Brisbane, and the warmer weather has been...

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KIWI & BANANA - Optivance

OPTIVANCE I KIWI & BANANA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

KIWI & BANANA This smoothie is a perfect blend of sweet and tart with the addition of kiwi fruit. And with a...

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OPTIVANCE I COFFEE HIT I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I COFFEE HIT I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

COFFEE HIT! Missing your daily coffee? This smoothie has come from one of our customers Melissa Jones and is just the kick...

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OPTIVANCE I BLUEBERRY & BANANA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I BLUEBERRY & BANANA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

BLUEBERRY & BANANA Have you had your Mummy Smoothie today?When we developed our Mummy Smoothie we listened to what you said. You...

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OPTIVANCE I THE BERRY I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I THE BERRY I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

THE BERRY This blueberry and banana smoothie is the go-to, all time fave and most popular mixed with the Mummy Smoothie. It...

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OPRIVANCE I THE GREEN I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPRIVANCE I THE GREEN I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

THE GREEN The ever so loving ‘Green Smoothie’ that’s really made a stance in the smoothie department over the last few years....

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OPTIVANCE I THE SUPERFOOD SUPERMUMMA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

OPTIVANCE I THE SUPERFOOD SUPERMUMMA I MUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

THE SUPERFOOD SUPERMUMMA This superfood smoothie is packed full of beneficial ingredients that nourishes the mother alongside the Mummy Smoothie nutrient panel....

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Fertility and Protein - Part 2 - Optivance

Fertility and Protein - Part 2

FEATURED RECIPE Aubergine and Chickpea Curry Recently we talked about the potential fertility benefits of adopting a Flexitarian approach to nutrition. A...

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Fertility and Protein - Part 1 - Optivance

Fertility and Protein - Part 1

Are you trying to fall pregnant? It may be very worthwhile considering going “Flexitarian”. We all know that eating well is important...

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