Mother of three Annabel Carmel continues to reign as the UK's number one children's cookery author, best-selling international author, and a leading expert on devising delicious, nutritious meals for babies, children and families.
Since launching with her Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner over 25 years ago, Annabel has written more than 40 books, which have sold over four million copies worldwide.
In fact, her very first book has become the 2nd best-selling non-fiction hardback of all time, and she has just released a special edition to celebrate the generations of babies and toddlers who continue to love her recipes.
Recognizing that there's not always time to cook, Annabel also supports busy families with delicious, nutritiously balanced ready-to-go options such as her delicious Chilled Toddler Meals, Frozen Kids Meals and Organic Baby Puree pouches.
Annabel's apps are also handy for busy families. Mums all over the world rely on Annabel's Baby & Toddler Recipe App which is filled with 250 delicious recipes and a host of handy features. It's the must-have app for feeding your baby and toddler.
Plus, you can access hundreds of recipes via www.annabelkarmel.com. Join the AK Club for free and enjoy access to a world of exclusive recipes and special content. You'll also be the first to know about the latest news, competitions and offers. Don't miss out!
With the sole mission of raising the standards of children's diets, Annabel is a regular media commentator on food related issues.
And in 2006, Annabel received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honors for her outstanding work in the field of child nutrition.
Annabel is also recognized as one of the UK's leading female entrepreneurs, becoming an inspirational role model for other rising stars, business start-ups, women in business, and parents returning to work.
Interviews
WONDERFUL WOMEN-AN INTERVIEW WITH PARENTING AUTHOR ANNABEL KARMEL
February 19, 2014
Mother of three, Annabel Karmel MBE is the UK’s number one parenting author, best-selling international author, and expert on devising delicious, nutritious meals for babies and children.
Since launching with The Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner more than 20 years ago, Annabel has written 37 books, which have sold over four million copies worldwide, covering every stage of a child’s development. In fact, Annabel’s very first book is the 2nd best-selling non-fiction hardback of all time.
Describe a typical day for you?
I normally spend the morning in the kitchen recipe developing, and then I will go into our lovely offices mid-morning.
I usually have a full diary of meetings every day to talk about all the different aspects of my business, whether it is with my publishers talking about the next book, or with a supermarket talking about my new range of Organic Baby Purees.
I either have lunch meetings or bring in lunch with me to eat at my desk looking at emails. In the afternoon will have a catch up with my team about various projects we are working on, but I try to leave the office at a good time so I can get home to see my dogs, go out to the cinema or have dinner with my children. I am a night owl so tend to catch up with all my emails until late in the evening.
What do you feel are your biggest achievements?
Getting an MBE from the queen for my services to child nutrition was such a proud moment. I started doing all of this because of my children but also to make a difference, so getting recognized for it was very special.
What’s in your handbag/satchel etc.?
I have a bag crammed full of recipe ideas and business presentations. I always have some food in my bag. It might be some ready to eat dried figs or one of my home made granola bars.
I have my iPhone and a Blackberry and a small notebook where I make a list of all the things I need to do that day. My hairbrush and a lip gloss are a must as I’m always rushing between meetings.
What are your ambitions in life?
I’d like to see children enjoy a healthier diet and if I can contribute to that I will have realized one of my ambitions. The other is to see my children happy and settled, with their own families.
What advice would you give your pre-baby self that you now know having had a child?
Trust your intuition. I lost my first child and I knew there was something wrong but the doctor I went to see said that first time mothers worry unnecessarily.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I would like to see my food ranges in many countries around the world. My books are sold all over the world, it’s so exciting seeing them wherever I go, whether it is Hong Kong or Oslo and knowing that parents are following my recipes.
What advice would you give a budding nutritionist?
Try everything yourself, if you are going to be advising people on food and health, you need to know your stuff and try the things you are advising on.
Finally, happiness is…
The art of contentment. I am happy when I am with my three dogs an American Cocker Spaniel called Bono who follows me everywhere, Hamilton my Samoyed who was once dognapped but luckily I got him back after 10 days and my new puppy Sabre a white long haired Golden Retriever.
Annabel’s website – www.annabelkarmel.com
Annabel Carmel will be at The Baby Show Excel discussing nutrition during pregnancy and the myths and truths of feeding.
The Baby Show, the UK’s Biggest Pregnancy and Parenting Event, returns to Excel London from 21-23 February 2014 www.thebabyshow.co.uk
