Wow- did you know that the American Association of Pediatrics recently changed its stance on food colorings and preservatives? It’s true- they now agree with what many of us moms already know- artificial flavors and dyes in our children’s food increase hyperactivity, depression and behavioral problems in children and could be linked to other illnesses such as chronic ear infections and asthma. For a great article on the subject of diet for behavior modification in children, click here.
What can you do to decrease your child’s consumption of non-food, aka artificial ingredients?
- Feed your children real fruits and vegetables (The teething babydoll in this family will opt for frozen bluberries over “puffs” any day!)
- Avoid packaged/processed food as much as possible, but when it’s a must, buy it at the health food store, scour the ingredient list and only buy food that is labeled organic, non gmo, all natural, preservative free. (Easier than it seems with all of the great options out there now such as Plum Organics, Oatios, Happy Baby, Sprout Organic baby food, Tasty Baby, organic Mum-mums, Healthy Times, Late July saltines, and more!)
- Cut whole grain, sprouted bread (such as Ezekiel) into strips and put in baggies for an alternative to crackers
- Don’t get into the habit of feeding your children “kid-food.” Simply feed them a smaller portion of what you’re eating, and you’ll never have to make two separate meals. Please don’t harm your toddlers curiosity for new tastes and flavors by falling into a pattern that is convenient for you. and feeding them the same, easy microwaveable food for each meal. This is how children end up “monovores” and refuse to eat anything but (tasteless) chicken nuggets (which, by the way, have no place in a baby’s diet.)
Think outside the box! (or bun, or bag, or package of Blue’s Clue’s Mac&Cheese)