Is your kids’ food affecting their mood?

Is your child restless, hyperactive or having trouble focusing? It may have something to do with their diet.

While research suggests a link between mood and food in adults, little mouths and minds are just as likely to be affected.

Here are some of the common ways that childhood misbehaviours are influenced by what they eat.

Off to a good start.

Research continues to support the importance of a healthy breakfast in improving a child’s cognitive performance, particularly in the domains of memory and focus. Think shorter attention spans, weaker academic performances and grumpy little ones longing for lunch. 

But before you reach for a packaged cereal, try starting the day with foods rich in omega-3.

Studies have found omega-3 supplements to reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and improve concentration, while kids with ADHD and autism have been found to be lacking in the fatty acid. It might be time to introduce your little ones to our Witlof Sardine Boats.  

Snap, crackle, crash!

Although the jury is out as to whether sugar is specifically to blame for hyperactivity in children, there are still myriad reasons to avoid it.  

Researchers studying its influence on negative childhood behaviors have confirmed that sugar can lead to severe deterioration of attention span and even suppress the amino acids which play a role in ADHD. As a result, we suggest packing their lunch with a little less sweet stuff.

Instead of a sandwich smeared with a chocolatey spread, try an eggy Energy Muffin in the lunch box. It’s crammed with iron for energy, protein for muscle development and good fats to keep them satiated – and happier –  for longer.

Additives and attitudes.

Food additives in children’s diets are also possible culprits affecting mood. In fact, synthetic additives have been banned in some countries, with evidence suggesting that kids who steer clear of them behave and concentrate better. 

When it comes to cooking for kids, we recommend whipping up meals from scratch whenever possible and avoiding these artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives in particular:

• tartrazine (E102)
• quinoline yellow (E104)
• sunset yellow (E110)
• carmoisine (E122)
• ponceau 4R (E124)
• allura red (E129)
• sodium benzoate (E211)

You might find you little ones serve up less temper tantrums as a result!

Do you believe there is a connection between the behaviour of kids and the food they eat?

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