A balanced diet helps create calmer, well-balanced kids

FEEDING toddlers can be a minefield but the rising levels of sugars and additives in ready made snack foods is creating a new generation of very “hangry” tots

FEEDING toddlers can be a minefield but the rising levels of sugars and additives in ready-made snack foods are creating a new generation of very “hangry” tots.

Tantrums and tears can be sparked in demanding kids by something as simple as a banana having a bend, but there is a more worrying surge in children being fed diets that lack satiety and create fluctuating blood sugar levels – all messing with kids’ moods.

“Children need a balanced diet of non-processed foods from all the food groups, including carbohydrates,” Ms Hourigan said.

“It is not recommended to feed them excessive protein for tummy fullness, so parents need to be smart with their snacks.”

Brook Neiberding’s twins Archie and Lloyd get into some carrots. Picture: Ric Frearson

The Brisbane nutritionist urges parents to read the food labels and stick with foods that have less than 10g of sugar per 100g.

“Adults can be testy when their blood glucose is high and kids don’t know how to control their feelings,” she said.

“Processed foods can have many ingredients that set children off.”

Sugary foods not only spark mood swings but are addictive and children can throw tantrums when they want to feed that addiction.

“Kids can become very demanding and parents are busy so it can be difficult,” Ms Hourigan said. If a child is reacting to what they have eaten they usually become hyper and then collapse into a downward, irritable spiral.

Brook Neiberding is mum to twins aged 11 months.

She says she couldn’t deal with double the tantrums and is very strict with reading labels and choosing the right foods for the boys.

“I firmly believe food has a lot to do with how a child behaves,” she said. “I always check for additives and preservatives and hunt for the healthiest products. I buy a very low-sugar yoghurt. It may taste bland but hopefully the boys get used to a low-sugar diet and enjoy it as they get older.”

GOOD MOOD FOODS

Broccoli, bananas, figs, chia seeds, flax seed, hemp seeds, eggs, walnuts, almonds, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, black beans, goji berries, pomegranates, asparagus, avocados, spinach, kale, green beans, dates

Source: Feeding my Kid

Brook Neiberding’s twins Archie and Lloyd get into some carrots. Picture: Ric Frearson