What foods can I eliminate to make my child more manageable (for lack of a better term)?

Question

now when you say sugar does that include carbs

Answer 1

I know there are a lot of people who profess that food has a big impact on your child's behavior, more important by far is his environment. If he/she is raised in a loving orderly environment, and if discipline is applied consistent, gently but firmly, a child will certainly more "manageable". Also it is important to know if your behavioral expectations are realistic. For example, it is completely unrealistic to expect a two or three year old to play quietly for more than a few minutes at a time. Try reading a book on child rearing to see if your expectations are realistic. And don't forget some kids are just more willful than others, and therefore require even more investment.

Kids take a lot of time and energy, and there are no short cuts. It is true that food and eating are important parts of their development too.

I would say to those folks who claim that changing a child's diet made a big impact, that it is far more likely that it was the attention to the child and the child's behavior that made the difference. On the other had decreasing junk food and sugar in anyone's diet is a great idea.

Answer 2

As everyone has said, definitely sugar. Limit all sweets, refined carbs, fruit juices, etc and replace them with fresh fruits, fresh veggies, and whole grains. Your child might not be too happy with it, but after a few weeks you'll see that when given options, he/she will start making the healthier choices on his/her own. I can't tell you how proud I was the day my son was offered a cookie and he asked for an apple instead!

Regarding food allergies, I recently read an article stating that as many as 60% of school age children may have lactose allergies that can manifest as behavior problems (among other things).

Answer 3

SUGAR

We drastically reduced the sugar in our childs diet and saw a huge difference in about 5 days. The temper flareups and attention span quickly improved. He even claimed to feel more centered.

When i say sugar, i do not mean carbs. I mean sugar ladden foods. I mean heavy sugar snacks (cookies. bars, gummy chews,), I don't mean pasta sugar carbs. It , for our son meant a serious cut out of any "junky" snack. He had more fruit, cheese, crackers, yougurt inseady of a rice crispie square or a cookie.

Answer 4

Sugar is the big one....too much oil, meats and fats will cause aggressive behavior because the liver has to process it and if there is too much in the diet the liver gets over burden and it can come back as aggression, tummy aches, headaches just to name a few. A well balance meal is what a Mom shoots for.

Answer 5

See if you can get a book called E for additives.

Meanwhile Tartrazine and Aspartamine are top of the list, as generally are food colourings- unless natural. You may also be able to get him allergy checked.

Sorry, should have added, these aren't foods as such, but the cheicals they put in them. Squashes, colas and sweets are the big problem, but you could find them in any prepared foods. They should be listed on the ingredients, but may just be put down as a E number, hence the need for the book.

Answer 6

I would cut out anything with preservatives for at least two weeks and see if you notice a difference. Its worked for me. Its hard and a lot of work but well worth it. I agree with silverbirch too- check for allergies. Many food allergies (especially gluten intolerance) can manifest themselves as behavioral problems in children. Look into celiac disease.

Answer 7

anything that has sugar or food coloring
no junk food
no pop
no candy/chocolate
no cakes
no cookies
no kool aid
no artificial foods

serve real foods
vegetables
fruits
rice
oatmeal
whole wheat breads, pastas and cereals
1% of skim milk
low fat sugar free yogurt
low fat cheese
chicken
beef
(no pork products)
eggs
fish
etc..

Answer 8

I know you will find this hard to believe, but if you try it it's amazing, dairy cut down a lot on the dairy and give vitamin B complex it truly works!! Mom of five

Answer 9

Feingold diet. Follow the elimination part carefully and it should help.

Answer 10

BOXED FOODS, SUGAR, Processed food..... Just give him/her natural foods, and cook from scratch.