Kids Moods and Their Food

All parents have heard of the “terrible twos” and many of them are quite ready for it, or as ready as they can be anyway. What happens, however, when you are forced to deal with the terrible threes, fours, fives, and sixes?! Isn't this more than what you asked for? More often than parents realized, kids moods can be dependent on the food they eat. That's right. What you serve for dinner might be the reason behind your having to deal with tantrum after tantrum.

Psychologists have long felt there has been a connection between kids moods and food. Though no direct relationship has been established, many studies have supported the belief that what we eat can affect the way we feel. The simplest example can be seen in sweets. When you give a child too many sweet things to eat, they become hyper and unruly. It's called a “sugar rush.”

Of course when it comes to your child's moods, it is more complicated than the simple sugar rush. When we constantly eat a certain type of food, our body's hormones are affected, and these hormones in turn affect how we feel. Over a period of time, these feelings and moods become a constant. Take the documentary 'Super Size Me,' after some time of eating McDonalds everyday, the film maker began having mood swings and cravings. He was showing signs of depression when denied McDonalds.

Similar patterns are seen among the obese or overweight. Those with unhealthy diets have been noted to have worse moods and mood swings, and in some cases depression. The correlation between food and mood is so high that some psychologists have even started recommending a change of diet for those who are clinically depressed.

So what food should you avoid in order to make sure your kids moods are tolerable?

1. Sweets – Too much is definitely a bad thing. It will send your child through so many highs and lows that they will exhibit signs of depression. Not to mention that they will throw tantrums over cravings. Top that with the hyperactivity, and it's definitely one to avoid.

2. Simple Carbs – This can act like sweets, but it should be avoided simply because too much is bad for the body and it can cause unnecessary weight gain.

3. Processed Food – SPAM, canned corned beef, and other processed meats are a definite no-no. Their sodium levels are through the roof, and they can make your child really cranky.

4. Fast Food – Delicious as they may be, fast foods reduce energy, and you know what a child who is tired but awake is like: MOODY.

And what food should you serve to help brighten up your child's disposition?

1. Milk – Not only should little kids drink milk for their body, but it also helps balance out the way they feel. Getting their recommended daily intake is a definite must for your growing child!

2. Salmon – Remember this sentence: Salmon makes you smile. A definite mood lifter, not to mention good for the heart, it should be a house staple!

3. Vegetable Soups – A good way of reducing anxiety and a great way of getting your child to eat his/her greens, vegetable soups can be served with just about any meal!

4. Nuts – Perhaps one of the healthiest protein sources out there, Brazil nuts and almonds can help your child's brain and level out serotonin levels, which is a very important hormone in the body.

5. Chocolate – Who isn't always made happier by a little bit of chocolate? Apart from the fact that it tastes good, it encourages our happy hormones to get to work! Just remember, not in excess!

The more you serve healthy food, the better your kids moods will be. Just try it out for a month or so and see the difference!

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