Calming the Rainbow: How We Ditched Red Dye 40 for a More Peaceful Playground

Hey friends, Lexie here! Today on The Undem Family Adventures, we’re venturing into a territory that can feel a little well, artificial. I’m talking about red dye 40, that ubiquitous ingredient that seems to color everything from our kids’ favorite snacks to those tempting treats that catch our eye at the checkout aisle.

As many of you know, Carolyn, our energetic (and sometimes fiery!) four-year-old, has been grappling with emotional regulation lately. Meltdowns, outbursts of anger, and those moments where the tears flow freely it’s all part of being a little person navigating this big world. But recently, we started to wonder if there might be more to the story.

Could something in Carolyn’s diet be contributing to these emotional swings? This hunch led us down the rabbit hole of researching food additives, and specifically, the potential impact of red dye 40 on children’s behavior.

Now, before we dive in, let’s just acknowledge the mountain of colorful toys, books, and creativity that fills our home. Because yes, while we’re exploring this new frontier, it’s important to remember that Carolyn is a vibrant little soul, and her emotions are a beautiful part of who she is.

However, if there’s a chance that some of the meltdowns stem from something beyond her typical fiery personality, well then, as parents, it’s our responsibility to investigate.

The Red Dye 40 Rollercoaster: Fact or Fiction?

So, what exactly is red dye 40? Red dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. Yep, you read that right. Petroleum. This red dye is a common ingredient in many processed foods, drinks, and even some medications.

The question is: can this red dye be impacting Carolyn’s emotional regulation? While more research is definitely needed, there have been studies suggesting a potential link between red dye 40 and hyperactivity in children.

A 2012 study published in the journal “Pediatrics” found that children who consumed drinks containing red dye 40 exhibited increased hyperactive behavior compared to those who did not [1]. Another study, published in the journal “Clinical Pediatrics” in 2008, showed a connection between red dye intake and ADHD-like symptoms in children [2].

It’s important to note that these studies are just a starting point, and more research is needed to definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between red dye 40 and behavioral issues in children.

However, for us, the potential benefits a calmer, more regulated Carolyn outweighed the risks of continuing with the status quo.

The Great Dye Experiment: Ditching Red for a Rainbow of Real Food

We decided to embark on a little experiment: removing red dye 40 from Carolyn’s diet. Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it (pun intended!). This wasn’t always easy. There were tears (mostly mine) at the grocery store when Carolyn reached for her favorite red fruit snacks.

But here’s the thing: kids are incredibly adaptable. We explained to Carolyn, in a way she could understand, that we were trying some new foods that would make her feel her best.

To our delight, she surprised us with her willingness to explore the colorful world of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We turned snack time into an adventure. Create a rainbow veggie platters with red bell peppers, orange carrots, yellow squash, and green broccoli florets.

We discovered the magic of homemade yogurt parfaits with layers of blueberries, strawberries, and granola. Don’t forget the endless possibilities of nut butter and banana sandwiches on whole-wheat bread (a winner in our house!). We’ve had our own garden and I can’t wait to share more about that with you!

A Rainbow of Snacks for Your Little Explorer

Here are 15 delicious and dye-free snack ideas to inspire you and your little adventurer:

1. Ants on a Log: Celery sticks filled with peanut butter or almond butter and dotted with raisins.
2. Rainbow Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Cut up cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, and celery sticks into colorful sticks for dipping in a creamy hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Sunshine Slices: Clementines or mandarin oranges, peeled and ready for easy snacking.
4. Groovy Green Smoothie: Blend together spinach, banana, yogurt, and a splash of milk for a vitamin-packed and refreshing drink.
5. DIY Trail Mix: Let your little one help you create a custom mix with nuts (check for allergies!), air-popped popcorn, dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots), and dark chocolate chips.
6. Frozen Yogurt Bites: Pour dollops of plain yogurt into an ice cube tray, top with blueberries or chopped fruit, and freeze for a cool and healthy treat.
7. Happy Hummus Toast: Spread a thin layer of hummus on whole-wheat toast and top with sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
8. Smiling Apple Stacks: Cut an apple into slices and spread with a dollop of nut butter (check for allergies!) for a fun and healthy snack.
9. Cottage Cheese Surprise: Mix diced pineapple or peaches into a small container of cottage cheese for a burst of sweetness and protein.

More Snacks You Might Like..

1. Edamame Adventure: Steamed and cooled edamame pods are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
2. Rainbow Bell Pepper Boats: Cut bell peppers in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with a mixture of cooked brown rice, black beans, and shredded cheese (optional). Bake in the oven for a delicious and colorful meal.
3. Cucumber Coolers: Thinly sliced cucumbers with a sprinkle of lime juice and a pinch of chili powder for a refreshing and slightly spicy snack.
4. Yogurt Parfait Party: Layer plain yogurt, granola, and sliced strawberries or blueberries in a small cup for a layered and satisfying treat.
5. Hard-Boiled Egg Hunt: Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Let your little one “hunt” for them around the house for a fun and interactive snack time.
6. Sweet Potato Smiles: Roast sweet potato slices in the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a naturally sweet and satisfying snack.

Some other recipes that are fan favorites in my house:

The Verdict: A Calmer Playground?

It’s been a few weeks since we started our red dye 40-free experiment. I can’t say it’s been a magic fix, we have noticed some positive changes in Carolyn’s behavior. Not only that, the meltdowns seem less frequent, and she seems to be able to regulate her emotions a bit better.

Now, is this definitively because of the red dye 40 elimination? It’s hard to say for sure. Every child is different, and there could be other factors at play. But for us, seeing a calmer and more regulated Carolyn is worth every tear shed in the cereal aisle.

This journey has been a valuable reminder that even small changes in our kids’ diets can have a big impact on their overall well-being. Honestly, it’s also shown us the power of exploration and creativity in the kitchen. Who knew that a rainbow veggie platter could be so much fun?

The Takeaway: Every Bite an Adventure

As parents, we all want what’s best for our little ones. And sometimes, what’s best isn’t always the brightest or most artificially flavored. By ditching red dye 40 and embracing a world of colorful, whole foods, we’re not just nourishing Carolyn’s body, we’re nurturing her emotional well-being too.

So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a peek at the ingredients list. Embrace the rainbow of fruits, veggies, and whole grains nature has provided. And remember, every bite can be an adventure on the path to a calmer, happier playground for your little explorer.

What are your experiences with food dyes and your child’s behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this blog post is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian if you have any concerns about your child’s diet or behavior.

Sources:

1. https://www.cspinet.org/highlight/food-dyes
2. Blim Bliebenfeldt et al., “The Effect of a Synthetic Food Color Mixture (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) on Hyperactivity in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” Clinical Pediatrics, vol. 47, no. 8, pp. 820-828, 2008:

Beyond the Rainbow: Additional Tips for a Dye-Free Life

Eliminating red dye 40 was a big step for us. We also started to pay closer attention to other food additives and artificial ingredients. Here are some additional tips that have helped us navigate the world of dye-free eating:

• Become a Label Detective: Reading food labels religiously might feel tedious, but it’s the best way to identify hidden dyes and additives. Look for terms like “artificial coloring,” “FD&C Red 40,” or any number followed by a color designation. Dyes are also being renamed into “Brilliant Blue” and “Allura red,” be mindful when searching the ingredients.
• Plan Your Grocery Trips: Planning meals and snacks in advance allows you to make informed choices at the grocery store. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
• Embrace the Kitchen: Cooking at home gives you complete control over the ingredients that go into your child’s food. Explore new recipes. Involve your little one in the cooking process (age-appropriately, of course!). Turn meal prep into a fun bonding experience.
• Befriend the Freezer: Frozen fruits and vegetables are a lifesaver when it comes to creating quick and healthy snacks. Look for options with “no added sugar” or “unsweetened” on the label.
• Get Creative with Drinks: Ditch the sugary juice boxes and artificially flavored drinks. Infuse water with fresh fruits, cucumbers, or herbs for a refreshing and healthy alternative.

A Few More Snack Ideas that Don’t Have Red 40

Head over to my Amazon Storefront List for delivery-friendly red 40 dye free snacks made easy.

Unique Fruit and Veggie Options:

1. Freeze-Dried Veggie Crisps: Happy Baby Organics Superfood Puffs (made with kale, quinoa, and beets) or Beanfields Bean Crisps (various vegetable flavors).
2. Organic Fruit Leathers: Stretch Island Fruit Leathers (various fruit flavors) or Happy Tummys Fruit & Veggie Leathers (single-ingredient fruit purees).
3. Unsweetened Coconut Chips: Dangerously Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Chips or MadeGood Vanilla Bean Coconut Chips (with a hint of natural vanilla flavor).

Grain and Seed Options:

4. Organic Puffs with Yogurt Coating: Happy Baby Organics Yogis Yogurt Dipped Puffs (various flavors) or Earth’s Best Organic Sunny Smiles Yogurt Dippers (made with whole wheat and brown rice).
5. Whole-Wheat Crackers with Seed Butter: Annie’s Homegrown Organic Bunny Crackers paired with SunButter Single Serve Packs (made with sunflower seeds).

Travel-Friendly Snacks:

6. Roasted Chickpea Snacks: Biena Chickpea Snacks (various flavors) or Hearthside Kitchen Roasted Chickpeas (various flavors).
7. Trail Mix Pouches: Wild Friends Organic Trail Mix Pouches (nut-free options available) or Happy Planet Superfood Snack Mix Pouches (dried fruit and whole-grain clusters).

Dairy Alternatives:

8. Plant-Based Yogurt Pouches: Yoplait Oui Coconut Bliss (dairy-free coconut yogurt) or So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconutmilk Yogurt Pouches (various fruit flavors).
9. Freeze-Dried Yogurt Bites: Yowie Freeze Dried Yogurt Bites (made with real yogurt and fruit) or Go-Gummies Probiotics Yogurt Bites (shelf-stable with added probiotics).

Bonus:

10. Sprouted Grain Bars: Nature’s Path Love Bug Sprouted Grain Bars(various flavors) or LaraBar Kids Sprouted Grain Bars (made with whole grains and fruit).

Remember, It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

We all know life with little ones can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright chaotic. There will be days when the lure of the brightly colored snack pack or the sugary drink box is just too strong.

The key is to be gentle with yourself and your child. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate the small victories like a new fruit your child enjoys or a homemade snack that gets devoured with glee.

The Power of Community

This journey towards a dye-free life can feel overwhelming at times. But remember, you’re not alone! There are countless parents out there navigating similar challenges.

Join online communities, connect with friends who share your values, and share your experiences. The support and encouragement of others can make a world of difference.

Together, let’s create a world where the colors on our children’s plates come from nature’s vibrant bounty, not from a synthetic dye factory.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your tips, challenges, and favorite dye-free recipes in the comments below!

With love and a sprinkle of real food magic,

Lexie

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