Fresh diet bears fruit

MACHANS BEACH MUM KNOWS TWO APPLES A DAY HELP TO KEEP HER CHILDREN HAPPILY AT PLAY

COMMON sense and doctor’s orders do the trick for the Hollands of Machans Beach.

Navigating through the plethora of food concerns for kids, it seems, is a task best done with simple methods.

Vegetarian Moriah Holland says her Filipino background ensures kids Mayari, 1, and Ilaw, 3, are given a bounty of fruit to keep their moods balanced.

“We give at least two apples to my sons each day,” she said.

“From a young age we have introduced them and got them used to most things.

“We give them some sugar but the fruit usually has enough in it for them.

“It can be a treat for them and they don’t get it every day.

“It’s about making sure they have a good balance. It’s all about having good people around too – we get the families together and all just eat.”

The Hollands need no reminder of the perils of choosing the wrong foods for kids.

The relationship between food and behaviour in children has long been debated, leaving many parents confused about what to serve up.

Does sugar cause hyperactivity? Will processed foods make my child moody? Will a gluten-free diet improve concentration?

Research does show that food can alter mood, and affect sleeping patterns, learning abilities and more.

But which food groups have a negative effect, and which have a positive one?

“Contrary to popular belief, there is not a lot of conclusive research that shows sugar affects a child’s mood,” Cancer Council Queensland spokeswoman Kate Clift said.

“Rather, it is often the additives and food colourings that cause the problems.

“Some synthetic food additives have even been linked to asthma, allergies, and migraines in children, along with some behavioural issues.

“It’s vital that children eat a healthy, balanced diet at all times to improve overall wellbeing and get adequate minerals and nutrients. Eating a healthy breakfast, then eating at regular intervals throughout the day enables children to be more attentive, less fidgety and retain more information.”