What's the deal with neon blue icing?

What is the deal with bright neon blue, hot pink and brightly colored icing and frighteningly decorated and colored birthday cakes, cupcakes, yogurt, candy and even cereal? I get that it grabs our kids attention and is very enticing to them, but doesn't this scream hyperactivity, sugar high and fake artificiality to parents?? Well it should! I walk past these scary things at the grocery store and club stores and wonder who in their right mind buys these? Well I guess plenty of folks or they would not be making them!! To me it screams "Warning, this is so unnatural!"

 

In the NY Times Article on FDA Warning back in 2011, they finally concluded that yes there is a link to adverse affects of artificial ingredients! "The hearings signal that the growing list of studies suggesting a link between artificial colorings and behavioral changes in children has at least gotten regulators’ attention — and, for consumer advocates, that in itself is a victory."

In addition to avoiding artificial food dyes, lets all be reminded on some of the Top 10 Food additive ingredients to avoid in our diets on a regular basis: Top 10 Worst Food Additives from "GET REAL" and STOP Dieting!: Forget the Fads, Get the Facts and Feel Fabulous by Brett Blumenthal.

1. Artificial Colors
2. Artificial Flavorings
3. Artifical Sweetners - (Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Sacharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)
4. Benzoate Perservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
5. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
6. High Fructose Corn (HFCS)
7. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
8. Olestra
9. Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Palm, Soybean and others)
10. Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate (Deli Meats!)

Read Full Article why they are used and why they are bad!

There is a way to have beautifully decorated and great tasting special treats that are not pumped full of harmful artificial dyes, preservatives and toxic chemicals!! Check out this Organic Food Coloring guide to try it yourself! And things dont have to be brightly colored to be tasty! There are so many wonderful and healthy muffins, cookies, bars and snacks avaliable to buy now or make them at home with your children! Be the change you want to see in your home and school. Try making your own banana chocolate chip muffins or almond butter and strawberry muffins mixed with veggies to bring to your child's next birthday party at school. If you live in Houston, TX, Green Plate Kids has natural snacks and desserts that are only made with natural ingredients you would make in your own home.

Happy and Healthy Eating Friends! Remember to read your labels and think twice before your or your child try that neon blue cupcake!

Healthy Regards,
Lisa