Need a crash course on avoiding sweeteners and additives

[Ollivander]

Have various issues with DS1 behaviour (age 9), mainly pushing boundaries but tantrums and some aggressive behaviour. These are becoming more frequent and explosive, often they seem to come out of nowhere, or he has an extreme reaction to something quite minor. I have wondered if some of this could be linked to his diet - he doesn't have a lot of processed food and drink but certainly more than I would like. I think possibly he could react strongly to any sweeteners or additives in his food which could affect his mood and temperament.

We're going on holiday (UK) for a week shortly and I am planning on cutting everything for the week to see if it has any impact. I have tried previously but currently separating from exH who doesn't take this on board and continues to buy Vimto, sweets, convenience foods etc.

I can avoid squash, yoghurts, and most foods I cook from scratch so that should be ok, any tips on other things to aim for/avoid - I don't want to be reading labels all holiday. Will be shopping in the usual supermarkets and can take some things with us.

Is it worth trying to buy a special tootpaste without sweetener or would the effect of this be negligible?

Any tips would be welcome!

Just choose whole foods and it’s really easy. Fruit, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter on healthy crackers or toast for snacks. Water for drinks or a bit of juice mixed in. Pack lunches for days out so you aren’t stuck with typical kids meals. If you’re cooking other meals, you should have a lot of control. Porridge or overnight oats for breakfast or scrambled eggs and toast, sandwiches or soup for lunch or pasta salad with lots of veg sticks, nuts, fruit, Greek yogurt with fruit or raisins, etc.