Inside: Our journey to healthy eating: Why we ditched food dyes & processed foods for whole, organic living. Small changes, big impact!
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Healthy Eating: Why We Changed the Way We Eat
Our journey to healthy eating didn’t happen overnight. It took time, research, and a lot of label-reading. As we learned about the harmful effects of food dyes, artificial ingredients, and processed foods, we started questioning everything we were feeding our family. What we discovered changed our perspective—and our grocery list—forever.
My sister had always pushed me to look into food dyes. It was just one of those things where you don’t start to really look for yourself and your family until something happens, or something really opens your eyes. For me, it was the amount of health issues I discovered I had as we sought information as to why I continued to have miscarriages. Pregnancy loss is a topic very dear to my heart, it is a hard one to discuss, but I do plan to write about it sometime in the future. My personal health issues and the behaviors in our children are what ultimately led us on our healthy eating journey.
Now, as we prepare to grow our own food and start canning, we’re embracing healthy eating as a lifestyle, not a diet. If you’ve been thinking about cleaning up your family’s diet, but feel overwhelmed, know this—it’s a journey, not a race. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference!
What’s Really in Food Dyes & Artificial Ingredients?
When you search for food dyes online, you’ll find this definition:
“Food dyes, also known as color additives or colorants, are any dye, pigment, or substance that imparts color when added to food or beverages.”
Their purpose?
“They enhance the natural color of food, add color to colorless foods, and help identify flavors.”
Food dyes fall into two categories:
- Natural Dyes: Derived from plants, minerals, or insects (like cochineal for carmine). Examples include carotenoids, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins.
- Artificial Dyes: Chemically synthesized from petroleum and regulated by the FDA. Common examples include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
But food dyes aren’t the only concern. Many processed foods also contain artificial ingredients, which are substances not naturally present in food. These include:
- Artificial Flavors – Chemicals that mimic real flavors.
- Artificial Sweeteners – Synthetic sugar substitutes.
- Preservatives – Chemicals that extend shelf life.
- Emulsifiers – Additives that help ingredients mix.
Want a closer look at how food dyes are made? Watch this eye-opening video my husband found:
This video reveals how red dye (Natural Red 4) is made from dried cochineal insects. It’s often listed on labels as Cochineal Extract, E120, or Carmine Color—making it difficult to spot. If you’re trying to eat healthier, knowing what’s really in your food is the first step!
How Do These Ingredients Affect Us & Our Children?
When you ask google what the effects of red dye on children and adults are, it gives you this brief little blurb:
“Some studies suggest that certain red food dyes, particularly Red 3, may pose health risks, including potential links to cancer and behavioral issues like hyperactivity in children, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects.”
It also provides you some helpful links that can take you deeper on each of these. You can’t always believe what you see or hear on the internet, so I am very cautious about where I find my sources, especially when my ultimate goal is to do what’s right and healthy for my family.
The Link Between Food Dyes and Children’s Behavior: What the Research Says
A review by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) examined the effects of synthetic food dyes on children’s behavior. Researchers analyzed 27 clinical trials, where children were given food dyes and monitored for behavioral changes. Of these, 64% showed a connection between synthetic dyes and negative behavioral effects, such as increased hyperactivity and attention issues. Additionally, 52% of the studies found statistically significant results, strengthening the case for concern.
Animal studies also supported these findings, revealing behavioral changes after dye exposure. Current FDA-approved daily intake levels for food dyes are based on outdated research that did not assess behavioral impacts. The study suggests these guidelines may not be adequate to protect children, particularly those sensitive to neurobehavioral effects. Experts call for re-evaluating food dye safety levels and further research to ensure children’s health.
Our Personal Experience with Dyes & Artificial Ingredients
I just want to note that we did our own little experiment with these artificial dyes and ingredients, and as a result we will never go back. I highly suggest you do an experiment of your own so you can also truly see firsthand.
How did we do it? We looked at the ingredients of some of the things we had on our shelves routinely, when we found things like “red dye, yellow dye, blue, etc.” we decided to slowly take them away for a week or two to see if we noticed any changes. The answer? Yes, 100%.
Here are a few things we noticed:
- Fewer tantrums or emotional outbursts
- More focus:
- Not as likely to walk away or look away mid conversation.
- Not as likely to move between toy number one to toy number two, or all the way to toy number 10.
- Better sleep. Able to fall asleep quicker and wake up in a better mood.
Could this just be a fluke? We sent our kiddos to a grandparents house for a date night, grandparents did exactly what grandparents do and spoiled them with all kinds of snacks. When we got the kids back, we noticed a huge difference! Now the question was, were they just hyped up on grandma or was it truly the dyes and artificial ingredients? So we let the week go by without giving them any dyes or artificial ingredients. Once the week was done and we felt they were back to normal, we gave them a bag of doritos, and within an hour they had completely come undone. It was evident the true culprit was the dyes and artificial ingredients, there was no denying it at this point.
Understanding the Health Risks of Common Food Dyes
A comprehensive review from the National Library of Medicine has raised concerns about the safety of nine synthetic food dyes currently approved in the U.S. Notably, Red 3 has been linked to cancer in animal studies. Additionally, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been found to contain contaminants like benzidine, a known carcinogen. These dyes have also been associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Given that food dyes do not enhance the nutritional value or safety of foods, the study suggests replacing them with safer alternatives. It also recommends that regulatory bodies require more rigorous, independent testing before approving such additives.
What are Some Common Artificial Ingredients to Avoid?
To avoid potential health concerns, consider limiting or avoiding artificial ingredients like artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin), artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5), trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and certain preservatives.
Most of these additives are hidden in our everyday foods. If you do a bit of research and start to really familiarize yourself with these ingredients, you will be surprised at the amount of seemingly ordinary things we typically feed our household with that contain these harmful food additives.
Why We Chose Organic & Whole Foods
Making the switch to organic and whole foods wasn’t just about following a trend—it was about prioritizing our family’s health and well-being. The more we learned about pesticides, antibiotics, and artificial additives, the more we realized how much they were impacting our bodies. We wanted to nourish ourselves with real, unprocessed foods that support digestion, energy levels, and overall health.
The Benefits of Organic Produce & Grass-Fed Meats
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs, reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals. Studies suggest that organic produce may contain higher levels of antioxidants and nutrients compared to conventionally grown alternatives. Grass-fed meats are another game-changer—they contain more omega-3 fatty acids, less unhealthy fat, and no added hormones or antibiotics, making them a healthier protein source for our family.
How Whole Foods Improve Digestion, Energy & Overall Health
Processed foods are often loaded with artificial preservatives, dyes, and refined sugars, which can lead to gut issues, blood sugar spikes, and fatigue. Since transitioning to whole, nutrient-dense foods, we’ve noticed improved digestion, clearer skin, fewer sugar crashes, and more sustained energy throughout the day. Instead of relying on packaged convenience foods, we focus on simple, homemade meals with ingredients we trust.
The Reality: Organic Food Can Be Expensive—How We Make It Work
We won’t sugarcoat it—organic food costs more. But we’ve found ways to make it fit our budget. Meal planning helps reduce food waste and buying in bulk lowers costs over time. Our long-term goal is to grow our own food and start canning and preserving, making organic eating even more sustainable.
Healthy eating is a journey, not perfection. We make small, intentional choices every day to fuel our bodies with the best food possible—without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for an article on our process for meal planning, shopping and what we restock our personal shelves with!
