How to Protect Your Family from Harmful Food Dyes
Last week, as I traveled to Florida’s capitol to support the synthetic food dye bills. I was filled with so much excitement. I couldn’t wait to talk about the WHY—why this matters for ALL kids and why it’s been such a personal fight for our family. I met some truly incredible people, warriors standing up for the health of our children. But I also faced opposition. I expected that. What I didn’t expect was the lack of preparedness from some of the very people sponsoring these bills.
As I drove home, I kept thinking about this one thing….No one is coming to save us. It is up to US to create health for our family.
Some people will stand beside us. Some will push for change in small ways that will add up over time. But there’s no quick fix, no magical solution, and no one we can count on to swoop in and solve our family’s health struggles. The BIG SECRET is this: You have to SAVE YOURSELF and YOUR FAMILY.
The good news? Change starts at home. It starts with education, with the power of NOT purchasing the very things that are making our kids sick. And you don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Just start with one small shift.
3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Create a Healthier Home
- Read Labels Like Your Child’s Health Depends on It—Because It Does. This is exactly how we uncovered the mystery behind Ansley’s health struggles. When she was younger, we noticed behavioral shifts—mood swings, attention issues, outbursts. It wasn’t until we connected the dots that we realized it was the food dyes triggering her. Red Dye 40 was the biggest culprit. The day we ditched it, EVERYTHING changed by 90%. Her focus improved, her meltdowns decreased, and she felt better in her own body. But I never would have known if I hadn’t started reading labels.
- You have to become an ingredient detective. Flip the package over, scan the ingredient list, and if you see artificial dyes, put it back.
- Vote With Your Dollars—Because Money Talks. Companies will keep making harmful products as long as we keep buying them. The most powerful message we can send is choosing NOT to purchase foods with synthetic dyes, harmful additives, or ultra-processed junk. When you choose real food, organic when possible, and products made with clean ingredients, you’re casting a vote for your child’s health.
- Every time you leave something toxic on the shelf, you’re sending a clear message to the food industry: We won’t buy this. And guess what? If enough of us do this, they WILL change.
- Educate & Share Your Story—Because Change Happens in Community. If I had never spoken up about what was happening, I wouldn’t have learned about food dyes from other parents who were ahead of me in this journey. And now, I get to pay that forward. When you learn something that can impact the health of other families, SHARE IT.
- Talk to other parents, post on social media, bring it up in conversation. Some people will roll their eyes, but some will listen. And those are the people who will start making changes too. That’s how the ripple effect works.
Need Help? Let’s Do This Together.
I know how overwhelming this can feel at first. That’s why I do what I do as a health coach. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you’re feeling stuck on where to start, I can support you in a few ways:
- 1:1 Coaching – If you need personalized guidance, we’ll create a step-by-step plan tailored to your family’s needs.
- Sweep & Swap Sessions – I come to your home, we go through your pantry and fridge together, and I help you replace harmful products with healthier options.
Because here’s the truth: Together, we can take back control of our health, one small shift at a time.
So tell me, what’s ONE thing you’re going to change today?
