Colman Noctor: Help your children to stay calm by rolling back on treat foods 

Research and neuroscience are creating a better understanding of the relationship between our dietary intake and our psychological wellbeing

Picture: iStock 

Colman Noctor

CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPIST

My older sister used to give up sweets for Lent when she was growing up. Her strategy was to put any treats she was offered over the Lenten period into a large jar so, by the time Lent was over, she would have what seemed at the time an impressive stash. On Easter Sunday, she would gorge on the jar of sweets and the customary Easter Egg, much to the envy of my other sister and me.  She continued to give up treat foods during Lent into adulthood. But when I asked her in April 2020 what she planned to give up, she replied, ‘Nothing - food is the only joy we have left’.