ADHD Specialist Boston MA

Healthy in a Hurry - Wholesome Treats for ADHD Kids

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder knocks your child’s brain chemistry askew. Healthy snacks can help set it right.

Individuals with ADHD have trouble with concentration, impulse control and hyperactivity. Once your medical provider has addressed any underlying health problems that may be contributing factors to the condition, the most pleasurable—and least invasive—way to help treat the problem is to provide a wholesome, balanced diet.

Below are four healthy treats that you and your child can make together. Note how letting her help prepare food magically whets her appetite. Creating something yummy is empowering no matter how old you are. But, first, here’s an overview of foods that help ease ADHD symptoms, along with a list of which foods to avoid.

Daily Foods to Favor
Healthy Fats: Fats are critical for our overall physical and mental well-being. Plus, they help make our hunger pangs feel satisfied. Healthy fats include the omega-3 fatty acids (found in cod-liver oil, wild salmon, walnuts and flax oil) and monounsaturated fatty acids (found in avocados and olives). Superior vegetable oils are extra virgin olive oil and unrefined sesame oil; avoid canola, soy, safflower and corn oil.

Favor home-made lunch-box treats rich in vital fats, such as nut cookies, coconut macaroons, deviled eggs, anything with avocados, a trail mix that’s mostly nuts (see recipe below), hard cheese and yogurt.

Protein: There’s a good reason why menus are built around protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, beans, fish, poultry or meat. Protein, like fat, helps satisfy hunger pangs in addition to its role in providing essential nutrients. Note that when meals satisfy, cravings become a nonissue.

Healthy protein snacks include bean dips, low-fat string cheese, egg salad, jerky, meat kabobs and additive-free smoked salmon and sliced meat. Creatively devise ways to add protein to favorite foods. For example, mash a hard-boiled egg into guacamole.

Vegetables: For the fun of it, as well as for your good health, use a wide variety of vegetables and prepare them in diverse ways. Favor dark leafy greens (like chard, spinach and any of the cabbage family including kale, collards, mustard greens and Napa cabbage). Also, aim to serve an orange vegetable like carrot, yam or winter squash every day.

Don’t overlook the most nutritious and healing of all veggies—those from the sea. Ounce for ounce, seaweed is higher in vitamins and minerals than any other class of food and contains up to 38 percent protein!

For veggie snacks, use pureed roasted vegetables such as red peppers, eggplant or onions for highly flavored dips. Vary the expected celery and carrot sticks with jicama, cucumber or bell pepper crudités. Nori, the edible seaweed wrapper around sushi, is tasty when wrapped about cucumber wedges. Invite your child’s help preparing a healthy dip or in peeling—or wrapping—the cucumbers.

Healthy Carbohydrates: Authorities agree that whole grains are ...

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