ADHD in children is becoming more and more commonly diagnosed. While I have my own ideas as to why this is happening, I also know that we as parents are going to have to be the ones to step up and help our children instead of relying on prescribed medications that can cause more harm than good. With advice and help from other parents with ADHD children, we can take comfort in knowing that together we can keep our kids healthy, happy, and focused at home and at school.
ADHD Diet for Children (and Adults)
After a lot of trial and error, I found that a diet low in sugar is a must. Of course, most ADHD parents know this already, but do you know that sugar substitutes and carbohydrates can trigger ADHD, too? I found this out one day when we were running late and I didn’t have time to fix lunch. Instead, I handed my child a bag of “Goldfish” and promised to make him tacos when we returned home.
About an hour after he finished his bag of “Goldfish,” he began to bounce off the walls. I tried talking to him, but he couldn’t focus long enough to realize what I was saying. I tried explaining to him that he was not sitting quietly, but he thought he was being perfectly still and quiet and that I was crazy.
After some research, I put two and two together and realized that carbohydrates had caused the ADHD reaction. Now if I give him a carbohydrate, I am sure to balance it with a protein. I do my best to make sure he has protein with at least two of his meals each day.
ADHD Diet Plan
Here is a simple diet plan that I use with my child. I don’t stick to it perfectly, but it does give me a guide.
Breakfast:
- 1 whole egg (try to get the freshest eggs possible with the least hormones and additives)
- 1 piece of toast with butter or two pieces of bread for a sandwich
or,
- 2 pieces of bacon or 1 sausage patty
- 2 small biscuits
Lunch:
- 4 thin slices of ham, fried with non-stick cooking spray
- 1/2 pita pocket
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard or mayonnaise
or,
- 1/2 chicken breast, cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with seasoning salt
- 1 cup macaroni and cheese
- 1/2 cup green beans or other veggie
Dinner:
- 1 pork chop (try to find a butcher who has meat without hormones added)
- 1/2 cup corn or 1 corn on the cob with small pat of butter
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots
or,
- taco seasoned beef
- 2 taco shells
- 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon of sour cream
- lettuce
- tomatoes
Snack:
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
I am still learning each and every day. I thank the good Lord above for other parents of ADHD children who are willing to share their information with me. I will continue to learn new things and will do my best to pass them along to you. I am also looking for a food journal to keep track of his daily food intake. If anyone knows where I can find one, please let me know.
