Feeding a Child with ADHD: 8 Tips for Parents

Amy Taylor September 16, 2013

In 2007, a well-designed study published in the journal Lancet has convinced the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency to urge food manufacturers to remove six artificial colouring agents used in food products marketed to children. Their findings were amplified by another study, this time held by Columbia University and Harvard University. Here, researchers found that removing such artificial colourings would be about 30 to 50% as effective as treating children with ADHD with methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Did you know that managing ADHD could be as simple as changing one’s diet? If you or someone you know has a kid with ADHD, the following diet tips might be of help.

Give them a big breakfast.

Many children with ADHD rarely touch their packed lunch in school. But the thing is, they need enough energy to perform their daily activities. It’s true that you can’t always monitor your child’s diet in school, but you can control their diet at home. Giving them a big, healthy breakfast is one easy trick. Try adding their favourite treat in their morning meal to increase their appetite.

Learn how to make a ‘bento’

A bento is a home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. It is usually prepared with creativity. Kids with ADHD may not eat enough because they tend to get bored with food easily. So to make sure they have a lot of fun finishing their meal by making your food presentation creative and colourful!

Be flexible with mealtime.

Children with ADHD may not feel hungry during regular mealtimes. Try moving the family dinner for a bit later, or give your child light meal for dinner and then snack later in the evening. Determine when he or she is usually hungry and take that opportunity to offer your child something heavy and healthy.

Offer snacks often.

When a child’s blood sugar level drops, it can make him or her cranky, irritable and unable to concentrate. So make sure your kid is satiated throughout the day. Giving them small snacks often is the key. Don’t offer them crisps. Give them something healthy like a handful of nuts or berries, whole-wheat pasta, or a yoghurt smoothie.

Create a calm environment for dinner.

If your child tends to bolt from the table after a few bites, let him or her sit next to you and away from a sibling. Play a soothing music and take away distractions. You can ease their boredom by letting them talk about their experiences during the day.

Avoid serving processed foods.

Because food additives may aggravate ADHD symptoms, avoid serving your child with highly processed foods. Also reduce their sugar intake as it could cause uptakes in their blood sugar levels which could result to mood swings and lack of energy. Fresh produce is always the best for the ADHD diet.

Keep trying.

Many kids are picky eaters. So when you introduce something healthy to them but they don’t like it, don’t give up and keep trying. Maybe you can add an ingredient or two that will make it more tasty or appetising for your child. Keep experimenting. Make sure there’s at least one food that your child is comfortable with on their plate.

A healthful diet may reduce the symptoms of ADHD and can significantly improve your child’s health and well-being.