20 Calming Brain Food for Kids with ADHD
ADHD brains function slightly differently from neurotypical brains, exhibiting unique patterns of neural activity and neurotransmitter function. As a result, they have distinct nutritional needs that require special attention.
While all brains, neurodivergent or not, rely on a steady supply of nutrients for optimal function, ADHD brains may have specific deficiencies or imbalances that can affect attention, impulse control, and mood regulation. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize nutrition and fuel that support the unique needs of ADHD brains.
By providing the neurodivergent brain with nutrient-dense brain foods, we can help support brain chemical function, regulate mood, and enhance cognitive performance in children with ADHD. Also, avoiding artificial food additives, artificial food colorings, and processed foods that can exacerbate symptoms is equally important. Through personalized nutrition strategies, we can provide the necessary nutrition support for the neurodivergent ADHD brains to thrive, promoting better focus, improved behavior, and overall well-being.
These brain foods are nutrient-rich foods that provide essential resources for rapid brain growth and development in young children, making them vital for children with ADHD. These foods supply the necessary nutrients and building blocks for important brain functions, including the production of calming chemicals that help regulate mood and attention.
By nourishing the brain with a balanced diet rich in brain foods, children with ADHD can experience improved focus and memory, as well as more stable moods. Additionally, brain foods help prevent nutrient deficiencies that may exacerbate ADHD symptoms, allowing children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into their diet not only supports their overall health but also helps manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with ADHD, empowering children to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
Through the power of nutrition, we have the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of ADHD—to transform it from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. So let’s start this journey together, armed with the knowledge that what we put on our plates has the power to shape our destinies. Together, let’s nourish our minds, fuel our dreams, and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Here are 20 brain foods that may benefit kids with ADHD…
20 Calming Brain Foods for Kids with ADHD
1. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health.
2. Whole Eggs: A nutrient powerhouse, providing protein, choline, and healthy fats essential for brain function.
3. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, promoting cognitive function.
4. Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are abundant in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens offer a plethora of brain-calming nutrients, including folate, calcium, potassium, minerals and iron.
6. Avocado: Loaded with brain-friendly fats, vitamin E, and potassium, supporting brain function and mood stability.
7. Grass-fed Beef: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and iron, beneficial for cognitive development and energy production.
8. Chicken Liver: Organ meat is a great source of collagen and elastin for healing the leaky gut. Organ meat is not your flavor? Check out this amazing and delicious collagen powder that you can sneak into smoothies, milk, soups, coffee, etc.
9. Organic Turkey: Provides lean protein and zinc, supporting neurotransmitter function and mood regulation.
10. Wild Game Meat: Venison, bison, and elk offer lean protein and essential fatty acids for brain health.
11. Coconut Oil: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), supporting cognitive function and energy production.
12. Olive Oil: High in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting brain health and reducing inflammation.
13. Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K2, beneficial for brain function and bone health.
14. Flaxseed Oil: A plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain health and inflammation reduction.
15. Fermented foods: including options like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, natto, miso, etc, eat support gut health and overall brain function
16. Grass-fed Lamb: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iron, supporting cognitive function and energy metabolism.
17. Pork Liver: An excellent source of vitamin B12, iron, and folate, crucial for brain health and neurotransmitter function.
18. Wild-caught Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, and lobster provide omega-3 fatty acids and zinc for brain health and immune function.
19. Grass-fed Bison: High in protein, iron, and B vitamins, supporting cognitive function and energy levels.
20. Grass-fed Lamb: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iron, essential for brain health and energy metabolism.
Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into a balanced diet can provide essential nutrients and healthy fats to support brain growth and development, optimal brain function and overall well-being for children with ADHD. To learn more about how to use food and nutrition to unleash your child’s full potential, check out the International Bestseller Eat to Focus.
Here is a list of 48 kid-friendly recipe ideas to get started.
48 Kid-Friendlly Recipe Ideas for Kids with ADHD
1.Acorn Squash & Sausage Hash
2.Blueberry Turkey Breakfast Sausages
3.Butternut Squash & Apple Breakfast Hash
4.Chicken & Apple Sausages Patties
5.Pan-Fried Pork Belly Strips
6.Sweet Potato Hash browns
7.Sweet Potato & Sausage Hash
8.Sweet Potato & Turkey Breakfast Patties
9.Turkey Apple Breakfast Hash
10.Curries Coconut Soup
11. Immunity-Boosting Bone Broth
12.Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Squash Soup
13.Slow Cooker Swiss Chard & Pork Hock Soup
14.Thai Chicken & Mushroom Soup
15.Turkey & Vegetable Soup
16.Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato
17.Crispy Smashed Potatoes
18.Greek Chicken Salad
19.Grilled Asparagus
20.Oven-Roasted Kale
21.Roasted Cauliflower
22.Simple Avocado Salad
23.Grilled Steak with Mint Pesto
24.Cauliflower, Kale & Sausage Bowl
25.Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
26.Coconut Ginger Pan- Fried Pork Chops
27.Greek Meat balls
28.Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Lemon
29.Paprika Chicken Drumsticks
30.Moroccan Lamb Meat balls
31.One-Pan Chicken, Radishes & Broccoli
32.One-Pan Olive Pesto Pork Chops
33.One-Pan Salmon with Rainbow Veggies
34.Pork Belly Cauliflower Fried Rice
35.Pressure Cooker Beef & Veggie Stew
36.Roasted Chicken
37.Sausage & Sauerkraut Skillet
38.Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin
39.Slow Cooker Balsamic Roast Beef
40.Slow Roasted Quarter Chicken
41.Spicy Sweet Potato, Turkey & Kale Bowl
42.Turkey Mushroom Lettuce Wrap
43.Coconut Banana Energy Bites
44.Coconut Shortbread Cookies
45.Mojito Sorbet
46.Raspberry Coconut Ice Cream
47.Spiced Macaroons
48.Strawberries & Coconut Whip
These recipes are delicious and nutritious, and fun to make together as a family. Parents tend to want to do everything for their children. But you know what, kids are more likely to try and eat foods that they help prepared. Kids will do anything because it’s fun and exciting, not because it’s clean or healthy.
So let them help, have a blast and make a mess. Also, check out the Eat to Focus Kid-Friendly ADHD Diet Recipe Cookbook
Ok, there you have it…
Remember, ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.
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