Healthy Snack Ideas for ADHD

Healthy Snack Ideas for ADHD

Affecting nearly millions of kids globally, ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic health condition. Kids as well as adults with ADHD often tend to be picky eaters, and are stubborn about their food choices. This can limit what they eat and avoid the inclusion of healthy foods. Healthy foods can be a good way to improve concentration and focus, the two things most affected by ADHD. Here are a few healthy snacks for ADHD.

Apples with peanut butter
Apples are not only rich in fibers and essential nutrients, but also are made of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates break down slowly over time, releasing small amounts of energy, unlike simple carbohydrates that lead to energy spikes. Moreover, peanut butter is low-glycemic food with high magnesium levels, which keeps blood sugar levels in check, thus avoiding short bursts of energy.

Whole-grain pita bread with hummus
Whole grains are another good source of complex carbohydrates that are also rich in fiber. Similarly, hummus is made of ingredients that are rich sources of dietary fiber, plant protein, iron, folate, and calcium. Snacking on whole-grain pita bread with hummus helps to curb hunger cravings. At the same time, energy levels are balanced without affecting one’s concentration levels and focus.

Mini pizzas
A fun snacking option, mini pizzas are quick to make as well. Just take slices of English muffins made from whole wheat. Layer some veggies such as tomatoes and some herbs such as basil. Top it off with some shredded low-fat cheese. Cook this in the oven, and a flavorful yet healthy snack is ready in minutes. The whole-wheat English muffin is rich in complex carbohydrates, and low-fat cheese provides necessary protein. Both of these keep blood sugar levels balanced, which will deter triggers of ADHD.

Fresh-fruit smoothies
Packaged or store-bought smoothies contain sugar, and these aggravate ADHD with sudden spurts in energy levels and subsequently, sudden lowering of energy. This can make a person hungry as well as moody. The best option would be homemade smoothies made using fresh fruits. Although fruits contain natural sugar, this is balanced out by the presence of fiber, folate, vitamin B, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. Moreover, adding yogurt to the smoothies adds some necessary probiotic kick to the snack.

Peanut butter jelly sandwich
Most people love peanut butter jelly sandwiches as snacks. These are not only healthy, but also are great at satiating hunger cravings. This classic snack loads up on complex carbohydrates and fiber with whole-grain bread. Ensure to pick bread made from whole wheat, broken wheat, rye, or oatmeal. The peanut butter provides protein and magnesium with low glycemic levels to manage blood sugar levels. This ensures that one keeps on going through the day with consistent energy levels.