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When attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) teens are left to eat on their own terms, they often don’t figure out what makes up a healthy ADD/ADHD diet. They may spend lunch period talking with friends or forget to come home at dinnertime. And when they do sit down at the table, they don’t stay there for long. What’s more, ADD/ADHD medication cause appetite loss, and without internal cues to eat, she will forget to do so -- not a good thing, considering the fact that ADDers tend to burn more calories than their non-hyperactive counterparts.
So what are some good eating plans or diets for ADD/ADHD teens to follow? Here are some ideas that may help you:
Bend the Traditional "Healthy Diet" Rules
Fajitas for breakfast? Cereal for dinner? Why not? ADD/ADHD teens need to eat food that’s interesting to them at the moment. If your teen takes medication, he will want an after-school snack and a before-bed snack. Forget the bromide about “spoiling their supper.” Get food into them when the opportunity arises.
This article appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of ADDitude. SUBSCRIBE TODAY to ensure you don't miss a single issue.
