Smoothies and Shakes for ADHD / ADD
There are quite a few articles on the internet about nutrition and diets for kids with ADHD or ADD (attention deficit). I have found them to be informative but a little general in nature. In this article I am going to go over some specific recipes and meals that in my opinion will help kids with attention deficit and/or a hyperactivity problem. The recipes and meals that I outline below are meant to provide nutrition for a growing kid while at the same time reducing ingredients that can make ADHD worse and increasing ingredients that can make ADHD better. This particular article is going to focus on “smoothies and shakes”. We have other articles for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The goal of these meal plans and recipes is not weight loss so they can still taste good and filling. In fact, if your child is on medication you are going to need to feed them meals that will keep their weight up not down. This fact makes meal planning a lot easier than if you are also trying to lose weight.
Shakes and Smoothies
Shakes and smoothies are a great way to blend together a variety of great ingredients into one healthy drink. Here are some sample recipes.
Fruit Smoothie #1
- 4 ounces of whole or 2% milk
- 4 ounces of frozen yogurt
- 3-4 tablespoons protein powder
- 1/2 cup bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or peach slices. Fresh is best but frozen is fine also.
- Ice
Mix these ingredients in a blender, add ice and blend until smooth. Serve with whole grain toast and sausage patty if desired.
Mocha Latte Protein Shake #1
- Cup of Coffee
- Cup of Milk
- 1 tablespoon protein powder
- Pack of Splenda
- Cocoa Powder
- Ice
Pour the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. This protein shake tastes good and can helpful in improving focus and concentration. Since 100 milligrams of caffeine is about the same as a 5 milligram dose of ritalin this drink often makes a good substitute. You can vary the ingredients a little to your childs taste.
Keep in mind that some people have issues with caffeine, however, for most people this recipe is helpful and boosts focus for an hour or two. Use your own discretion. The protein helps to fuel the body and brain. Try a shake or two and if they work have one at breakfast and maybe at lunch. Leave plenty of time to let the caffeine get out of the childs system before bed.
Fruit Smoothie #2
- 4 ounces of whole milk
- 4 ounces of vanilla frozen yogurt
- 1 tablespoon flax seed oil
- 3-4 tablespoons protein powder
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit
- Ice
Mix these ingredients in a blender, add ice and blend until smooth. Flax seed oil is felt to be beneficial in treating ADHD.
Brain Boost Omega 3 Smoothie
2 cups Ice Cold Pineapple Juice
2 Tablespoons Flax Oil
2 Tablespoons Protein Powder
4 Tablespoons Plain or Vanilla Yogurt
2 Cups Frozen Strawberries
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree to a smooth consistency. Add ice cubes as desired to put the “frozen” in this frozen yogurt smoothie. Enjoy!
Tropical Strawberry Smoothie
- 1/2 Cup Pineapple
- 1/2 Cup Peaches
- 1/2 Cup Strawberries
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Yogurt
- 1 Teaspoon Flaxseed Oil
- Ice
Blend ingredients together unil smooth.