It has now been over a year since we've changed how we are eating for the sake of our youngest son. Once a week (or so), I'll try to share a tip based on what we've learned. Plus feel free to research on your own and make the best eating decisions you can for your family based on what you find. Consider these posts a springboard! We have a lot more tweaking to do here, and the more we learn, the more we realize there is much left to be learned.
It seems like if you have been raised in America, eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast is almost as American as apple pie. After a childhood of watching cereal adds, I do remember that the manufacturers often said to eat their product as "part of this complete breakfast" which usually added toast, juice, and milk. Still, cereal topped with milk and a glass of juice alone has been my breakfast of choice for many, many years.
As I read about the connections between ADHD and food, I was shocked to learn the "cereal for breakfast" mentality was exactly opposite of what kids really need for a good breakfast. Not only is most cereal so processed that it is stripped of essential nutrients (which are then added back as "fortified vitamins and minerals"), it does not provide the fuel needed for a well-functioning brain. To add insult to injury, most breakfast cereals have added flavors, colors, and preservatives. Granted, something for breakfast is certainly better than nothing, but research has shown that starting the day with protein (coupled with carbohydrates) gives the body and brain the best start for the day, especially for kids with ADHD or attention challenges.
For some reason, many ADHD children seem to survive on a diet rich in carbs while avoiding protein. This can cause dips in blood sugar which by itself mimics ADHD symptoms. In our early days of Feingold, Josiah seemed to require an almost constant intake of protein to keep his behavior regulated. Since he ate very little meat, he was probably not getting enough in his daily intake. Meat is still not his favorite food, but he will eat some along with dairy products, nuts, and nut butters. He seems to get hungry less than he used to, and his behavior is more stable.*
My kids have never liked cereal very much, although it does still find its way to our table in the mornings. The best choices include homemade oatmeal, homemade granola, and multi-grain cereals. Now we have added protein-rich foods like eggs, waffles with peanut butter, leftover meat, potatoes, cheese, and yogurt to breakfast table. These have become the main course, and cereal is more like a side dish.
An added bonus of a protein-rich breakfast: kids stay full longer. That's very helpful on a school day when lunch can be hours away. Most American children get plenty of protein in their diets. To keep things balanced, don't forget to serve some at breakfast.
*I don't completely understand the connection yet, but it seems that food sensitivities can also affect blood sugar in some people. Josiah has numerous food sensitivities, and now that we have uncovered them, his constant need for protein has leveled out considerably.
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