FOOD FOR THOUGHT: HOW TO USE A BALANCED DIET TO INCREASE YOUR FOCUS EVEN WITH ALLERGIES
Like everyone, I love food. After doing some research about ADHD, I learned about how food can have an effect on your focus. However, I am allergic to a lot of foods (soy, tree nuts, peanuts, chocolate, cantaloupe, + more). Many of the foods listed under "beneficial foods for ADHD" I am unable to eat. I wanted to use this blog post to talk about the benefits of a healthy nutritional diet for ADHD and good snacks for your focus.
BASICS:
I am no scientist. However, this doesn't mean I don't know how certain foods effect my mind for the day. Whenever I eat sugar food in the morning, I feel more distracted and overall not great the rest of the day. Because of this, I like to refrain from sugar until at least after lunch. If I am really craving sugar in the morning, I opt for strawberries, other berries, and sometimes a smoothie instead. Also, I have noticed that when I take a study break to get a snack, I feel more focused when I return. Research has shown that foods high in fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and etc. I have included some good articles as sources and specifics here: https://www.additudemag.chttps://www.additudemag.com/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/om/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-diets
https://chadd.org/about-adhd/nutrition-and-adhd/
https://drhallowell.com/2020/07/20/feeding-your-adhd-brain-literally/
SOY AND NUT FREE (AND MY OTHER ALLERGENS FREE) SNACKS/MEALS FOR OPTIMAL FOCUS:
I love granola and including them in my smoothie/acai bowls. It is such a good healthy snack or meal that is so good for your brain. I eat granola bars or smoothie bowls either for breakfast, lunch, a midday snack, or as a desert. Nut free and soy free granola, more granola :) (these are affiliate links)
Eating protein especially in the morning has also been shown to increase focus and cognitive functioning. This can be done through having a bagel with salmon or tuna for breakfast. I want to start doing this more often. Salmon and tuna also contain lots of fatty omega 3 acids.
Other snack ideas: dried strawberries, hummus, and salted popcorn