Here are ten quick tips to help your child develop a healthy, well balanced brain.
TIP #1. Check your child’s sense of smell. Children are picky eaters in general, children with disorders like ADHD and Autism are extremely picky eaters. The reason for this is often they have a very poor or even completely absent sense of smell. You can test this at home.
TIP #2. Go for the grains. Breads, cereal, rice, and pasta are good grain choices that kids can enjoy.
TIP #3. Use only good fats. Fat is a requirement for growth. However, the brain only needs small amounts of fat. Opt for healthy monounsaturated fats like olive, avocado, and nut oils.
TIP #4. Think more vegetables, less meat. Kids love eating on plates that have separate compartments for meat, vegetables and dessert. The way to properly fill a plate is to put the vegetables where the meat is supposed to be.
TIP #5. Think outside the meat counter. Protein is important and lean meats should be a part of your child’s overall diet. However, keep in mind that protein comes in other forms as well, such as eggs, beans, and nuts.
TIP #6. Be dairy sensible. Kids generally love milk and dairy products but dairy foods are filling and when children eat too much dairy, they fill up and don’t get enough of other important nutrients. Limit dairy to 2 or 3 servings a day.
TIP #7. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Even if your child is overweight the child’s brain may be sensitive to these chemicals.
TIP #8. Check for food sensitivities. Many children have hidden food sensitivities. Learn how to do an elimination diet and food challenge to see if your child has these types of sensitivities.
TIP #9. Limit sports drinks. Children do not need sports drinks even when competing in most sports. They only need water. Studies show that some children get as many as 1000 calories a day from these drinks alone.
TIP #10. Brain Balance. Most behavioral, learning and dietary issues are a direct result of a functional neurological imbalance in the brain. Certain directed mental and physical exercises can improve or eliminate this imbalance.
To learn more, buy Dr. Melillo’s book Disconnected Kids (now in paperback from Berkley books) or go to brainbalancecenters.com.
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